Terminalia arjuna Wight & Arn.—A Useful
Drug
for Cardiovascular Disorders
Shridhar Dwivedi
Available online at www.sciencedirect.com
Journal of Ethnopharmacology 114 (2007) 114–129
Review
Preventive Cardiology Group, University College of Medical Sciences, University
of Delhi, Delhi 110095, India
Received 3 December 2006; received in revised form 3 August 2007; accepted 7
August 2007
Available online 10 August 2007
Abstract
Ancient Indian physicians used the powdered tree bark of Terminalia arjuna Wight
& Arn. for alleviating “hritshool” (angina) and other
cardiovascular conditions. Its stem bark possesses glycosides, large quantities
of flavonoids, tannins and minerals. Flavonoids have been detected
to exert antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and lipid lowering effects while
glycosides are cardiotonic, thus making Terminalia arjuna unique amongst
currently used medicinal plants. In this review an attempt has been made to
discuss various aspects of its ethnomedical, pharmacognostical,
phytochemical, pharmacological and clinical relevance to cardiovascular
conditions. Experimental studies have revealed its bark exerting significant
inotropic and hypotensive effect, increasing coronary artery flow and protecting
myocardium against ischemic damage. It has also been detected
to have mild diuretic, antithrombotic, prostaglandin E2 enhancing and
hypolipidaemic activity. There is ample clinical evidence of its beneficial
effect in coronary artery disease alone and along with statin. However,
toxicological studies in experimental animals are lacking. Considering
its anti-ischemic activity and its potential to correct dyslipidemia, reduce
left ventricular mass and increase left ventricular ejection fraction, it is
essential to examine the molecular mechanism of its action and its core
constituents. Proposition to administer Terminalia arjuna along with statins
deserves to be explored in depth for defining its place in the over all
management and prevention of coronary artery disease.
© 2007 Elsevier Ireland Ltd. All rights reserved.