Best Ayurvedic Substitute to Eucommia
Abstract
Traditional medicine system i.e. Ayurveda has become really popular because of its responses to many chronic ailments. Many people start taking modern medicines which costs them alot and sometimes causes lifetime side effects. However, Eucommia is a china native herb so it can’t be availed easily and our Indian traditional medicine system has all substitutes. Ayurvedic herbs possess all essential phytochemicals and minerals which will manage the ailment effectively and naturally. Here we are going to have a relevant discussion on the Medicinal properties of Eucommia and Arjuna (Terminalia arjuna) which is a Indian traditional herb which have been used from ancient times for managing various ailments.
What is Eucommia?
Eucommia ulmoides Oliver, which is also known as Du- Zhong and Gutta- percha. This tree is one of the ancient Chinese species and is considered a leftover of the Tertiary glacial movement. Eucommia is native to southwestern mountainous region of China and its natural distribution includes Zhyiang, Guongzi, Beijing, Xinjiang, Yunnan, Hubei, etc. This species of trees grows best in sandy containing more humus soils having optimum pH of 4.5-8.0. It requires annual rainfall around 1000mm and mostly grows on altitudes between 300m- 2500m approximately.
What are Eucommia’s Chemical Constituents?
Eucommia possess amazing chemical and phytochemical constituents with goodness of flavonoids, steroids, iridoids, lignans, phenolics, etc. which make economically and medicinally important and also have comprehensive development potential. Bark of Eucommia is mostly used for medicinal purposes but recent studies have shown that leaves of this plant have almost the same chemical constitution. So, due to the scarcity because of increased demand for medicinal purposes; leaves can be a great replacement for barks.
What are the Biological Activity and Benefits of Eucommia?
Eucommia possess tremendous pharmacological and therapeutic properties i.e. anti-allergic, anti-oxidants, anti-bacterial, anti-fungal, anti-viral, anti-inflammatory and anti-tumor. This species performs various biological functions; some of them are given below-
- Anti-hypersensitive effects –Many cardiovascular diseases can be closely associated with hypersensitivity and serious damage to heart, kidney and brain. Lignans present in Eucommia is an active component which is beneficial in Vascular remodeling.
- Anti-diabetic effects- Flavonoids present in Eucommia like rutin, astragaloside, quercetin, etc. are helpful in keeping the normal blood glucose levels and also managing polyuria, polyphagia and weight loss; which are caused due to increased glucose levels in blood.
- Anti- oxidative effects-Leaves of Eucommia are enriched with antioxidants due to high content of flavonoids and phenols. Main Antioxidants are chlorogenic acid, ferulic acid, accubin and caffeic acid.
Why is Ayurveda a Better Substitute?
It is well understood that Ayurveda is a science of life and most ancient traditional Indian medicinal system. This science is an holistic approach to health and also a form of personalized medicine. Ayurveda is believed to be self-healing science because as per the Ayurvedic treatment each cell gets rejuvenated and so does the body. According to Ayurvedic principles, symptoms of syndrome (Lakshana of Swastha) and Vyadhi (pattern) are the nutshell of pathological or physiological patterns of human body. These both patterns are usually caused by internal or external factors which causes disharmony and is analysed on the basis of Darshana (inspection), Prashana (interrogation) and Sparashana (Palpation). Though, Lakshana identification is the most important aspect for the treatment and diagnosis of any ailment. This natural and conventional approach comprises ethical, spiritual, psychological, philosophical and physical health of a person.
Ayurvedic Herbs
The Ayurvedic medicine system is based majorly on plant based preparations for natural healing. Herbs and spices are believed to make a protective shield to our body from diseases along with improved mental and physical health. Around 90% of the total Ayurvedic formulations are based on plant material. Phytochemical constituents in herbs put stronger action on the body which effectively reverse the pathophysiological process and thus, ultimately stabilizes the aggravated doshas.
What is the Best Alternative for Eucommia in Ayurveda?
Arjuna (Terminalia arjuna), is a well-known and central character in Indian scriptures i.e. Mahabharata and so in general the health and wellbeing of an individual.
General Description and Chemical Constituents
Arjuna has been considered as an amazing heart tonic because of its cool potency. This Indian herb possesses biologically important, phytochemical constituents i.e. polyphenols, flavonoids, tannins, saponins, sterols and various amino acids. Bark of Arjuna are very useful in managing heart ailments like Angina and sometimes in cardiac arrest too. Anti-oxidative property in Arjuna provides elasticity to arteries which is important in preventing hardening by promoting formation of nitric acid in the walls of blood vessels.
Medicinal Properties of Arjuna
Arjuna (Terminalia arjuna) is overloaded with beneficial medicinal, therapeutic and pharmacological properties which have increased its value all across the world. Some of the properties are discussed below-
- Arjuna (Terminalia arjuna) which is a known cardio protective agent and belongs to Combretaceae Chakradatta, who is an ancient physician suggested that decoction of ghee or milk and bark of Arjuna can heal ulcers and ashes of bark is very effective in snake bite or scorpion sting.
- Bark of Arjuna possess repectorent, antidysenteric, cardiotonic, astringent, styptic, urinary astringent and demulcent properties.
- Paste of Arjuna bark can be applied on the fractures and promotes healing at a speedy rate.
- This can be used as a local application in reducing pimples/acnes and it gives magical results if used with honey for black spots.
- Arjuna possess diuretic properties therefore, it effectively reduces clot formation and in balancing blood pressure.
- It is a rich source of minerals which helps in preventing bone mineral density.
- It minimises the frequency of urination in case of polyuria, which is one of the symptoms of high blood glucose levels.
- Terminalia Arjuna us loaded with medicinal properties i.e. Inotropic (balances muscle contractions), anti-arthritic, anti-inflammatory, anti – hemorrhagic, anti – thrombotic, antacid, anti – ulcerogenic, anti – toxin, anti – obesity and anti- tumor.
- Arjuna can be used in numerous therapeutic indications like Dyslipidemia, coronary artery diseases, Angina pectoris, Edema, Hemorrhages, Arrhythmia, Asthma, Cough, heartburn, peptic ulcers, menorrhagia, urinary tract infection, leucorrhoea, bone fractures and osteoporosis.
Conclusion
In nutshell it can be concluded from the above relevant discussion on alternative for Eucommia and benefits of Arjuna over this china native herb; Ayurveda has much to offer and has always been an boon to mankind. Arjuna (Terminalia arjuna) can be a better substitute because if it’s easy access to everyone and it’s richness in goodness. Moreover, this is easily available to everyone in many forms and sources.
