An Ayurvedic Review of Arjuna From Samhita

Abstract

Arjuna is introduced into Ayurveda as a treatment for various diseases in 7th century AD. According to different samhitas Arjuna is used in the treatment of different diseases like Dant dhawan (cleaning of teeth), Medoroga (obesity), Kaphaja Prameha, Mutraghat (urinary disorder), Mukharog (mouth disease), Pittaja Prameha, Vataja and Kaphaja prameha. samhitas says that Arjuna different Ayurvedic formulations like lepa, churna, ghrita, tail, kwath, asava, aristha, dhupa, phanta and modaka etc are found. Arjuna plant has traditionally been used to treat heart diseases for centuries, which is why it got the nickname "Guardian of the heart." Arjuna (terminalia arjuna) is an evergreen tree of the family combretaceae, which grows along the rivers of West Bengal in the drained beds of central and southern India. The generic name Terminalia is derived from the Latin terminus or terminalis (ending), referring to the habit of its leaves being crowded at the tips of the shoots. The name Arjuna for the tree occu rs in the Rig Veda and Atharva Veda and means white or bright, probably denoting its creamy-white flowers or the shining quality of its bark. One of the tree's Sanskrit names is Kakubha which means beauty or fascination. It also means several flowers held together in a cluster.