HEART disease is a leading cause of death and disability the world over. Several medicinal plants have been described to be beneficial for cardiac ailment in Ayurveda. Arjun (Terminalia arjuna) is the most promising plant among them. It is usually found growing on river banks. The beautiful tree forms spreading canopy and drooping branches with whitish bark. Almost every part (bark, leaves, seeds) of this tree has medicinal properties, with dry bark being in high demand by many pharmaceutical companies to manufacture Ayurvedic medicines like Arjunarishta.
10 years ago, Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC) has planted these trees near Omkareshwar Ghat in Shaniwar Peth. Recently it was observed that 20 Arjuna trees have dried up as people have striped trees for their bark. Such destructive harvesting led to death of the trees.
Heart is important organ for humans likewise bark is important for trees. Bark is a tree’s natural armour and protects from external threats. The tree is medicinally important and ecologically as well. Butterflies such as Redspot, Mylitta feed on these trees. During flowering period the tree is frequently visited by birds, butterflies, bees. Thus, this is the keystone species of ecosystem and it’s listed as ‘Endangered’ by IUCN. We have to conserve the species. It’s true that we need its bark in future. We should harvest the bark sustainably and using scientific methods so that it could regenerate.
