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Therapeutic Potential of Terminalia Arjuna in Cardiovascular Disorders

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Abstract

The bark of the tree Terminalia arjuna (Roxb.) is widely used in Indian medicine (Ayurveda) for various cardiovascular ailments. The bark has been reported to contain several bioactive compounds. Many experimental studies have reported its antioxidant, anti-ischemic, antihypertensive, and antihypertrophic effects, which have relevance to its therapeutic potential in cardiovascular diseases in humans. Several clinical studies have reported its efficacy mostly in patients with ischemic heart disease, hypertension, and heart failure. However, a major shortcoming in all these experimental and clinical studies is the absence of phytochemical standardization of the extracts. In addition, many clinical studies are poor in terms of design and methods used for generating safety data. This review discusses how to address all these issues for a scientific validation of this medicinal plant.

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Acknowledgments

The authors have no conflicts of interest that are directly related to the content of this article. No external sources of funding were used in the preparation of this article.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Pharmacology, All India Institute of Medical Sciences, New Delhi, India

    Subir K. Maulik

  2. National Academy of Medical Sciences, New Delhi, India

    Kewal K. Talwar

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  1. Subir K. Maulik
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Correspondence to Subir K. Maulik.

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Maulik, S.K., Talwar, K.K. Therapeutic Potential of Terminalia Arjuna in Cardiovascular Disorders. Am J Cardiovasc Drugs 12, 157–163 (2012). https://doi.org/10.2165/11598990-000000000-00000

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