Effect of traditional ayurvedic arjuna formulations on cardiometabolic disorders

Abstract

Terminalia arjuna (Family-Combretaceae) herbal medicine is known as a remedy for cardiovascular disorders in traditional Indian System of Medicine. Arjaunaaristha and Arjunakwath are traditional ayurvedic formulations containing Terminalia arjuna [1]. The effects of these formulations are not scientifically documented on cardiometabolic disorders like hypertension and hyperlipidemia. In the present study, antihyperlipidemic and antihypertensive activity screening had been done for Arjunaaristha and Arjunakwath on Wistar rats. The hyperlipidemia was induced by Triton X-100 (100mg/kg i.p.). The formulations and lovastatin as standard were administered by oral intubations simultaneously with Triton injection. Biochemical estimation was studied by monitoring the serum lipid profile before and after treatment using enzymatic assay kit. Hypertension was induced in rats by cadmium chloride (1mg/kg, i.p.) and fructose for two weeks [2]. The rats were treated with formulations along with cadmium chloride and fructose for four weeks. Amlodipine was used as a standard. The data obtained was analysed statistically by ANOVA followed by Dunnett's post hoc test. Treatment with Arjunakwatha and Arjuanaristha reduces cholesterol, triglycerides, low density lipoprotein in Triton induce group. Lipid profile demonstrated by the standard lovastatin was found to be analogous to that of traditional arjuna formulations. Simultaneously there was significant decrease in elevated blood pressure in cadmium chloride as well as fructose induce hypertensive animals when treated with Arjunaaristha and Arjunakwatha. The present study shows the efficacy of Terminalia arjuna formulations as a hypolipidemic agent and antihypertensive agent and in over all management of cardiometabolic disorders.