Hypolipidemic effect of Bacopa monnieri (Brahmi) and Terminalia arjuna (Arjuna): An in vitro study

Background: High cholesterol is the sixth-highest risk factor for death in the globe. Herbal medications regularly complement modern medical care, especially by providing safe and well-tolerated therapies for chronic conditions. Aims and Objectives: The present study was undertaken to evaluate and compare cholesterol lowering effects of Terminalia arjuna bark and Bacopa monnieri leaves (Brahmi) extract in human blood samples diagnosed with hyperlipidemia. Materials and Methods: Herbal extract of arjuna (T. arjuna) and Brahmi (B. monnieri) leaves in distilled water (d/w) and cow’s urine (c/u) [A1, A2, B1, B2] was taken and added to the pooled serum samples collected aseptically and a kinetic study was performed with it. Cholesterol standard was obtained from Erba chem Transasia kit (Trinder’s method, endpoint) with standard cutoff value 200 mg/dL. Results: Baseline reading of total cholesterol in all samples was 189 mg/dL. After 2 h, total cholesterol reading in A1 was 159 mg/dL, 157, 155 and 154 mg/dL in A2, B1, B2, respectively. After 4 h, total cholesterol reading in A1 was 149 mg/dL, 148, 146, and 144 mg/dL in A2, B1, B2, respectively. After 6 h, total cholesterol reading in A1 was 109 mg/dL, 104, 112, and 110 mg/dL in A2, B1, B2, respectively. Conclusion: From the findings of the present study, it was found that aqueous extract of Brahmi (B. monnieri) and T. arjuna (Arjuna) were effective in reducing total cholesterol levels. It can be considered as a potential therapeutic alternative in patients with hyperlipidemia, but warrants further clinical studies.

Hypolipidemic effect of Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera) and Arjuna (Terminalia arjuna): An in vitro study

Background: High cholesterol is the sixth-highest risk factor for death in the globe. Herbal medications regularly complement modern medical care, especially by providing safe, well-tolerated therapies for chronic conditions. Aims and Objectives: The present study was undertaken to evaluate and compare the cholesterol-lowering effects of Terminalia arjuna bark and Bacopa monnieri leaves (Brahmi) extract in human blood samples diagnosed with hyperlipidemia. Materials and Methods: Herbal extract of arjuna (T. arjuna) and Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera [WS]) in distilled water (d/w) and cow’s urine (c/u) [A1, A2, D1, and D2] was taken and added to the pooled serum samples collected aseptically and a kinetic study was performed with it. Cholesterol standard was obtained from Erba Chem Transasia kit (Trinder’s method, endpoint) with a standard cutoff value of 200 mg/dL. Results: Baseline reading of total cholesterol in all samples was 189 mg/dL. After 2 h, the total cholesterol reading in A1 was 159 mg/dL, 157, 162, and 160 mg/dL in A2, D1, and D2, respectively. After 4 h, the total cholesterol reading in A1 was 149 mg/dL, 148, 151, and 149 mg/dL in A2, D1, and D2, respectively. After 6 h, the total cholesterol reading in A1 was 109 mg/dL, 104, 112, and 110 mg/dL in A2, D1, and D2, respectively. Conclusion: From the findings of the present study, it was found that aqueous extract of Ashwagandha (WS) and Arjuna (T. arjuna) was effective in reducing total cholesterol levels. It can be considered a potential therapeutic alternative in patients with hyperlipidemia but warrants further clinical studies.

Evaluation of arjunolic acid against Brucella melitenis and in vitro cytotoxic study of lung adenocarcinomic cell line (A549)

Brucellosis, a neglected tropical disease of zoonotic nature, is caused by the genus Brucella, specifically by Brucella abortus and B. melitensis in cattle and humans, respectively. Arjunolic acid (AA) is a triterpenoid, isolated from Terminalia arjuna (Roxb.) Wight & Arn., a medicinally important plant used to treat various diseases in the Indian system of medicine. Here, we tried to evaluate AA for its antibacterial activity on Brucella and the in vitro cytotoxicity assay on human lung adenocarcinomic alveolar basal epithelial cell line (A549). Also, we assessed the synergistic effect of arjunolic acid and Tarenna asiatica (L.) Kuntze ex K.Schum. on B. melitensis. AA displayed a considerable antibacterial activity [zone of inhibition (9 mm) with a minimum inhibitory concentration of 30 ?g/mL] against B. melitensis. The rate of cell death for the cancer cells were at 100 ?g/mL concentration of AA was 82% which indicates that AA shows significant membrane disruption to cancer cells. The estimated IC50 of AA against the A549 cell line was 139.90 ?g/mL. The highest synergistic activity was exhibited forming a zone of inhibition measuring 10mm when arjunolic acid and AqE of T. asiatica was added in the concentration of 1:1, respectively.

Nanosuspension enhances dissolution rate and oral bioavailability of Terminalia arjuna bark extract in vivo and in vitro

Objective: To enhance the dissolution rate and oral bioavailability of Terminalia arjuna bark extract by formulating its nanosuspension. Methods: Nanoprecipitation approach was used for the formulation of nanosuspension using polysorbate-80 as a stabilizer. The formulated nanosuspension was assessed for particle size, polydispersity index, zeta potential value and for in vitro dissolution study. Oral bioavailability studies were carried out in Wistar male albino rats by administering a single dose (50 mg/kg. b. wt) of the formulated nanosuspension and coarse suspension. The storage stability of the formulated nanosuspension was determined after three months of storage at room temperature and under the refrigerated condition. Mutagenicity assay was carried out to evaluate the toxicity of the formulated nanosuspension using two mutant strains (Salmonella typhimurium TA100 and Salmonella typhimurium TA98).Results: The mean particle size of the formulated nanosuspension was 90.53 nm with polydispersity index and zeta potential values of 0.175 and ?15.7 mV, respectively. Terminalia arjuna nanosuspension showed improved dissolution rate and 1.33-fold higher oral bioavailability than its coarse suspension. The formulated nanosuspension also showed better stability under the refrigerated condition and was non-mutagenic against both strains. Conclusions: Our study demonstrates that nanosuspension technology can effectively enhance the dissolution rate and oral bioavailability of Terminalia arjuna bark extract.

Nanosuspension enhances dissolution rate and oral bioavailability of Terminalia arjuna bark extract in vivo and in vitro

Objective: To enhance the dissolution rate and oral bioavailability of Terminalia arjuna bark extract by formulating its nanosuspension. Methods: Nanoprecipitation approach was used for the formulation of nanosuspension using polysorbate-80 as a stabilizer. The formulated nanosuspension was assessed for particle size, polydispersity index, zeta potential value and for in vitro dissolution study. Oral bioavailability studies were carried out in Wistar male albino rats by administering a single dose (50 mg/kg. b. wt) of the formulated nanosuspension and coarse suspension. The storage stability of the formulated nanosuspension was determined after three months of storage at room temperature and under the refrigerated condition. Mutagenicity assay was carried out to evaluate the toxicity of the formulated nanosuspension using two mutant strains (Salmonella typhimurium TA100 and Salmonella typhimurium TA98). Results: The mean particle size of the formulated nanosuspension was 90.53 nm with polydispersity index and zeta potential values of 0.175 and-15.7 mV, respectively. Terminalia arjuna nanosuspension showed improved dissolution rate and 1.33 fold higher oral bioavailability than its coarse suspension. The formulated nanosuspension also showed better stability under the refrigerated condition and was non-mutagenic against both strains. Conclusions: Our study demonstrates that nanosuspension technology can effectively enhance the dissolution rate and oral bioavailability of Terminalia arjuna bark extract. Zafar Fatiqa 1 Department of Chemistry, University of Okara, Okara Jahan Nazish 2 Department of Chemistry, University of Agriculture, Faisalabad Khalil-Ur-Rahman 3 Department of Biochemistry, University of Agriculture, Faisalabad Asi Muhammad 4 Food Toxicology Lab, Plant Protection Division, Nuclear Institute for Agriculture and Biology, Faisalabad Zafar Waseeq-Ul-Islam 5 Department of Computer Science, COMSATS University of Information and Technology, Islamabad Pawar SS, Dahifale BR, Nagargoje SP, Shendge RS. Nanosuspension technologies for delivery of drugs. Nanosci Nanotech Res 2017; 4(2): 5966. Kilor V, Sapkal N, Daud A, Humne S, Gupta T. Development of stable nanosuspension loaded oral films of glimepiride with improved bioavailability. Int J Appl Pharm 2017; 9(2): 28-33. He J, Han Y, Xu G, Yin L, Neubi MN, Zhou J, et al. Preparation and evaluation of celecoxib nanosuspensions for bioavailability enhancement. RSC Adv 2017; 7: 13053-13064. Wang Y, Zheng Y, Zhang L, Wang Q, Zhang D. Stability of nanosuspensions in drug delivery. J Control Release 2013; 172(3): 11261141. ElShagea HN, ElKasabgy NA, Fahmy RH, Basalious EB. Freeze-dried self-nanoemulsifying self-nanosuspension (snesns): A new approach for the preparation of a highly drug-loaded dosage form. AAPS Pharm Sci Tech 2019; 20: 1-14. Gao L, Zhang D, Chen M, Duan C, Dai W, Jia L, et al. Studies on pharmacokinetics and tissue distribution of oridonin nanosuspensions. Int J Pharm 2008; 355(1-2): 321-327. Srivalli KMR, Mishra B. Drug nanocrystals: A way toward scale-up. Saudi Pharm J 2016; 24(4): 386-404. Geng T, Banerjee P, Lu Z, Zoghbi A, Li T, Wang B. Comparative study on stabilizing ability of food protein, non-ionic surfactant and anionic surfactant on BCS type Π drug carvedilol loaded nanosuspension: Physicochemical and pharmacokinetic investigation. Eur J Pharm Sci 2017; 109: 200-208. Jahan N, Rehman KU, Ali S, Bhatti IA. Antioxidant activity of gemmo therapeutically treated indigenous medicinal plants. Asian J Chem 2011; 23: 3461-3470. Zafar F, Jahan N, Rahman KU, Khan A, Akram W. Cardioprotective potential of polyphenolic rich green combination in catecholamine induced myocardial necrosis in rabbits. Evid Based Complement Alternat Med 2015; 2015: 734903. Ramesh R, Dhanaraj T. GC-MS analysis of bioactive compounds in Terminalia arjuna root. Int J Multidiscip Res Dev 2015; 2: 460-462. Shanbhag D, Khandagale A. Screening and standardization of Terminalia arjuna used as medicine in homeopathy using hptlc method. Int J Ana Bioana Chem 2011; 1: 57-60. Pooja S. Production of flavonoids from Terminalia arjuna (ROXB.) in vivo and in vitro tissue cultures. Int J ChemTech Res 2014; 6: 881-885. Gao L, Liu G, Wang X, Liu F, Xu Y, Ma J. Preparation of a chemically stable quercetin formulation using nanosuspension technology. Int J Pharm 2011; 404(1-2): 231-237. Arshad MS, Sohaib M, Nadeem M, Saeed F, Imran A, Javed A, et al. Status and trends of nutraceuticals from onion and onion by-products: A critical review. Cogent Food Agric 2017; 3: 1-14. Penalva R, Gonzalez-Navarro CJ, Gamazo C, Esparza I, Irache JM. Zein nanoparticles for oral delivery of quercetin: Pharmacokinetic studies and preventive anti-inflammatory effects in a mouse model of endotoxemia. Nanomedicine 2017; 13(1): 103-110. Kumar S, Pandey AK. Chemistry and biological activities of flavonoids: An overview. Sci World J2013; 2013: 162750. Thadkala K, Nanam PK, Rambabu B, Sailu C, Aukunuru J. Preparation and characterization of amorphous ezetimibe nanosuspensions intended for enhancement of oral bioavailability. Int J Pharm Investig 2014; 4(3): 131-137. Khan S, Iqbal T, Ahmed N, Jamil A. Antioxidant, hemolytic and mutagenic potential of Psoralea corylifolia. J Animal Plant Sci 2015; 25(5): 1451-1456. Gera S, Talluri S, Rangaraj N. Formulation and evaluation of naringenin nanosuspensions for bioavailability enhancement. AAPS Pharm Sci Tech 2017; 18(8): 3151-3162. Sun W, Mao S, Shi Y, Li LC, Fang L. Nanonization of itraconazole by high pressure homogenization: Stabilizer optimization and effect of particle size on oral absorption. J Pharm Sci 2010; 100(8): 3365-3373. Jahan N, Rehman KU, Ali S, Asi MR, Akhtar A. Cardioprotective potential of gemmomodified extract of Terminalia arjuna against chemically induced myocardial injury in rabbits. Pak Vet J 2012; 32: 255-259. Huang S, Chang WH. Advantages of nanotechnology-based chinese herb drugs on biological activities. Curr Drug Metab 2009; 10(8): 905-913. Dizaj SM, Vazifehasl Z, Salatin S, Adibkia K, Javadzadeh Y. Nanosizing of drugs: Effect on dissolution rate. Res Pharm Sci 2015; 10(2): 95-108. Abd-Elsalam WH, ElKasabgy NA. Mucoadhesive olaminosomes: A novel prolonged release nanocarrier of agomelatine for the treatment of ocular hypertension. Int J Pharm 2019; 560: 235-245. Rachmawati H, Shaal LA, Muller RH, Keck CM. Development of curcumin nanocrystal: Physical aspects. J Pharm Sci 2013; 102(1): 204214. Hong C, Dang Y, Lin G, Yao Y, Li G, Ji G, et al. Effects of stabilizing agents on the development of myricetin nanosuspension and its characterization: An in vitro and in vivo evaluation. Int J Pharm 2014; 477(1-2): 251-260. Karadag A, Ozcelik B, Huang Q. Quercetin nanosuspensions produced by high-pressure homogenization. J Agric Food Chem 2014; 62(8): 18521859. Papdiwal A, Pande V, Sagar K. Design and characterization of zaltoprofen nanosuspension by precipitation method. Der Pharma Chemica 2014; 6(3): 161-168. Sumathi R, Tamizharasi S, Gopinath K, Sivakumar T. Formulation, characterization and in vitro release study of silymarin nanosuspension. Indo Am J Pharm Sci 2017; 4: 85-94. [31]Thakkar HP, Patel BV, Thakkar SP. Development and characterization of nanosuspensions of olmesartan medoxomil for bioavailability enhancement. J Pharm Bioall Sci 2011; 3(3): 426-434. Mohd-Fuat AR, Kofi EA, Allan GG. Mutagenic and cytotoxic properties of three herbal plants from Southeast Asia. Trop Biomed 2007; 24(2): 4959. Ravichandran R. Studies on dissolution behaviour of nanoparticulate curcumin formulation. Adv Nanoparticles 2013; 2(1): 51-59. Hussain N, Jaitley V, Florence AT. Recent Advances in the understanding of uptake of microparticulates across the gastrointestinal lymphatics. Adv Drug Deliv Rev 2001; 50(1-2): 107-142. Yuan H, Chen J, Du YZ, Hu FQ, Zeng S, Zhao HL. Studies on oral absorption of stearic acid sln by a novel fluorometric method. Colloids Surf B Biointerfaces 2007; 58(2): 157-164. Gursoy RN, Benita S. Self-emulsifying drug delivery systems (sedds) for improved oral delivery of lipophilic drugs. Biomed Pharmacother 2004; 58(3): 173-182. Liu D, Pan H, He F, Wang X, Li J, Yang X, et al. Effect of particle size on oral absorption of carvedilol nanosuspensions: In vitro and in vivo evaluation. Int J Nanomed 2015; 10: 6425-6434. Wang Y, Zhang D, Liu Z, Liu G, Duan C, Jia L, et al. In vitro and in vivo evaluation of silybin nanosuspensions for oral and intravenous delivery. Nanotechnology 2010; 21(15): 1-12. Hao J, Gao Y, Zhao J, Zhang J, Li Q, Zhao Z, et al. Preparation and optimization of resveratrol nanosuspensions by antisolvent precipitation using box-behnken design. AAPS Pharm Sci Tech 2015; 16(1): 118-128.

Physico-chemical And Microscopic Study Of Arjuna (terminalia Arjuna) Bark

In present study plant of Arjuna has been taken for physical and chemical analysis in terms of microtome of bark, powder study, loss on drying, ash values, extractive values, bulk density, Acid insoluble ash, Water-soluble Ash, Water-soluble extractive value, Alcohol-soluble extractive, pH range, TLC, Tapped density, Compressibility index, Hauser ratio, Angle of repose, Ultra violet fluorescence analysis of drug, etc. Physical and chemical analysis an important place in standardization of Ayurvedic drugs in order to make its global acceptability. The plant of Arjuna botanically named as Terminalia arjuna linn.; family Combretaceae, has traditionally been used to treat many diseases especially heart disease for centuries, that’s why it is called as “Guardian of the heartâ€. Transverse sections of Arjuna bark shows the calcium oxalate crystal, starch grains and lignified cells respectively shows that Xylem Vessels, Sclerenchymatous Fibers, Cork Cells, Tracheids, Sclereids, LOD value of the sample of Arjuna is 5.63%. According to result the Arjuna has three Rf vaule0.70, 0.42, 0.28 table1.4. Angle of repose of powder sample shows the flow of powder. The extractive value of Arjuna have different solvent like water, ethanol, isopropanol, acetone, chloroform, benzene, toluene, petroleum ether, hexsene are respectively 50.80, 41.07,30.37, 8.95, 0.96, 0.67, 0.52, 0.51, 0.46.

Terminalia arjuna bark extract attenuates picrotoxin-induced behavioral changes by activation of serotonergic, dopaminergic, GABAergic and antioxidant systems / 中国天然药物

Stress and emotion are associated with several illnesses from headaches to heart diseases and immune deficiencies to central nervous system. Terminalia arjuna has been referred as traditional Indian medicine for several ailments. The present study aimed to elucidate the effect of T. arjuna bark extract (TA) against picrotoxin-induced anxiety. Forty two male Balb/c mice were randomly divided into six experimental groups (n = 7): control, diazepam (1.5 mg·kg), picrotoxin (1 mg·kg) and three TA treatemt groups (25, 50, and 100 mg/kg). Behavioral paradigms and PCR studies were performed to determine the effect of TA against picrotoxin-induced anxiety. The results showed that TA supplementation increased locomotion towards open arm (EPM) and illuminated area (light-dark box test), and increased rearing frequency (open field test) in a dose dependent manner, compared to picrotoxin (P < 0.05). Furthermore, TA increased number of licks and shocks in Vogel's conflict. PCR studies showed an up-regulation of several genes, such as BDNF, IP, DL, CREB, GABA, SOD, GPx, and GR in TA administered groups. In conclusion, alcoholic extract of TA bark showed protective activity against picrotoxin in mice by modulation of genes related to synaptic plasticity, neurotransmitters, and antioxidant enzymes.

Terminalia arjuna (Roxb.) Wight & Arn. augments cardioprotection via antioxidant and antiapoptotic cascade in isoproterenol induced cardiotoxicity in rats.

Worldwide, Ischemic heart disease (IHD) affects a large population. Implication of myocardial infarction (MI) and its multiple pathophysiology in cardiac function is well known. Further, isoproterenol (ISP) is known to induce MI. Today, there is an urgent need for effective drug that could limit the myocardial injury. Therapeutic intervention with antioxidants has been shown useful in preventing the deleterious changes produced by ISP. Here, we investigated the protective effects of oral pre-treatment of hydroalcoholic extract of bark of Terminalia arjuna (HETA) on biochemical and apoptotic changes during cardiotoxicity induced by isoproterenol (ISP) in rats. HETA was orally administered at a dose of 100, 200 and 400 mg/kg body wt., for 30 days with concurrent administration of ISP (85 mg/kg body wt.) on days 28th and 29th at an interval of 24 h. ISP caused deleterious changes in the myocardium and significantly increased (P <0.05) malondialdehyde, serum glutamate oxaloacitate transaminase, creatine kinase-MB, lactate dehydrogenase and troponin-I. However, it significantly decreased (P <0.05) glutathione and superoxide dismutase compared to healthy control. Oral pre-treatment of HETA for 30 days significantly decreased (P <0.05) the biochemical parameters of oxidative stress and cardiac markers as compared to ISP control. Histopathological findings also revealed that architecture of the myocardium was restored towards normal in HETA pre-treated group. Overall, the present study has shown that the hydroalcoholic extract of bark of T. arjuna (HETA) attenuates oxidative stress, apoptosis and improves antioxidant status in ISP-induced cardiotoxicity in rats.

Crossability Studies in Terminalia Arjuna and T.Tomemtosa.

T.arjuna and T.tomentosa come under multipurpose tree category and are of immense economic importance besides being the primary food plants of Tasar silkworm Antheraea mylitta D. Blooming occurs from second week of May in T.arjuna and last week of May in T.tomentosa. Number of flowers per raceme range between 41 in accession 235 to 58 in accession 702 of T.arjuna and 53 (acc.531) to 73 (acc.501) of T. tomentosa. Fruit set per cent ranged between 2.0 in accessions 235 and 236 to 4.00 in accession 533 of T.arjuna. Per cent fruit set was 3.0 to 3.2 in accessions 501 and 531, respectively of T.tomentosa under open pollination condition. There was no fruit set in un - pollinated and covered racemes. Days required for fruit initiation in T.arjuna x T.arjuna combination varied between 12 to 14 days and fruit set was 1.8 to 2.5 percent. In T.arjuna x T.tomentosa combinations initiation of fruit set took 10 (acc.701 x acc.501) to 14 (acc.533 x acc.531) days and fruit set was 1.5 to 2.4 per cent. Present studies indicate that inter-specific hybridization is possible in T.arjuna and T.tomentosa. New hybrid varieties can be developed through inter-specific hybridization having higher yield in comparison to the existing genotypes.

Cardiodepressant activity of 90% alcoholic extract of Terminalia arjuna and its probable mechanism of action.

Background: Terminalia arjuna is being used in various cardiovascular diseases as cardiotonic, diuretic & in hypercholesterolemia. Studies conflict each other for its mechanism of action. This study aims to investigate effect of 90% alcoholic extract of Terminalia arjuna on in vitro isolated rabbit’s heart & to find its probable mechanism of action. Objective: To study the preliminary pharmacological effects of 90% alcoholic extract of Terminalia arjuna in-vitro on isolated heart, coronary blood flow, and to study its probable mechanism of action. Material & Methods: Effect of Terminalia arjuna was observed on heart rate, coronary blood flow, amplitude on in vitro isolated perfused rabbit’s heart mounted on langendorff apparatus & further cholinergic & adrenergic blockers were used to study the mechanism of action. Six experiments were conducted for each parameter & data was analysed using Student’s t test. Results: Terminalia arjuna causes mean percentage decrease of 7.26%, 9.31% & 20.51% in heart rate, decrease of 10.34%, 16.64%, 20.51% in coronary blood flow & decrease of 15.11%, 12.61%, 11.65% in amplitude at 25μg, 50μg & 100μg doses respectively. The decrease in heart rate, coronary blood flow & amplitude persists even after cholinergic & adrenergic blockers suggesting that cholinergic & adrenergic receptors are not involved in mechanism of Terminalia arjuna. Conclusion: Terminalia arjuna cardiodepressant effect does not involve cholinergic & adrenergic receptors.

Analysis of phytochemical profile of Terminalia arjuna bark extract with antioxidative and antimicrobial properties

Objective: To investigate phytochemical screening, antimicrobial activity and qualitative thin layer chromatographic separation of flavonoid components, antioxidant activity and total flavonoid compound of Terminalia arjuna. Methods:For phytochemical screening, some common and available standard tests were done. Antimicrobial bioassay was done through agar well diffusion method. Detection of antioxidant activity and flavonoid compounds were done through thin layer chromatography. Total antioxidant activity was measured by 2, 2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) in colorimetric method. Aluminum chloride colorimetric method was used for total flavonoid determination. Results:Phytochemical screening showed the active compounds presence in high concentration, such as phytosterol, lactones, flavonoids, phenolic compounds and tannins and glycosides. The antimicrobial activity of extract showed that greater inhibition zone against Gram negative bacteria than Gram positive bacteria. This methanolic extract showed a promising antioxidant activity, as absorption of DPPH redicles decreased in DPPH free radical scavenging assay. Flavonoids components having antioxidant property present in the methanol extract at a level of 199.00 mg quercetin equivalent/g of dried methanol extract in colorimetric method. Conclusions: The Terminalia arjuna bark extract revealed the presence of bio-active constituents which are known to exhibit medicinal as well as physiological activities.

Studies on the reproductive and pollen biology of Terminalia Arjuna, W&A (Combretaceae).

Terminalia arjuna is a deciduous tree widely distributed in tropical semi-evergreen and moist deciduous forests. Flowers of T. arjuna have ten stamens, which remain inside the bud and anthesis is carried out at different times of the day. Pollen grains are yellow in colour, medium and spherical, aperture is tri zonocolporate and exine is smooth. The pollen: ovule ratio is about 15,400 : 1. Optimum germination was seen in BBM + 12.5% sucrose. After 16 hr of anthesis, the pollen grains lost their viability and there was no fruit set. The current findings will be useful in studying pollen – pistil interactions, gene flow and heterozygosity of the T. arjuna populations.

Anti-hyperlipidemic and antioxidant potential of different fractions of Terminalia arjuna Roxb. bark against PX- 407 induced hyperlipidemia.

The three fractions diethyl ether, ethyl acetate and ethanol. of T. arjuna exerted hypolipidemic and antioxidative effects at two different doses levels of 175 and 350 mg/kg body weight in Poloxamer (PX)-407 induced hyperlipidemic albino Wistar rats. The hypolipidemic and antioxidant effects of T. arjuna fractions were noticed as EtOH>diethyl ether>ethyl acetate. The results suggest that ethanolic fraction of T. arjuna possesses the potent properties of being antioxidant and hypolipidemic than other fractions. In turn, it has therapeutic potential for the prevention of coronary arterial disease.

Arjunolic acid: A novel phytomedicine with multifunctional therapeutic applications.

Herbal plants with antioxidant activities are widely used in Ayurvedic medicine for cardiac and other problems. Arjunolic acid is one such novel phytomedicine with multifunctional therapeutic applications. It is a triterpenoid saponin, isolated earlier from Terminalia arjuna and later from Combretum nelsonii, Leandra chaeton etc. Arjunolic acid is a potent antioxidant and free radical scavenger. The scientific basis for the use of arjunolic acid as cardiotonic in Ayurvedic medicine is proven by its vibrant functions such as prevention of myocardial necrosis, platelet aggregation and coagulation and lowering of blood pressure, heart rate and cholesterol levels. Its antioxidant property combined with metal chelating property protects organs from metal and drug induced toxicity. It also plays an effective role in exerting protection against both type I and type II diabetes and also ameliorates diabetic renal dysfunctions. Its therapeutic multifunctionality is shown by its wound healing, antimutagenic and antimicrobial activity. The mechanism of cytoprotection conferred by arjunolic acid can be explained by its property to reduce the oxidative stress by enhancing the antioxidant levels. Apart from its pathophysiological functions, it possesses dynamic insecticidal property and it is used as a structural molecular framework in supramolecular chemistry and nanoscience. Esters of arjunolic acid function as gelators of a wide variety of organic liquids. Experimental studies demonstrate the versatile effects of arjunolic acid, but still, further investigations are necessary to identify the functional groups responsible for its multivarious effects and to study the molecular mechanisms as well as the probable side effects/toxicity owing to its long-term use. Though the beneficial role of this triterpenoid has been assessed from various angles, a comprehensive review of its effects on biochemistry and organ pathophysiology is lacking and this forms the rationale of this review.