Abstract

TERMINALIA ARJUNA: POSSIBLE TREATMENT FOR SICKLE CELL ANAEMIA & POTENT BIOFUEL

Shyam J. Patel*

Abstract

The review ―Terminalia arjuna: The possible treatment for sickle cell anaemia & potent biofuel‖ focuses on the different studies and research done on different parts of the Terminalia arjuna plant. It examines the potential treatment for sickle cell anaemia and other chronic or acute diseases like myocardial infarction, angina, CHF, hypertension, rheumatic heart disease, ischemic mitral regurgitation, cardiomyopathy, platelet aggregation, oxidative stress, endothelial dysfunction, and thrombotic conditions. The review examines the potential of Terminalia arjuna leaf gall in SCD treatment, identifying its main bioactive compound, 5-Hydroxymethylfurfural, known for its anti-sickling properties. Galls form when plants react to insect attacks, notably from Trioza fletcheri in T. arjuna. Studies indicate that extracts from Terminalia arjuna exhibit significant anti-sickling effects. While the pharmacological potential of these extracts is promising, further clinical studies and safety assessments are necessary to validate efficacy and standardisation for therapeutic use. The review examines how Arjuna bark decoction has been used in the Indian subcontinent for centuries to manage anginal pain, hypertension, congestive heart failure, and dyslipidemia. While its potential in cardiovascular diseases warrants further study, recent literature highlights its anti-ischemic, antioxidant, hypolipidemic, and antiatherogenic effects, primarily due to its beneficial phytoconstituents like triterpenoids and flavonoids. Arjuna has shown promise in treating ischemic cardiomyopathy, with no serious side effects reported; however, long-term safety remains unclear. Its role in coronary prevention still needs exploration.

Keywords: Terminalia arjuna, Leaf galls, Sickle cell anaemia, Trioza fletcheri, HMF biosynthesis, Galled leaves.