Commonly known as Arjuna, Ayurvedic system of medicine considers it necessary to maintain basic health and has a reputation as a heart medicine. It grows as tall deciduous trees in the Indian subcontinent. Its bark and fruit are used in traditional medicine. The bark is considered to be a cardiotonic and used in the treatment of cardiovascular diseases such as angina, myocardial infarction, hypertension, congestive heart failure, coronary artery diseases and hypercholesterolemia. The major chemical constituents are triterpenoids, flavonoids and polyphenols. Its documented medicinal and pharmacological activities include:
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Antioxidant activity: Terminalia arjuna bark powder produced an increase in superoxide dismutase, catalase and glutathione levels and demonstrated the protective effect of the drug against oxidative stress.
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Cardiovascular activity: T.arjuna was found to be effective in relieving stable anginal pain, lowering systolic blood pressure, in the management of congestive heart failure and ventricular arrhythmia.
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Hypolipidaemic activity: Administration of T.arjuna to arteriosclerosis induced animals showed a significant decrease in LDL and total cholesterol levels. A trial has confirmed these effects in humans as well.
Safety Profile
T.arjuna is well tolerated when used within the recommended doses.
