Medicinal uses of Terminalia arjuna Roxb.: A Review

Alternative medicines are getting popularized these days because of various advantages like less or nil side effects and most of them have therapeutic values. Using of plants with medicinal values for various human ailments is a best method in alternative medicine. Among various medicinal plants Terminalia species are known for their potential uses. Bark of Terminalia arjuna contains triterpenoids, tannins, phenolic acids, glycosides, antioxidants, magnesium, copper and zinc salts. Presence of these compounds plays an important role in curing cardiac diseases, cancer treatment, urinary tract infections, lung diseases and edema. From ancient days, arjuna bark powder is used in Ayurveda as a cardio tonic, indigestion and bleeding disorders. Arjuna helps in maintaining the cholesterol level at the normal rate. In rural areas bark powder of arjuna is used for snake bite and scorpion sting. Leaf juice of arjuna is used to cure dysentery and ear ache. Regular therapy with Terminalia arjuna bark powder leads to significant regression endothelial abnormalities among smokers. Hence, in the present review paper an attempt has been made to consolidate medicinal properties of Terminalia species.