ARJUNA: Nature's Healer for the Heart

 

The human heart is not just a muscle quietly working inside our chest- it is a symbol of life. Biologically, it keeps us alive by beating continuously, pumping blood throughout the body and supporting our survival. But its importance goes beyond its physical role. For centuries, people have seen the heart as the centre of emotions and existence. It works tirelessly without stopping, showing great strength and adaptability, as it handles stress and keeps the body in balance.

Similar to other organs within the human body, the heart is susceptible to injury and disease and may require appropriate treatment and healing. Many plants have been reported to heal our heart and one such plant is Arjuna, often referred to as the "Guardian of the Heart”. Botanically known as Terminalia arjuna, it belongs to the Rangoon creeper family (Combretaceae). Arjuna benefits not just our heart but also takes care of respiratory and digestive systems of human body and is widely used in Ayurveda, Siddha and Unani medicine. Arjuna holds cultural and religious significance and is part of some rituals and traditions in different parts of India.

NAMES IN DIFFERENT LANGUAGES

English: Arjuna tree Hindi: Arjun, Kahua, Kahu Punjabi & Pahari: Arjun Sanskrit: Arjuna, Kakubha (Refers to strong structure), Dhavala, Dhanvi / Dhananjaya (Symbolizes strength), Veeravruksha, Veeravriksha (Heroic tree), Partha        (Linked to Arjuna), Nadisarja (found near riverbanks), Indradru, Phalguna, Dhoorta, Bhuruha, Shvetavahaa, Veerantaka, Pandava, Virarksha Assamese, Bengali, Oriya, Urdu: Arjun Gujarati: Arjun sadado Kannada: Arjuna mara, Hole mathi, Neer matti, Holedaasaala Malayalam: Neermaruthu, Adamboe, Poomaruthu, Manimaruthu, Chola, Venmaruthu Tamil: Marudha maram Marathi: Arjun sadada Telugu: Tella maddi Chhattisgarh, Jharkhand & Madhya Pradesh (tribal areas): Koha, Kahua, Kahu

 

DISTRIBUTION

Arjuna is native to India, Bangladesh, Myanmar, Pakistan and Sri Lanka. However, it has been introduced into China, Mauritius, Rodrigues, Trinidad-Tobago and Venezuela due to its widespread uses. It is often found growing along the riverbanks. 

MORPHOLOGY

Arjuna is a tall, evergreen to deciduous tree known for its distinctive pinkish grey outlook. Tree trunk can reach about 20-30 meters in height. Old trees develop a buttressed trunk and a dense, spreading crown. It has a strong and extensive root system, helping it anchors firmly in moist soils, especially along the riverbanks. Tree trunk is thick, smooth, and often buttressed at the base. The bark is pinkish to grey in colour, smooth, and flakes off in thin sheets. The inner bark is reddish. Leaves are simple, oblong or elliptic, and arranged oppositely or sub-oppositely. They are 6–15 cm long, thick, leathery, green on the upper surface and paler on the underside. They are often clustered at the ends of branches. Flowers are small, yellowish white, mildly fragrant and arranged in axillary spikes or short panicles. Flowering generally occurs from February to June in different parts of India. The fruit is oval to oblong, 4-5 cm long drupe and has 5 distinct longitudinal wings. It is woody and fibrous and turns brown at maturity. Each fruit contains a single seed. 

CHEMICAL CONSTITUENTS

The bark of Arjuna is rich in a variety of bioactive compounds responsible for its medicinal properties. It contains triterpenoids (arjunin, arjunic acid, arjunolic acid, arjungenin, terminic acid, ajung IV and V, arjunasides A-E), glycosides (arjunetin, arjunoside I, arjunoside II, arjunaphthanoloside), flavonoids (arjunolone, arjunone, baicalein, luteolin, gallic acid, ethyl gallate, pelargonidin, oligomeric proanthocyanidins), tannins (pyrocatechols, punicallin, punicalagin, terchebulin, terflavin C), saponins, phytosterols (β-sitosterol) and minerals. Leaves contain alkaloids, cardiac glycosides, flavonoids, tannins, phenols, terpenoids.

MEDICINAL USES

1.        Good for Cardiovascular Health

Arjuna bark is a well-established component of Ayurvedic formulations used in the management of cardiovascular disorders. Contemporary experimental and clinical research increasingly supports its role as an adjunctive therapy across a spectrum of cardiac conditions, including hypertension and congestive heart failure. Clinical evidence indicates that administration of Arjuna bark powder can significantly reduce the frequency of anginal episodes and enhance overall cardiac function in patients with angina pectoris and coronary artery disease. Some clinical studies have reported the efficacy of Arjuna bark in patients with ischemic heart disease, rheumatic heart disease, cardiomyopathy and congestive heart failure. Acharya Balkrishna has suggested using decoction of Arjuna bark in milk for regulating heart beat and blood pressure, for curing enlarged heart (cardiomegaly) and to alleviate angina pain.

2.        Antioxidant Properties

Arjuna bark extract has exhibited a potential free radical scavenging activity in many experimental studies. This activity can be attributed to the presence of pentacyclic triterpenoid saponin (arjunolic acid), phenolics and flavonoids in bark. Oleanane triterpene (Terminoside A) and naphthanol glycoside (arjunaphthanoloside) are also reported to inhibit nitric oxide (NO) production in lipopolysaccharide-stimulated macrophages, contributing to therapeutic potential of Arjuna in reducing oxidative stress. These phytochemicals are reported to prevent the depletion of antioxidant enzymes like superoxide dismutase, catalase, glutathione peroxidase (GPO), and α-tocopherol (Vitamin E). Arjunolic acid maintains glutathione and ascorbic acid levels in the cells, inhibiting lipid peroxidation.

3.        Anti-Inflammatory Effect

Inflammation is a biological response to stimuli interpreted by the body to have a potentially harmful effect. Sometimes, body’s own immune system starts attaching its own cells and tissues leading to inflammatory disorders (autoimmune disorders) such as rheumatoid arthritis, gout, psoriatic arthritis, lupus, inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), asthma, dermatitis, vasculitis, etc. Arjuna is reported to possess considerable anti-inflammatory effect, largely attributed to its diverse phytochemical composition including triterpenoids, flavonoids, tannins and glycosides. These bioactive compounds are believed to inhibit specific pathways involved in the inflammatory process. Scientific studies with animal models and carrageenan induced paw oedema show considerable anti-inflammatory activity of Arjuna bark. It also inhibits the production of nitric oxide in lipopolysaccharide stimulated macrophages, effectively reducing inflammatory responses.

 4.        Hypolipidemic Effects

Arjuna tree bark exhibits a significant hypocholesterolaemic (cholesterol-lowering) effects, reducing total cholesterol, LDL, and triglycerides and enhances HDL, thus supporting cardiovascular health. Arjunolic acid, tannins, and flavonoids (quercetin, luteolin) that exhibit antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, are reported to be helpful in reducing artery plaque buildup. It lowers the LDL/HDL and total cholesterol/HDL ratios, which are critical markers for cardiovascular risk reduction.

 5.        Antithrombotic Properties

Arjuna bark is reported to inhibit clot formation through different mechanisms.  It significantly inhibits platelet aggregation and thrombin activity in the coagulation cascade. Beyond preventing a clot from forming, it also assists in fibrinolysis (process of breaking down existing fibrin clots). Experimental research suggests that phytochemicals like Arjunolic acid interfere with the binding of signalling molecules to platelet receptors thus preventing clot formation.

 6.        Anti-Hypertensive Effect

Arjuna has demonstrated significant antihypertensive potential (blood pressure lowering effect), largely through its ability to improve cardiovascular health. Bark extract promotes relaxation of vascular smooth muscles, resulting in vasodilation and a consequent reduction in both systolic and diastolic blood pressure. Arjuna also helps to reduce oxidative stress and inflammation, key contributors to hypertension.

 7.        Respiratory Support

Arjuna possesses anti-inflammatory effects that help ease lung congestion. The plant’s bioactive phytochemicals block certain inflammatory pathways, making it beneficial for conditions like bronchitis and asthma. Traditional healers often use Arjuna bark to manage these respiratory issues, as its expectorant qualities assist in clearing mucus from the lungs and promote easier breathing.

Photograph courtesy: Dr. Vipan Guleria Ji

 8.        Anti-Microbial Properties

Arjuna bark extract in different solvents shows anti-bacterial activity against Staphylococcus aureus (Gram Positive), Proteus mirabilis, and Escherichia coli (Gram negative).

 9.        Anticancer Properties

Experimental studies on Arjuna have demonstrated its anti-carcinogenic effects, mediated through several mechanisms. Its bioactive constituents, particularly flavonoids and triterpenoids, exhibit significant antioxidant activity and play a crucial role in reducing oxidative stress, a primary factor in cancer initiation. Additionally, anti-inflammatory properties of its phytochemicals support its anticancer potential by suppressing the production of pro-inflammatory cytokines. Ahmad et al. have reported that ameliorative effect of Arjuna bark extract is through cell cycle regulation.

 10.   Wound Healing

Arjuna bark paste, long used in traditional wound care, shows notable healing effects in animal studies due to its high tannin content. Tannins reduce wound size and enhance tissue strength by boosting collagen turnover, speeding up skin repair. 

CULTURAL & SACRED SIGNIFICANCE

The Arjuna tree holds a revered position among the sacred trees of India. It is valued not only for its health benefits, but also for its deep sacred and spiritual significance. The leaves and flowers of Arjuna are frequently offered to Lord Vishnu and Lord Ganesha, underlining their importance in Hindu rituals. The bark of Arjuna is used in spiritual and healing practices in some parts of India. Burning its bark as incense is believed to purify the environment and enhance mental calmness. It is also considered beneficial for meditation, as it is thought to enhance focus and emotional stability.  It is believed that Arjuna tree represents strength, protection, and resilience in Hinduism and is regarded as being blessed by divine forces. Arjuna is often planted near temples, where it is believed to foster peace and attract positive energy. According to Vastu Shastra, the Arjuna tree promotes harmony, positivity and prosperity when planted near homes. 

TOXICITY

Arjuna bark is widely used in traditional medicine since ages. It has a good safety profile at therapeutic doses. Experimental and clinical data indicate low toxicity under normal use conditions. Animal toxicological studies show no mortality or major toxicity even at high doses (≈2000 mg/kg). However, persons on other medications should consult their physicians before using Arjuna bark as it may interact with some drugs. Reported mild side effects include nausea, gastritis, headaches, body aches, constipation, and insomnia.

 

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INDIAN BORAGE: A Culinary Herb for Health & Healing

Culinary herbs are essential part of cooking traditions across the world for thousands of years. From modest home kitchens to professional restaurants, they play a vital role in transforming ordinary foods into delicious and memorable dishes. Beyond taste, these herbs also offer nutritional and medicinal benefits to humans. A substantial proportion of the world’s population depends on traditional medicine for primary healthcare even today. Among the many culinary medicinal plants used across different cultures, Indian borage holds a special place due to its aromatic nature and therapeutic properties. Botanically known as Coleus amboinicus (Syn. Plectranthus amboinicus), it belongs to the Mint family (Lamiaceae). Indian borage has a unique flavour profile, combining the sweetness of oregano and the sharpness of mint. This perennial aromatic herb is commonly grown in home gardens throughout the warmer parts of the world and is widely used in culinary practices and traditional medicine systems such as Ayurveda, Siddha, and folk medicine. 

NAMES IN DIFFERENT LANGUAGES

English: Indian borage, Cuban Oregano, Country borage, Indian mint, Mexican mint, Mexican oregano, Spanish thyme, French thyme, Broad leaf thyme, Soup mint Hindi: Patharchur, Patta ajwain, Ajwain patta Sanskrit: Karpuravalli, Sugandhavalakam, Parnayavani Bengali: Amalkuchi Gujrati:  Ovapan Marathi: Pathurchur Tamil: Karpuravalli Telugu: Sugandhavalkam, Karpoora valli, karuvaeru, vamu aaku Malayalam: Panikkurkka, Kannikkurkka, Chempalaka, Njavara, Panikoorka, Kanjikoorka Kannada: Karpuravalli, Dodda pathre, Dodda pathre soppu, Hittaleeka, Hittulike

 

ORIGIN AND DISTRIBUTION

Indian borage is native to Angola, Burundi, India, Kenya, Mozambique, Tanzania, and Yemen. Through cultivation and trade, it spread to tropical and subtropical regions around the world. In India, it is commonly cultivated in kitchen gardens for medicinal and culinary purposes in southern states.

MORPHOLOGICAL CHARACTERISTICS

Indian borage is a perennial, succulent, aromatic herb that typically grows to a height of up to 50 cm (or sometimes more in most suitable conditions). The plant has thick, fleshy hairy, and branched stems. The leaves are thick, succulent, broad, and oval. They are strongly aromatic and are covered with delicate hairs. The flowers are small, tubular, and pale purple in colour. The flowers are arranged in clusters and usually appear during spring and summer. 

PROPAGATION & CULTIVATION

Indian borage grows well in tropical and subtropical climates and requires minimal care. It is propagated through stem cuttings, which root easily in moist soil. Due to its fast growth and minimal maintenance, it is an ideal herb for home gardens and pots. It requires well‑drained and fertile soil and partial sunlight to full sun for its optimal growth.

 

PHYTOCHEMICAL COMPOSITION

Indian borage owes its medicinal benefits to the abundance of phytochemicals it contains. Scientific studies have identified several bioactive compounds, including: thymol (antimicrobial, antiseptic), carvacrol (antifungal, antibacterial), α-humulene, undecanal, γ-terpinene, p-cymene, caryophyllene, 1,8-cineole, eugenol (anti‑inflammatory, analgesic), α-terpineol, α-pinene, β-pinene, β-selinene, flavonoids (antioxidant), tannins (astringent, wound healing), and phenolic compounds (antioxidant, anti‑inflammatory) in its leaves.

 

CULINARY USES

Indian borage or Ajwain patta is frequently used as a culinary herb across the world over due to its oregano‑like aroma that makes it a popular seasoning herb for various dishes. The leaves are used to enhance the flavour and aid digestion in soups, curries, pakoras, tea, chutneys, and other traditional dishes. 

MEDICINAL USES

1.       1. Useful in Respiratory Disorders

Leaf juice of Indian borage mixed with honey or warm water is commonly used to treat cough, cold, asthma and bronchitis.

2.      2.  Useful in Digestive Disorders

The leaves of Indian borage are used to relieve indigestion, abdominal pain, and constipation.

3.       3. A Remedy for Fever

A decoction of the leaves is considered useful in fever.

4.      4.  Helps in Fighting Infections

Leaf extract of Indian borage is helpful in fighting various infections as thymol carvacrol present in its leaves have strong antimicrobial activity against bacteria and fungi, supporting its traditional use in treating infections.

5.       5. Anti‑inflammatory Activity

Indian borage reduces inflammations by inhibiting inflammatory mediators, making it useful in pain and swelling management.

6.      6.  Antioxidant Activity

Indian borage contains polyphenols that help protect cells from oxidative damage by neutralizing free radicals.

7.       7. Useful in Skin Diseases and Wound Healing

Leaf paste of Indian borage is commonly applied externally to treat skin infections and insect bites and to heal the wounds and burns. The anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties of its phytoconstituents are responsible for this activity. 

CONCLUSION

Indian borage stands out as a true “kitchen garden pharmacy”- a fragrant, easy-to-grow culinary herb that enriches food with an oregano-like aroma while also supporting health. Its broad cultural presence, and simple propagation make it accessible for home cultivation, especially in warm climates. Rich in bioactive phytochemicals such as thymol, carvacrol, eugenol, flavonoids, tannins, and phenolics, Indian borage offers a scientific basis for its use as remedy for respiratory complaints, digestive discomfort, fever, infections, inflammation, skin problems and as an antimicrobial, anti‑inflammatory, and antioxidant plant. With growing interest in food-as-medicine, Indian borage deserves continued awareness and responsible use, alongside further research to validate and standardize its therapeutic potential.

 

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Karkata: A Saviour of Life

 

Life on Earth is intricately connected with plants, our selfless green companions in this world. They are the silent guardians of life of humans and thousands of other species. Every breath we take in, the foods we eat and the traditional medicines we need to stay healthy are a reminder of our dependence on green life, that produces oxygen for the survival of all life in this world, accumulate biomass to feed humans and other animals and synthesise secondary metabolites to heal. One such saviour plant is Karkatshringi, an important traditional medicine for cough, asthma, diarrhoea and fever. Botanically known as Pistacia chinensis subsp. integerrima (J.L. Stewart) Rech.f. (synonym: Pistacia integerrima J.L. Stewart ex Brandis), it belongs to the Cashew family (Anacardiaceae). Leaves of this plant are frequently infested by some aphid species and gets transformed into horn-like galls known as Karkatshringi. These galls find their use in traditional herbal medicine in India and China. 

 

NAMES IN DIFFERENT LANGUAGES

English: Zebrawood plant, Crab’s claw tree Ayurvedic:  Karkata, Karkatashringi, Karkatashringikaa, Karkataakhya, Kulirashringaaya, Kuliravishaanikaa, Vishaani Bengali: Kankihasringi, Kakrashingi, Kandashringi, and Kakra Hindi: Kakkar, Kakra, Kakadshingi, Kakra-singi, Kareran, Kakare, Kakarongi Sanskrit: Karkata, Chakra, Chakrangi, Chandraspada, Ghosha, Karkataka, Karkataki, Kakah shringah, Karhatahvaya Punjabi: Kakar, Tanbari, Kakala, Karkarshingi, Shne, Gurgu, Kakkeran, Tungu, Kakkrangehe Pahari: Kakkar, Kakkad, Kakkre, Kakkde, Kakdaya, Kakru Assam: Kakiasrngi Gujarati: Kakadasingi, Kakarshingi, Kakra Kannada: Chakrangi, Kaakada shringi, Karkaataka shringi Kashmiri: Kamaladina Malayalam: Kaarakkaadusharam, Naattinuruv, Karkktakasingi, Karkatasringi Marathi: Kakarsingi, Kaakad shingee, Kakra, Kaakada, Karkadasringi Oriya: Kakadashringi, Kakadashrungi Siddha:   Karkatagasingi Tamil: Kakkatashingi, Karkata, Karukkāṭcirangi Telugu: Kakara shingi, Kakarasimga, Kakatakashrungi Unani   Kaakraasingi, Kakar Urdu: Kakra, Kakrasinghi, Mastagi desi

 

 DISTRBUTION

India (Himachal Pradesh, J&K, Uttrakhand), Afghanistan, Myanmar, Nepal, Pakistan up to 2400m.

 

MORPHOLOGY

Karkata is a medium-sized dioecious and deciduous tree growing up to 17 m tall. Bark is rough and grey. Leaves are imparipinnately compound, 15-25 cm long. Leaflets are opposite or subopposite, subsessile, 7-9 in number, 9-12 x 2-3 cm, lanceolate, acuminate and glabrous. Unisexual flowers, which appear during March-May, are arranged in panicles in both male and female plants. Male panicles are shorter and drooping, while the females are longer and erect. Flowers are bracteate, bracts lanceolate with pubescent apex. Each male flower has 4 sepals and 5 reddish stamens. Female flowers have 4 sepals and 3-parted styles having recurved stigmas. Fruit is a drupe; 5-6 mm broad, smooth and greyish brown in colour. Galls, which develop from leafstalks after infestation by aphids, are variously shaped and horn-like and give it its name ‘shringi’ which translates into horn.  

PHYTOCHEMICAL CONSTITUENTS

Karkata contains a large number of phytochemicals in its different parts. Galls are the main part used as medicine. It is reported to contain triterpenes (Pistagremic acid), essential oils (α-pinene, terpinene-4-ol, β-pinene, Δ3-carene, limonene, γ-terpinene, α-terpineol), flavonoids (naringenin), flavonoid glycosides (Pistacides A and B), alkaloids, fatty acids, phenolic compounds, phytosterols, saponins, tannins and oligosaccharides (acylated oligosaccharides integrisides A and B). Pistagremic acid is a major bioactive biomolecule attributed to most of the medicinal properties of Karkatashringi.

 

MEDICINAL USES

1.     Remedy for Respiratory Problems

Karkatashringi is considered one of the best remedies for curing respiratory problems such as cough, dyspnea and asthma. It is reported to be an excellent expectorant that helps in clearance of mucus from the lungs. Some reports also consider Karkatashringi effective in the treatment of tuberculosis.

 2.     Anti-Inflammatory Activity

Karkatashringi is valued for its anti-inflammatory properties. It is quite beneficial in managing inflammatory conditions such as arthritis and joint pain.

 3.     Antioxidant activity

Karkata leaf galls are reported to have antioxidant activity and thus stabilise the cell membrane low-density lipoprotein (LDL).  Its antioxidant activity can be attributed to the presence of higher total phenolics and flavonoid content in leaf galls.

 4.     Anti-Bacterial Activity

Anti-bacterial activity of Karkatashringi has been reported against many strains of pathogenic bacteria in many experimental studies.

 5.     Antifungal Activity

Karkatashringi extract has exhibited effective antifungal activity in many experimental studies against Aspergillus flavus, Candida albicans, Candida glabrata, Fusarium solani, Microsporum canis and Trichoderma longibrachiatum. This activity is attributed to the presence of flavonoids in this plant.

 6.     Hepatoprotective Activity

The fruit extract of Karkata has been reported to possess hepatoprotective activity in experimental animals by decreasing the levels of serum alanine transaminase (ALT), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), and alkaline phosphatase (ALP). Presence of phenolic acids and flavonoids is reported for the hepatoprotective activity of Karkata fruits.

 7.     Antiproliferative Activity

Cancer is a second leading cause of deaths globally after Ischaemic Heart Disease accounting for an estimated 9.6 million deaths (1 in 6 deaths in 2018). Karkatashringi extracts have been reported to exhibit anticancer effect against many human cell lines (Hep G2 (liver), A-498 (kidney), NCI−H226 (lung), and 2780AD (ovary)). In most of the experimental studies, Pistagremic acid has been found to be the major bioactive phytochemical. Computational studies on molecular mechanisms of control of cancers are also partially in line with experimental data.

 8.     Anti- Alzheimer’s Activity

The most common cause of dementia in human beings is Alzheimer's disease. The molecular mechanism of this disease is the accumulation of specific amyloid proteins in the brain, followed by plaques and shrinkage and death of brain cells. Pistagremic acid present in Karkatashringi is reported to have anti-Alzheimer’s activity based on a hitherto unknown mechanism through interference with the amyloidogenic pathway.

 9.     Anti-Diarrhoea Activity

Flavonoids (such as quercetin and kaempferol) and phenolic acids (such as gallic acid and ellagic acid) are useful in maintaining gastrointestinal health.  Karkatashringi is reported to have anti-diarrhoeal activity due to presence of these phytochemicals in its various parts.

 10.  Analgesic Properties

Karkatashringi is valued for its anti-inflammatory and analgesic properties, making it beneficial in managing conditions such as arthritis, joint pain, and inflammation-related disorders.

 11. Anti-Diabetic Activity

Karkatashringi has been traditionally used in the management of diabetes. Flavonoids possess antihyperglycemic action through inhibition of α-glucosidase. Pistagremic acid bind to α-amylase and inhibits the breakdown of starch into simple sugars, thus reducing the carbohydrate assimilation in the body.

 12. Anticonvulsant

Experimental studies have shown that Karkatashringi has anticonvulsant activity against pentylenetetrazole induced epilepsy in zebrafish and mice animal models. 

 AYURVEDIC PREPARATIONS

Karkatashringi  is one of the ingredients in some Ayurvedic medicines such as Dasamoolarist, Guduchyadi tailam, Kantakari avaleha, Rheumallin tablet, Ashtangavaleha, Devdarvadi Kashaya, Balchaturbhadra churna, etc.

 TOXICITY

Some toxicological studies in animal models have suggested a toxic dose of above 1,500 mg kg−1 body weight.

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