Effects of Arjuna tree-bark powder on Antioxidant and cholesterol: A clinical study
by Forest Raga February 22, 2021
The present study was carried out to investigate the efficacy and safety of the Effects of Arjuna tree-bark powder on Antioxidant and hypocholesterolemic
Objective
To evaluate the antioxidant and hypocholesterolemic effects of Terminalia arjuna tree bark (a popular cardiotonic substance in Indian pharmacopeia) and to compare it with a known antioxidant, vitamin E, we performed a randomized controlled trial.
Treatment Offered
One hundred and five successive patients with coronary heart disease (CHD) presenting to our center were recruited and using a Latin-square design divided into 3 groups of 35 each. The groups were matched for age, lifestyle and dietary variables, clinical diagnosis, and drug treatment status. None of the patients was on lipid-lowering drugs. Supplemental vitamins were stopped for one month before the study began and American Heart Association Step II dietary advice was given to all. At baseline, total cholesterol, triglycerides, HDL and LDL cholesterol and lipid peroxide estimated as thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS) were determined. Group I received placebo capsules; Group II vitamin E capsules 400 units/day; and Group III received finely pulverized T. arjuna tree bark-powder (500 mg) in capsules daily. Lipids and lipid peroxide levels were determined at 30 days follow-up. One hundred and five successive patients with coronary heart disease (CHD) presenting to our center were recruited and using a Latin-square design divided into 3 groups of 35 each. The groups were matched for age, lifestyle and dietary variables, clinical diagnosis, and drug treatment status. None of the patients was on lipid-lowering drugs. Supplemental vitamins were stopped for one month before the study began and American Heart Association Step II dietary advice was given to all. At baseline, total cholesterol, triglycerides, HDL and LDL cholesterol and lipid peroxide estimated as thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS) were determined. Group I received placebo capsules; Group II vitamin E capsules 400 units/day; and Group III received finely pulverized T. arjuna tree bark-powder (500 mg) in capsules daily. Lipids and lipid peroxide levels were determined at 30 days follow-up.
Results
The response rate in various groups varied from 86% to 91%. No significant changes in total, HDL, LDL cholesterol, and triglycerides levels were seen in Groups I and II (paired t-test p > 0.05). In Group III there was a significant decrease in total cholesterol (-9.7 +/- 12.7%), and LDL cholesterol (-15.8 +/- 25.6%) (paired t-test p < 0.01). Lipid peroxide levels decreased significantly in both the treatment groups (p < 0.01). This decrease was more in the vitamin E group (-36.4 +/- 17.7%) as compared to the T. arjuna group (-29.3 +/- 18.9%).Conclusion
Terminalia arjuna tree bark powder has a significant antioxidant action that is comparable to vitamin E. In addition, it also has a significant hypocholesterolaemic effect.
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