Arjuna, Terminalia

Terminalia arjuna

Physical Characteristics

Terminalia arjuna is an evergreen Tree growing to 30 m (98ft) by 20 m (65ft) at a fast rate. See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 10. Suitable for: light (sandy), medium (loamy) and heavy (clay) soils and prefers well-drained soil. Suitable pH: mildly acid and neutral soils and can grow in very acid soils. It cannot grow in the shade. It prefers dry or moist soil.

Distribution

E. Asia - India, Sri Lanka, Myanmar.

Habitats

Edible Uses

Edible Parts: Seed Edible Uses: Drink Gum Seed[301 ]. A decoction of the bark with milk is used as a beverage[301 ].

Medicinal Uses

Anticholesterolemic Cardiac Cardiotonic Hypotensive Tonic The bark of the tree contains a number of medically active ingredients, including tannins, flavonoids, sterols and triterpenoid saponins[254 ]. The bark is a cardiac tonic, lowers blood pressure and reduces blood cholesterol levels[254 ]. Arjuna is a herb where modern research has fully supported its traditional use for treating heart disease[254 ]. The bark is taken internally to treat a range of heart conditions and seems to work best when blood supply to the heart is poor, as in angina and ischaemic heart disease[254 ]. It is also of value in helping to maintain a steady heart beat[254 ]. The gum is used medicinally[303 ]. The juice of the bark is used as a tonic[272 ]. The juice from the leaves is used traditionally to treat earache[254 ].

Known Hazards

None known