Experimenta; and clinical studies ont eh effect os terminalia arjuna in hy6perlipdemia

The increasing morbidity and mortality from coronary heart disease is the biggest challenge to nutritionists and medical scientists all over the world. There is no single etiology to this multifaceted problem. Certain risk factors have been identified, elevated serum lipids bein the most important. The indigenous drug T. ar.juna when administered alon with cholesterol to rabbits, was round to decrease serum cholesterol, LDL-C, VLDL-C, TG and glucose levels significantly. However, the impact of the drug was most in lowering tissue cholesterol levels (70.6% in liver, 75.6% in heart and 47.6% in aorta cholesterol levels).Histopathological examination of aorta showed reression of atherosclerotic plaque size. In hvoerlipidemic patients with hypertension treated with T. arjuna capsules for 3 months, a significant decrease in serum cholesterol, LDL-C, VLDL-C and LCAT levels was observed, along with an increase in Apo AI and HDL-C levels.The blood pressure of these patients was also lowered. From these data it could be suggested that T. ar.juna may have potential as a hypolipidemic, hypoglycemic and antihypertensive agent and raay afford protection aainst' the development of atherosclerosis.