A retrospective study of effect of Terminalia arjuna and evidence based standard therapy on echocardiographic parameters in patients of dilated cardiomyopathy

Abstract

Aim of the studyObservational study to find out the effects of Terminalia arjuna in patients of dilated cardiomyopathy (DCMP) of idiopathic and ischaemic cause. Material & methods93 patients with DCMP receiving standard therapy and/or bark extract of T. arjuna 500 mg 8 hourly were enrolled. Three groups as standard therapy (ST, Group 1), T. arjuna therapy (TA, Group 2) & standard therapy plus T. arjuna (ST + TA, Group 3) were formed. The clinical and echocardiographic evaluation data were collected at the baseline and at the end of the study period and compared for improvements in systolic, diastolic and functional parameters. ResultsAt the end of the study period patients of group 3 showed significant improvement in LVEF% (7 ± 1.6, P < 0.00001) compared to group 1&2 (P < 0.00001, P < 0.0001). Reductions in Left ventricular end systolic and diastolic diameters and volumes were most significant in group 3 (8.3 ± 4.7, P < 0.0001 & 3.1 ± 5.7,P < 0.001) and (11 ± 26, 9 ± 21 P < 0.01) respectively in comparison to other groups (P = NS). Pulmonary artery pressure reduced significantly in group 1 & 3 (P < 0.0001). Similar reductions in diastolic score and mitral regurgitation (P < 0.01 &P < 0.0001) was observed in groups 1 & 3. There was an improvement in functional class and reduced hospitalizations in group 3. ConclusionDilated cardiomyopathy with reduced LVEF due to either idiopathic or ischaemic cause receiving standard therapy with T. arjuna showed significant improvement in left ventricular parameters as well as functional capacity.