Terminalia Arjuna, Heart health, Cholesterol health

Ayurveda gives equal importance to both physical & psychological factors in heart diseases. Ayurveda emphasizes that the heart should be protected with special care as life depends upon its proper functioning. Continuous efforts should be made to protect the heart as one's age advances. Though Cardiac diseases are a comparatively recent phenomenon in modern medicine, “Hridrog” is mentioned in “Rig-Veda” an ancient Ayurvedic literature, and is mentioned as a specific disease with recommended specific mode of treatments.

Terminalia Arjuna is a miracle herb which was used during ancient times to cure heart problems. In ancient Ayurvedic literature, Vagbhata and others have described the juice of Arjuna bark as a tonic & astringent. They have recommended it for the treatment of heart diseases. Arjuna is reported to be a beneficial herb in treating heart problems since 1200 B.C.

Arjuna is used by Ayurvedic practitioners for its curative properties in heart problems including angina & hypertension. Dr. K.N.Udupa at Banaras Hindu University – Institute of Medical science, proved in his research that powdered extract of Terminalia Arjuna provides very good results to people suffering from coronary heart diseases.

Today’s hectic life schedule, irregularities in diet, lack of physical exercise, stress, strain, pollution gives rise to hypertension and heart problems. Now a days, the percentage of people with high cholesterol & triglyceride levels has increased significantly. In such a situation, Terminalia Arjuna is a “God’s Gift” to overcome heart problems. The cardiac-protective effects of Terminalia Arjuna are thought to be caused by the antioxidant nature of several of its constituents. Flavonoids have been detected to exert antioxidant, anti-inflammatory & lipid lowering effects .

There is ample clinical evidence of Arjuna’s beneficial effect in coronary diseases alone and in combination with modern medicine.

Many clinical studies were done on “Terminalia Arjuna” some of which have been given below-

-The bark powder of Terminalia Arjuna, an indigenous plant, has been found to have antianginal, decongestive & hypolipidemic effect.Ref : Int J Cardiol-2005 Apr. 28 100(3)507 8, Dwivedi S, Aggrawal A. Agarwal MP, Rajpal S.

-Arjuna had increased significantly the concentration of high density lipoprotein (HDL) fraction which is considered as anti-atherosclerotic factor. Ref : DR H.C Prasad ,Dept of Pharmacology , Medical college ,Guwahati 781032 Asam page no 9 – Hrud Spandanam ..

Arjuna is highly effective in nourishing the heart and associated muscles. It is very helpful for proper contraction, relaxation of heart muscles and is known to tone up the circulation. Terminalia Arjuna is effective in relieving symptoms of heart problems like excessive sweating, increased pulse rate, dryness of mouth, nausea etc. Scientific studies have shown that Arjuna is very effective when used regularly over a period of time for the treatment of angina, coronary heart disease, edema & hypercholesterolemia. Externally, this herb can be used to treat acne & blemishes also.

Herbal remedies that contains Terminalia Arjuna along with Pomegranate & Green Tea extract are considered to be excellent, as a combination they have a synergistic effect. This would be very effective to promote healthy cholesterol levels i.e., it helps to increase H.D.L., keeps the heart healthy, as it has super antioxidant properties.

In Ayurveda, Ischemic heart disease is known as “Hridroga”. There are five types of “Hridroga” occurring due to vitiated doshas or imbalances in body.

In Vataj Hridroga – Pain is acute & has a shifting nature.

In Pittaj Hridroga – Pain occurs with burning sensation.

In Paphaj Hridroga – mild pain with heaviness & nausea occurs.

If all aforesaid symptoms occur together then it is known as a Tridosha -Heart Disease.

Terminalia Arjuna is an excellent remedy for all these problems.

Dr. Veena Deo, B.A.M.D. (Ayurveda)

Dr. Veena Deo is an Ayurvedic Doctor in India. All the information provided above and opinions expressed above are her own and should not be construed as medical advise. This information is provided for educational purposes only.