Terminalia Arjuna | Health Benefits of Terminalia Arjuna

Heart Health

Terminalia Background and Benefits

Terminalia is a genus of tropical trees in the Combretaceae family that comprises about 100 species. Its name comes from the Latin word “terminus,” meaning “end,” referring to the fact that the trees in Terminalia have leaves at the end of their shoots. Terminalia arjuna is a member of Terminalia that’s commonly known as the arjun tree or just arjuna. It also has many other common names in India, where it originates.

Terminalia is an evergreen tree that can grow to a height of 85 feet. It has a wide spreading crown and a buttressed trunk with smooth bark. The pale, yellow flowers bloom in the spring, and the fruits grow to a length of more than one inch in the fall. The leaves are a food source for moths that produce commercially important silk.

Terminalis has been used in the Ayurveda system of traditional medicine since the 7th century. All parts of the plant are used, usually as a milk decoction. Practitioners of Ayurveda typically use Terminalis for bleeding and cardiovascular ailments.

Arjunolic acid is one of the most significant biologically active compounds in Terminalis extract. Additional compounds specific to Terminalis include arjunaphthanoloside, arjunetin and arjunetoside. Terminalis extract also contains various flavones, oligomeric proanthocyanidins, tannins and triterpene glycosides. Many of these compounds exhibit strong antioxidant activity.

Uses of Terminalia

Modern uses of Terminalia typically relate to the cardiovascular system. Additional benefits are the result of its antioxidant properties.

Heart health support

Some studies show that oral Terminalia supplements may support normal heart functioning. The regimens in these studies had a duration of at least two weeks.

Relieve chest discomfort

Some research indicates that Terminalis extract taken orally can help to manage chest discomfort. The subjects in this study involved patients who suffered heart attacks.

Clotting management

Terminalis extract may decrease platelet activation, meaning that it helps support the body’s ability to manage the risk of blood clots.

Antioxidant support

Extract from Terminalis bark exhibits significant antioxidant activity compared to vitamin E, according to one study. This study also found that this extract can help to maintain a healthy cholesterol profile.

Signs You May Need Terminalia

Cardiovascular conditions are the most common reasons for needing Terminalia. These conditions primarily include chest discomfort, especially when it is the result of a heart attack. You may also need Terminalia if you have an unhealthy blood pressure or cholesterol profile. Water retention may mean that you could benefit from Terminalia, especially when it’s caused by liver conditions. The antioxidant properties of Terminalia may help you if your skin shows signs of aging.