Effect of terminalia arjuna on isoproterenol induced myocardial infarction.

ABSTRACT

Terminalia arjuna has been reported as a cardio tonic in the ancient literature. Its bark is used in many commercial formulations. Its effect on isoproterenol induced myocardial infarction has been studied. Treatment of albino rats with T. arjuna bark showed a marked cardio protective effect. The administration of isoproterenol significantly increased the levels of SGOT, SGPT, CPK and alkaline phosphatase. T. arjuna treatment prevented the elevation of the activities of these enzymes. Further, the treatment with T. arjuna alone caused a marked decrease in the basal activities of SGOT, SGPT and alkaline phosphatase, bringing them below the normal levels, present in control animals. It also affected the serum HDL and triglyceride levels overcoming the adverse effect of isoproterenol on these parameters. These effects were further substantiated by the histopathological studies of cardiac tissues. These data suggest that T. arjuna can be used as a general cardio tonic and can be beneficial in the prevention and treatment of heart ailments