Terminalia Arjuna & Calcium

Terminalia arjuna is a tree whose root has been traditionally used in ayurvedic medicine. It is said to be high in tannins and flavonoids, and to be an anticoagulant, antibacterial and antifungal, as well as being useful in the treatment of cancer, according to a 2008 review published in "Phytochemistry Reviews." Terminalia arjuna contains calcium, but it is said to inhibit the formation of calcium build-up in the body and to be useful in the treatment of cardiovascular disorders, although more studies are needed.

Calcium

As the most abundant mineral in your body, calcium is essential for the maintenance of blood vessels, hormone and enzyme secretion, the diffusion of impulses throughout the nervous system and muscle contraction, according to the Office of Dietary Supplements. However, the majority of your body's calcium is found in your bones and teeth, and as new bone is formed, calcium is absorbed by the body.

Calcium Problems

An excess of calcium in the blood can cause problems such as joint pain and urinary stones. Conversely, as you grow older, bone starts to deteriorate quicker than is formed, leading to osteoporosis. This is mainly a risk in post-menopausal women, although men can suffer it too.

Urinary Stones

Ten percent of men and 3 percent of women suffer a urinary stone at some point in their adult lives, according to a 2010 study published in the "Indian Journal of Pharmaceutical Sciences." Results of the study suggest terminalia arjuna may prevent the formation of calcium phosphate and calcium oxalate crystals, both of which cause urinary stones.

Osteoperosis

Terminalia arjuna is rich in calcium. Ost-6 is a polyherbal preparation containing high levels of terminalia arjuna, which is designed to inhibit bone loss. In a 2001 study published on Pubmed, Ost-6 was found to increase bone mineral content in rats. A 2004 study in Phytotherapy Research confirmed those results.

Other Uses

Terminalia arjuna is thought to be useful in cardiovascular disorders. A 2009 clinical trial published on Informa concluded the bark may decrease the formation of blood clots, which would make it of use in treating coronary artery disease. Scientists writing for "Oxford Journals" in 2010 found it useful in lessening the build-up of fatty materials on the artery wall. It is also thought to be effective in the treatment of gastric ulcers.