Arjuna: Exploring Therapeutic Potential of an Ancient Herb

Abstract

In the prehistoric past, the primary source of curative substances was herbal medicines. Among these therapeutic plants, Terminalia arjuna (TA) is well-known for its numerous health benefits, particularly those related to the cardiovascular system, heart failure, angina pectoris, liver health etc. Additionally, it has anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, lipid-lowering, anticoagulant, antihypertensive, antiviral, antithrombotic, antifungal and antibacterial and wound-healing potential. The aforementioned therapeutic effects are attributed to a variety of phytochemicals found in them, including flavonoids, polyphenols, triterpenoids, tannins, glycosides, and various minerals and proteins. Its therapeutic effects on patients with heart failure, endothelial dysfunction, chronic stable angina, and even ischemic mitral regurgitation have also been documented in a number of clinical investigations. Nevertheless, before its usage by modern medicine is deemed acceptable, there are some identified lacunae, such as standardization of the herb, toxicity studies along with pharmacological interactions with other medications and big multicentre randomized clinical trials. Standardization is a very important parameter that helps maintain high-quality herbal products by establishing criteria for identity, purity, and potency. The current review gives a brief understanding about various analytical techniques used for standardization of Arjuna. This comprehensive analysis also includes a detailed discussion of its ethnomedical, botanical compounds, pharmacognostical, pharmacological, pre-clinical, and clinical significance to various illnesses.