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Synonym: Arjun bark, Arjun
Biological source: Arjuna consists of dried stem bark of the plant known as Terminalia arjuna
Family: Combretaceae
Geographical source: The tree is common in Indian peninsula. It is grown by the side of streams and very common in Chotta-Nagpur region.
Macroscopic characters:
Colour: Colour of the outer side, as well as, inner side of bark is identical and is greyish-brown.
Taste: Astringent
Odour : None
Size: The pieces of various-sizes, about 15 x 10 x l cm.
Shape: Flats
Chemical constituents:
Arjuna contains about
15% of tannins (hydrolysable).
Triterpenoid saponin,
Arjunolic acid,
Arjunic acid,
Arjunogenin.
β - sitosterol, ellagic acid.
The crystallisable compounds reported are arjunine and arjunetine.
Arjunetin, arjunolone and arjunone are the flavonoids reported in arjuna bark.
Calcium, aluminium and magnesium salts, along with colouring matter and sugar are the other constituents of arjuna.
Uses:
Arjuna bark is used as a cardiotonic.
Styptic, febrifugel and antidysenteric. The diuretic activity is due to arjunolic acid.
It possesses diuretic and tonic properties.
Hypotensive action with vasodilation and decreased heart rate.
Arjuna bark is used extensively in the tanneries and also as a timber.
Chemical test : Etherial extract of arjuna shows pinkish fluorescence under ultra-violet light.
References:
1. Trease D. & Evans W.C.: Text Book of Pharmacognosy: W.B. Saunders.
2. Tyler V. E. Brady L. R. & Robbers J. E.: Pharmacognosy; Lea Feibger, USA.
3. Wallis T. E.; Text Book of Pharmacognosy; CBS Publishers, Delhi.
4. Kokate C. K., Purohit A. P. & Gokhale S. B.: Pharmacognosy; Nirali Publications, Pune.
5. Harbone J. B.: Phytochemical Methods: A guide to modern techniques Analysis: Chapman & Hall, London.
6. Bruneton J.: Pharmacognosy, Phytochemistry, Medicinal Plants: Intercept Limited.
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