ARJUNA BARK

Synonym                                  :  Arjun Bark.

Biological source                      :  It consist of dried stend , bark , of the plant , which is

                                                   known as Terminalia arjuna .

Scientific name              :  Terminalia arjuna .

Family                                      :  Combretaceae .

Geographical distribution           :  It is grown by the streams and very common in

                                                   Chottananagpur region .

Organoleptic / Morphological evaluation :

            i) Colour             -   Colour of the out-side , as-well-as inner-side of the bark is

                                           Greyish-brown .

            ii) Odour            -    None.

            iii) Taste             -   Astringent ( Bitter or Sour) .

            iv) Size   -   Depends upon the various size of pieces .

            v) Shape             -   Flat .

            vi) Extra-feature -  The appearance of the transversely cut surface is dark-brown

                                           with characteristics Greyish-shining patches .

Chemical constituents : Arjuna contains about 15% tannin ( hydrolysable) . It also

                                       contain Triterpinoid saponin, Arjunolic-acid , Arjunic-acid , 

                                       Arjunone , Arjunolone , Calcium , Aluminium , Magnesium ,

                                        Salts , Sugar etc . 

Therapeutic Uses :

i)                    It is used as Cardiotonic .

ii)                   It has a Diuretic activity .

iii)                 It is used in tanneries ( Leather-industry) .