Arjuna: The Ultimate Ayurvedic Protector of Heart Health, Circulation & Cardiovascular Power

Ancient wisdom for a stronger, healthier heart and overall vitality

Arjuna is explained in Ayurveda under the name of ‘Udarda Prashamana Dravya’.  But incorporating the latest research developments and intelligence of Vaidyas along with the knowledge acquired from the Nighatus, now Arjuna is being used over all ‘herbs’ in supporting the overall health of individuals with special reference to Hridroga (heart conditions). Arjuna has been described as manifesting an effective Balya-prominent Rasayanan dravya, which has the possibility of enhancing the rejuvenation action. 

Arjuna, from an integrative standpoint, has been traditionally used for its support of optimal cardiac function, maintenance of physiological blood pressure, improvement of lipid metabolism, and promotion of systemic circulation. It has gained prominence in the present era of stress, lack of exercise, metabolic syndrome, and the rising prevalence of ischaemic heart disease.

Today, standardized preparations of Arjuna bark extracts, containing triterpenoids, flavonoids, tannins, and glycosides, are made in capsule formulation to deliver standardized, therapeutic, and cardinal protection against the heart. Such a modern formulation of Arjuna allows accurate dosages and enhanced compliance and retains its traditional role of providing sustenance to the heart, just like in the Ayurvedic system of medicine. Here, Arjuna effortlessly amalgamates tradition and modern science related to the heart.

What is Arjuna (Terminalia arjuna)?

हृद्यं अर्जुनं बल्यं कषायं रक्तपित्तनुत् ।

“Arjuna is described as a supreme heart tonic, strengthening cardiac muscles, nourishing blood vessels, and stabilizing circulation.”

Arjuna or Terminalia arjuna, is a large evergreen tree of the Ayurveda medical system and is also reported to be one of the strongest “Hridya” or “cardio-protective” herbs. Its bark is commonly found throughout India and is rich in various bioactive compounds like triterpenoids, flavonoids, tannins, and glycosides that help in promoting cardiac muscle strength, protecting and conserving blood vessels, decreasing oxidative stress, and regulating healthy circulation.

If we look into the current lifestyle, characterized by chronic stress, lack of exercise, imbalanced metabolism, and increased cardio risks, Arjuna has found a new niche in the management of heart endurance, cardiovascular integrity, and the maintenance of balanced metabolism. Arjuna thus plays a crucial part in the structural and functional management of the heart for the restoration of cardio harmony.

Ayurvedic Identity

• Sanskrit Names: Arjuna, Kakubha, Veeravriksha, Nadisarja

• Botanical Name: Terminalia arjuna

• Family: Combretaceae

• Part Used: Bark

• Karma: Hridya (strengthens and nourishes the heart), Balya (improves strength and endurance), Raktapittahara (controls bleeding disorders), Shothahara (reduces inflammation and oedema), Medohara (helps manage lipid imbalance), Vranaropaka (supports tissue healing).

Ayurvedic Properties

Classical References of Arjuna

Shaloka Reference:

ककुभः शीतलो हृदयः क्षतक्षयविषास्रजित् । मेदोमेह व्रणान हन्ति तुवरः कफपित्तहत् ।।

Translation: Arjuna is Hridya (good for the heart) and indicated in Kshata (damaged tissues of any kind in the body), Visha (toxins found in the body because of junk food, pollution, etc.), Asrajita (stops bleeders inside), Medomeha (diabetes associated with obesity), and Vrana (wound healing).¹

Shaloka Reference:

केशराजो अर्जुनक्षारः प्रातः पीतश्च मस्तुना । निहन्ति साममत्यर्थमचिरात् ग्रहणीरुजम् ।।

Translation: Arjuna Kshaar, alongwith Dadhi mastu (supernatant water of curd), if given in conditions like chronic Grahani Roga (IBS, IBD, ulcerative colitis, etc. related to pain), these all issues can also cure all these issues.²

Shaloka Reference:

अर्जुनस्तु कषायोष्णः कफघ्नो व्रण नाशनः । पित्तश्रमतृषार्तिघनो मारुतामयकोपनः ।।

Translation: Arjuna has properties of healing wounds, Dyspnoea related to thirst, or Pittaj disorders related to burning, pain & Vataj disorders.³

Top Benefits of Arjuna 

Supreme Hridya Herb for Heart Strength and Heart Muscles Care

Arjuna is believed to be the best example of the Hridya Rasayana among all the herbs used in Ayurvedic medicine. Its Kashaya rasa and Sheeta veerya properties can improve the strength of the cardiac muscles, increase cardiac resilience, and enable proficient cardiac contractions. Unlike other cardiac tonics, which work with the principle of stimulation, Arjuna has the property to nourish and stabilize the cardiac tissues. It has long been used to treat conditions like Hridroga, cardiac palpitations, cardiac discomfort, or weakness following an illness.

Natural Support for Healthy Blood Pressure & Vascular Tone

Arjuna has a role in maintaining physiological blood pressure through improved arterial stiffness and reduced inflammation of vessels. It alleviates aggravated Pitta and Kapha in the vessels, thus preventing excess pressure on blood vessels. Its continuous use has been helpful in both borderline and stress-induced cases of hypertension.

Lipid Management & Prevention of Atherosclerosis

According to Ayurveda, Medodushti is linked with the blockage of the channels of the heart. Medohara Property of Arjuna is beneficial in maintaining the balance of lipid metabolism in the body, increasing the clearance of surplus cholesterol, and thus preventing the deposition of fat in the blood vessels.

Relieves Edema & Increases Circulation for Swelling Associated with Heart Conditions

Arjuna is conventionally used to treat conditions like Shotha, which is linked to insufficiency of the heart and circulatory system. It is known to increase the return of blood, increase the strength of the capillary walls, and prevent the accumulation of fluids. It acts best on conditions like swelling of the legs, heaviness, and weakness caused by weak circulation or the heart.

Increases Cardiovascular Efficiency, Endurance & Performance

Being a Balya and Rasayana drug, it is used to increase physical strength and help recover quickly from heart stress, disease, or surgery. This herb increases oxygenation and lessens exhaustion due to exertion, making it ideal for seniors and athletes who may be experiencing decreased strength due to heart exertion.

Protects Heart from Inflammation & Oxidative Damage Due to Stress

The antioxidant properties and the effect of Shothahara in Arjuna prevent the myocardial cell injury induced by oxidation. Therefore, Arjuna works well for people who are under psychological or emotional stress and for the challenges posed by the modern lifestyle on the cardiovascular system.

Scientific studies on Arjuna

Modern scientific studies available today confirm and validate the traditional Ayurvedic classification of Arjuna as an exceptionally effective cardioprotective and tissue-protective herb.

Cardioprotective and Myocardial-Strengthening Action

Scientifically conducted research proves that Arjuna increases cardiovascular function by helping to strengthen cardiac tissue, increasing cardiac output, and correcting exercise tolerance. It is known to effectively help in the contraction and relaxation of cardiac muscular tissues and alleviate ischaemic stress. This proves its traditionally recognized application in Hridroga, cardiac distress, palpitations, and cardiac weakness to classify Arjuna as a natural cardiac tonic for lifelong cardiac strength and functionality.

Antioxidant and Anti-Inflammatory Action

Arjuna shows significant antioxidant properties by boosting inherent protective mechanisms such as glutathione, catalase, and superoxide dismutase. It decreases oxidative stress and protects the cardiac and vascular systems from oxidative damage by free radicals. It also normalizes pro-inflammatory mediators and helps decrease low-grade chronic inflammation of variables that contribute to metabolic and cardio-related ailments. This reconfirms its Shothahara and Raktaprasadaka properties.

Lipid-Lowering and Anti-Atherosclerotic Activity

Studies have found that Arjuna is useful for the proper regulation of lipid metabolism by lowering total cholesterol level, LDL, and triglycerides and improving the function of HDL. It also inhibits the oxidative modification of lipids and thereby the development of plaques within the blood vessels. This makes way for the use of Arjuna for the treatment of Medodushti-related cardiac conditions.

Enhancement of Vascular Function and Blood Pressure Regulation

Arjuna works as an endothelial synergist and is also useful for increasing the elasticity of blood vessels. This helps to maintain healthy blood pressure. The pharmacological action of Arjuna helps to regulate blood pressure without changing the electrolyte balance. Therefore, Arjuna’s use for stress-related and borderline hypertension is justified.

Anti-Platelet and Hemodynamic Support

Certain components of Arjuna have demonstrated inhibition of platelet aggregation and improvement of blood rheology. Arjuna, through its promotion of smooth blood circulation and inhibition of excessive clot formation, has been found to possess a rheumatic effect related to Hridya Rasayana, especially in maintaining haemodynamic stability.

Gut Inflammation (IBS and Ulcerative Colitis – Pre-clinical Data)

There are experimental findings suggesting anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects of Arjuna on the gastrointestinal mucosa. Arjuna extract has been found to decrease inflammatory injury, oxidative damage, and colonic mucosal damage induced by colitis in experimental models of colitis. Although there are no human studies available in the realm of IBS and ulcerative colitis, it seems to have some role in the management of inflammatory conditions of the gut, especially in those accompanied by systemic inflammatory and oxidative damage.

Systemic Rejuvenation and Stress Protection

In its role as an antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and strengthening of bodily tissues, Arjuna guards against stress-mediated injuries to essential organs of the body. Its role is to enhance cardiac resilience and vascular integrity, as well as metabolism and cell strength. Such actions continue to justify its status as a Rasayana herb.

How Arjuna Works: Interlocking the Mechanism

Ayurvedic Mechanism

• Strengthens and nourishes the heart (Hridya)

• Increases cardiac muscle strength and power (Balya)

• Pacifies Kapha and Pitta in the Circulatory Channels

• Reduces inflammation and edema of cardiac and vascular origin (Shothahara)

• Purifies the blood and improves circulation (Raktashodhaka)

• Removes obstruction in channels and ensures proper blood flow (Strotoshodhana)

• Improves nourishment for tissues and overall longevity (Rasayan)

Modern Biomedical Mechanism

• Enhances heart function and heart output

• Improves heart and blood vessel tissues due to reduced oxidative stress

• Regulating pro-inflammatory mediators that influence cardiovascular tissues

• Enhances endothelial performance and elasticity

• Supports healthy lipid metabolism and prevents plaque formation

• Improves utilization of oxygen and exercise endurance

• Assists in managing blood pressure and circulation rhythm

Note: These factors, when taken together, can collectively describe the comprehensive role of Arjuna in the prevention and treatment of heart conditions, thus making it one of the most accepted herbs in the prevention and treatment of heart conditions.

Who should take Arjuna?

• People with a weak heart who tire easily or lack stamina.

• Those with mild or stress-induced high blood pressure.

• People experiencing chest discomfort, heaviness, or palpitations.

• Individuals with high cholesterol or at risk of heart disease.

• People with poor blood circulation or cold hands and feet, or who experience leg heaviness.

• Persons recovering from illness, surgery, COVID, or a debilitating condition involving the heart.

• People with diabetes are prone to heart issues.

• Senior citizens looking to maintain their healthy hearts throughout their lifetime.

• Persons exposed to chronic stress, anxiety, and mental strain are impacted by their heartbeat.

• People with breathlessness on exertion or reduced exercise tolerance.

• Individuals who experience inflammation or strain of the heart because of lifestyle or illness.

• Persons engaging in physically strenuous activities or exercising extensively may require heart assistance.

• Individuals with an imbalance of Kapha-Pitta experience heaviness or congestion in the chest.

Safety and Precautions while using Arjuna

It is regarded as being safe and tolerable when administered in appropriate doses under competent supervision. It has been conventionally used for long-term support in cardiovascular diseases.

Dosage Recommendations

• Excessive or very high doses may cause gastric irritation or dryness due to its Kashaya properties.

• To be used after eating to prevent irritation of the stomach.

• Those who are already taking cardiac, anti-hypertensive, or lipid-reducing agents must take Arjuna with proper supervision to prevent an additive effect.

Pregnancy and Lactation

• Its use should be avoided in pregnancy unless indicated by a qualified physician.

• Pregnant and lactating women should take Arjuna under medical guidance.

Long-Term Use

• Generally safe for long-term and maintenance administration for appropriate dosages.

• High dosage and prolonged self-administration should be avoided.

• Regular clinical follow-ups can be recommended for people who have pre-existing cardiovascular conditions.

Note: When used discerningly, Arjuna can be a trusted, gentle, and safe herb to turn to for sustained cardiac care.

Yukti Herbs Arjuna Capsules 500mg Standardized Extract

Heart Strength • Healthy Circulation • Natural Cardiovascular Support

Yukti Herbs’ Arjuna Capsules come with a strength of 500 mg of standardized Terminalia arjuna extract in 100% vegetarian capsules. Terminalia arjuna is a revered Ayurvedic herb used as a highly effective Hridya Rasayana for supporting heart health by strengthening the heart muscles, maintaining proper blood circulation and optimal blood pressure and lipid levels in the blood. It also supports the heart to resist the effects of stress. The supplement is very helpful when consumed in the case of heart-related weakness, circulatory weakness, and when the heart is exposed to lifestyle-related risks. The supplement can be trusted for its purity and potency of herbal components.

References:

1. Bhav Prakash Nighantu, Vataadi Varga, Shaloka 27

2. Vang Sena, Grahani, Shaloka 189

3. Raja Nighantu, Prabhadraadi Varga, Shaloka 118

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