Indian Journal of Traditional Knowledge

Vol. 5(3), July 2006, pp. 420-427

Natural remedies for heart diseases

Lokhande PD*, Jagdale SC & Chabukswar AR
Center for Advanced Studies, Department of Organic Chemistry, University of Pune, Pune 411007, Maharashtra
E-mail: pdlokhande@rediffmail.com
Received 17 March 2005; revised 11 April 2005
Heart diseases have posed a great challenge in the developing countries. Heredity, high blood pressure, diabetes, high
serum cholesterol, smoking, improper diet and stressful life styles are the factors, which are responsible for heart diseases. In
Ayurveda believes that heart diseases are due to the imbalance of three doshas and bringing the normal levels of these tridoshas back to normal will be major step in management of heart diseases. Ayurveda treats heart diseases at two levels; first
level is the preventive one and second level deals with the treatment of heart diseases with different plants and their formulations. In the paper, some of the plants and formulations, useful in the treatment of heart diseases have been summarized.
Keywords: Ayurvedic drugs, Heart diseases, Medicinal plants, Natural remedies
IPC Int. Cl.8: A61K36/00,A61P9/00, A61P9/04, A61P9/06, A61P9/08, A61P9/10, A61P9/12

Ayurveda is a traditional and most commonly

practiced form of medicine in India1. Ayurveda comes
from the words Ayur (life) and Veda (knowledge).
The concept of Ayurveda is based on a combined
study of body (Sharira), sense organs (Indriyas),
mind (Manas) and soul (Atman)2. Equilibrium of all
these is related to health. When an imbalance exists
among any one of the three Doshas, Ayurveda
suggests a unique combination of food, exercise,
meditation and herbs. Ayurvedic herbs stimulate the
function of specific organs in the body, possibly by
altering hormones, affecting immunity and
neurotransmitters, and conveying antioxidant
properties 3. Cardiovascular problems have been dealt
in detail in Ayurveda, which describes Hridaya
(heart) as a body organ governing emotions and
circulating blood to keep a person alive and healthy.
Heart Disease (Hrudroga) is a global phenomenon. It
is now becoming a major health problem even in
developing countries4. The predisposing factors are
heredity, high blood pressure, diabetes, high serum
cholesterol and smoking5. Improper diet and stressful
life styles lead to thickening of arteries (Dhamani
praticaya) or hardening of arteries (Dhamani
kathinaya) resulting in angio-obstruction (Vata dosa)
and angina (Ruja).
Ayurveda has given different plants and formulations, which are useful in managing heart diseases6
Table 1).

*Corresponding author

Angina
It is characterized by pain normally felt in the
chest, also occurs in jaws or abdomen. In some cases,
it may cause no symptoms (a condition called silent
ischemia.) If a blood clot suddenly cuts off most or all
blood supply to the heart, a heart attack results7-9. An
Ayurvedic mixture of Abana formulation significantly
reduces the frequency and severity of angina attacks.
Guggul reduces the serum cholesterol levels. Green
tea helps to avoid clogging arteries. Garlic prevents
oxidation of LDL cholesterol and liver from producing excess fat and cholesterol. Hawthorn dilates coronary blood vessels, improves blood flow; strengthens
heart muscles and helps to rid of excess salt and water. Turmeric lowers blood cholesterol levels and
checks blood clots. Ginkgo biloba Linn. improves
blood flow. Alfalfa leaves and sprouts help to reduce
blood cholesterol levels and plaque deposits on artery
walls. Ginger reduces cholesterol and prevents blood
clots. Citrin (Garcinia cambogia Desr. extract), inhibits synthesis of fatty acids in the liver. Other beneficial herbs for cardiovascular disorders include barberry, black cohosh, butcher's broom, cayenne (capsicum), dandelion, ginseng, and valerian root.

Hypertension (High blood pressure)

Blood pressure is the force of blood against the
walls of arteries10. Low blood pressure is related to
weakness of the digestive fire. It is common in vata
types, due to poor circulation; in kapha type, it occurs

LOKHANDE et al.: NATURAL REMEDIES FOR HEART DISEASES

421

Table 1Plants used in Ayurvedic Pharmacopoeia56-58

Plant name

Plant parts used, preparation and dosage

Design and model

Result

Azadirachta indica

Decoction of Azadirachta indica, Boerhaavia

diffusa, Cedrusdeodar, Picrorhiza kurrooa,
Terminalia chebula, Tinospora cordifolia,
Trichosanthes lobata, Inula raceomosa (2 gm
each, 8 hrly); Commiphora mukul (1/2 gm 8
hrly); and Urgenia indica 100 mg (8 hrly).

14 cases of congestive heart failure

All patients were given the decoction and Urgenia indica; patients
with ischaemic heart disease, cardiomyopathy and cor pulmonale
were given powder of Inula racemosa, while patients with
rheumatic heart disease were given
Commiphora mukul. After 2 weeks,
10 patients were cured completely,
2 had bradycardia and 2 were
refractory.

Cassia fistula

Cassia fistula

Albino rats

Administration of Cassia fistula

produced a significant decrease in
blood and liver total lipids. Brain,
spleen, kidneys and heart followed a
similar trend but with moderate
effect. Blood, liver kidneys, spleen
and heart total cholesterol significantly decreased. The level of triglycerides was markedly improved.

Cedrus deodara

Decoction of Azadirachta indica, Boerhaavia

diffusa, Cedrus deodara, Picrorhiza kurrooa,
Terminalia chebula, Tinospora cordifolia,
Trichosantes lobata, Inula Racemosa (2 gm
each, 8 hrly); Commiphora mukul ( gm 8
hrly), Urgenic indica (100 mg, 8 hrly).

14 cases of congestive heart failure

All patients were given the decoction and Urgenia indica. Patients
with ischemic heart disease, cardiomyopathy and cor pulmonale
were given powder of Inula acemosa, while patients with rheumatic
heart disease were given Commiphora mukul. After 2 weeks 10
patients were cured completely, 2
had bradycardia and 2 were refractory.

Cocos nucifera

Coconut and coconut oil

Clinical trial: 32
coronary heart disease16
matched
healthy controls

Consumption of coconut oil was

found to be similar in both groups.
The groups did not differ in the fat,
cholesterol consumption. The result
implies no specific role for coconut
or coconut oil in the causation of
coronary heart disease in this set of
patients.

Elephantopusscaber

Aqueous and hydroalcoholic extracts (0.36

gm/kg) of Elephantopus scaber whole plant.

Mice, rats

Both extracts induced writhing, loss

of muscle tone, ataxia, prostration
and death. Both reduced brewers
yeast- induced hyperthemia but
when given orally did not affect it.
Aqueous extract reduced intestinal
transit time while the hydroalcoholic extract increased it. Given IV,
blood pressure and heart rate were
reduced.

Myristica fragrans

Ethanolic extract of Myristica fragrans 500

mg/kg orally for 60 days.

Albino rabbits and

controls

Total cholesterol, LDL, triglycerides, and cholesterol were significantly reduced. Extract also showed
platelet antiaggregatory ability and a
(Contd)

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INDIAN J TRADITIONAL KNOWLEDGE, VOL. 5, No. 3, JULY 2006

Table 1Plants used in Ayurvedic Pharmacopoeia56-58Contd

Plant name

Plant parts used, preparation and dosage

Design and model

Result
significant decrease of total cholesterol levels in heart and liver.

Picrorhiza kurrooa

Decoction of Azadirachta indica, Boerhaavia

diffusa, Cedrus deodara, Picrorhiza kurrooa,
Terminalia chebula, Tinospora cordifolia,
Trichosantes lobataand Inula racemosa (2 gm
each, 8 hrly); Commiphora muku, (1/2 gm 8
hrly); Urgenic indica (100 mg, 8 hrly).

14 cases of congestive heart failure

Patients were given Urgenia indica

decoction. Patients with ischemic
heart disease, cardiomyopathy and
cor pulmonale were given powder
of Inula racemosa, while patients
with rheumatic heart disease were
given Commiphora mukul. After 2
weeks 10 patients were cured completely, 2 had bradycardia and 2
were refractory.

Terminalia arjuna

Terminalia arjuna bark (500 mg, 8 hourly).

Clinical randomized
controlled
doubleblind trial: 12 with
congestive
heart
failure NYHA Class
IV

Terminalia arjuna compared to

placebo therapy was associated with
improvement in symptoms and significant signs of heart failure. On
long-term evaluation (phase II),
patient continued to show improvement in symptoms, signs, effort
tolerance, and NYHA class.

Terminalia chebula

Decoction of Azadirachta indica, Boerhaavia

diffusa, Picrorhiza kurrooa, Terminalia chebula, Tinospora cordifolia, Trichosantes lobata,
Commiphora mukul (1/2 gm each, 8hrly; Urgenia indica(100 mg, 8 hrly).

14 cases of congestive, heart failure

Patients were given the decoction

and Urgenia indica. Patients with
ischemic heart disease, cardiomyopathy and cor pulmonale were
given Inula racemosa powder,
while patients withrheumatic heart
disease were given Commiphora
mukul. After two weeks 10 patients
were cured completely, 2 had bradycardia, and 2 were refractory.

because of congestion and stagnation with phlegm

clogging and reducing the blood flow; while in pitta
type, it is mainly associated with anemia or damaged
liver function. From Ayurvedic perspective, hypertension is commonly a pitta condition11. However, it can
occur in the other doshas as well. Generally, it is of
three types. Vata hypertension is due to worry, strain,
overwork, anxiety or insomnia, frequently associated
with nervous system disorders. Kapha Hypertension
is due to obesity, tiredness, edema, and high cholesterol. Pitta Hypertension is associated with liver disorders and the accumulation of internal heat.
Treatment includes avoidance of dairy, butter, eggs
and high fat foods, incorporating plenty of hot spices
in the diet, particularly mustard and onions12. Crushed
garlic clove with honey is taken once or twice a week.
Nutmeg or Saraswat powder is given with warm milk.
Mixture (1-3 gm) of Ashwagandha 1 part, Valerian 1
part, Gotu kola 1 part taken with warm water or with
ghee calms the nerves and relieves heat and stress13.

Arjuna preparations like Trikatu are very useful.

Herbs such as gotu kola, calamus, valerian, skullcap,
jatamamsi, turmeric, cinnamon, ginger, cayenne, garlic, black pepper, myrrh, motherwort, hawthorn berries, barberry, katuka and cardamom are recommended for this condition14. For vata types garlic is
used; for kapha types cayenne or Trikatu is used;
while for Pitta types, saffron or turmeric in a base of
aloe gel is used. Gotu kola is another useful herb for
Pitta hypertension. Brahma Rasayana and Saraswat
powder are also used.
Heart Attack (Myocardial Infarction)
A heart attack (myocardial infarction) occurs when
a coronary artery abruptly fails to deliver blood to a
part of heart. Arteriosclerosis means thickening and
hardening of artery walls due to calcium deposits15. In
atherosclerosis, the deposits consist of fatty substances, and artery walls lose elasticity and harden.
Both arteriosclerosis and atherosclerosis affect circu-

LOKHANDE et al: NATURAL REMEDIES FOR HEART DISEASES

lation. If not taken care of they can ultimately lead to

high blood pressure and to angina (chest pain), heart
attack, stroke, and/or sudden cardiac death.
Kapha and pitta types are due to fat accumulations.
Vata type is from the hardening of the arteries16,17.
Treatment for arteriosclerosis is similar to the treatment of heart diseases and for hypertension. Hypertension usually follows arteriosclerosis. Guggul lowers high cholesterol and is useful for Kapha. It improves circulation, reduces pain, removes accumulations and promotes healing. 1 gm is taken in the
morning and evening for three months. Garlic is taken
along with honey. Calamus, turmeric, elecampane,
aloe vera gel with turmeric or safflower, katuka,
myrrh, saffron, motherwort, and hawthorn berries are
other useful herbs.
Cardiomyopathies (Vatika Hrudoga)
Vatika Hrudyoga comprises of an umbrella of disorders. The main features include excruciating pain in
heart, pricing, squeezing and crushing. Other features
include breathlessness, feeling of emptiness in chest,
palpitation, sudden lethargy, and loss of consciousness18. The Ayurvedic treatment of IHD comprises of
Panchkarmas, which mainly includes Virechna (Purgation) and Basti (medicated enemas). Internal medicines include drugs like Ajmoda, Vishatinduka and
Bold. Externally a local treatment, known as HridBasti, which is a type of oleation (Snehana) incorporating application of oils, decoctions, juices of herbs
locally on mid sternal zone, forming a wall of wet
gram paste is given.
Congenital heart disease & cardiovascular diseases
Congenital means inborn or existing at birth. In order to rectify the defects cardiac surgery is needed 19.
According to Caraka Samhita of Agnivesa, plants
termed as cardiac tonic are as follows
Botanical name/Family

Common
names

Useful parts

Magnifera indica Linn.

(Anacardiaceae)

Aam, Amba

Fruit

Gmelina asiatica, Linn.

(Verbenaceae)

Badhar

Fruit

Carissa carandas, Linn.

(Apocynaceae)

Karanda

Fruit, Bark, Leaves

Garcina indica Choisy

(Guttifereae)

Amsul

Fruit

Garcinia pedunculata

Amlavettas

Fruit

423

Roxb. (Guttifereae)
Ziziphus jujuba Mill. ;
Ziziphus nummularia
Wight & Arn. (Rhamnaceae)

Kuval, Bor

Fruit, Leaves

Punica Granatum Linn.

(Lythraceae)

Anardana

Flowers, Fruits

Citrus medica Linn.

(Rutaceae)

Mahalung

Fruit

Emblica officinalis Gaertn. (Amla/Amalaki) is used

to rebuild and maintain new tissues and increases red
blood cell count. It is the highest natural source of
vitamin C and reduces pitta without aggravating vata
or kapha. It is a one of three herbs used in triphala,
the primary Ayurvedic tonic for maintaining health 20.
In Ayurveda, Amla fruits are reputed Rasayanas and
rejuvenators. They are extensively used in Ayurvedic
preparations for the treatment of a number of diseases
and debility states and are one of the three constituents of triphala, which is a remedy for constipation,
indigestion and hyperacidity21. It contains gallic and
ellagic acids, hydrolysable tannins, ascorbic acid (Vitamin C), phyllembic acid emblicol, and alkaloids22.
This Plant has shown its mettle in the areas of digestive, heart health, and diabetics23-25. Plant even help to
reduce the toxic side effects of chemotherapy, restores
antioxidant status to the kidneys, and reduces blood
sugar levels in diabetics26-27. They have potent immunomodulatory, immunostimulant, antipyretic, spasmolytic, antifungal, antibacterial and antiviral activities.
Terminalia arjuna (Roxb.) Wight & Arn. (Arjuna)
bark is used as medicine28. Six teaspoonfuls of Arjunarishta are given to the patient twice daily after
food with an equal quantity of water29. Arjuna is a
cardiac tonic used in Ayurveda for a variety of heart
conditions30. Often it is combined with ashwagandha,
brahmi and guggul in heart formulas. Arjuna is a
coronary vasodilator, protects the heart, strengthens
circulation, and helps to maintain the tone and health
of the heart muscle. 1/2 teaspoon (500 milligrams to
one gram) 3 times a day is given with honey and
warm water. Administered at a dose of 15 mg/kg, arjunolic acid could protect against damage wreaked by
myocardial necrosis, which translates into irreparable
damage to heart cells31.
Ocimum sanctum Linn (Tulsi) is used against a
wide variety of diseases32. Tulsi leaves are household
remedy for common cold and cough. Ayurvedic text
describes the herb to be aromatic and a pacifier/normaliser of vitiated and deranged Kapha-vata

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INDIAN J TRADITIONAL KNOWLEDGE, VOL. 5, No. 3, JULY 2006

doshas and is useful in blood disorders (Raktavikar).

Phytochemical investigations of leaves have shown
the presence of flavones, glycosides, gallic acid and
its ester, caffeic acid and volatile oil having eugenol
(70.5%) as the main component. Tulsi leaf extract has
shown adaptogenic, antiinflammatory and antiasthmatic activities.
Picrorhiza kurroa Royal ex. Benth. (Kutaki) rhizome is used for the treatment of fever, jaundice, liver
afflictions, bile disorders, against infections, inflammatory and drainage morbid conditions33. The herb
pacifies the vitiated Kapha-vata doshas and corrects
imbalance in them. It is astringent, bitter and a valuable tonic, extensively employed for rejuvenation
therapy. It contains phenolic glycosides (androsinaglycone, apocymine), Iridoid glycosides (Kutkoside,
picrosides I, II, III), Cucurbitaceous glycosides, vinallic acid, cinnamic acid. Active constituents of the herb
have been found to be responsible for the inhibition of
free oxygen radicals. Picroliv, a standardised fraction
from root shows hepatoprotective activity against
liver cirrhosis and liver toxicity, promoting the repair
of injured tissues. The standard fraction, Picroliv also
has exhibited hypolipidaemic action, altering lipolytic
activities in plasma, liver, heart and adipose stimulating catabolism of risky low-density lipoprotein (LDL)
while increasing the beneficial high-density lipoprotein (HDL) fraction. Roots also show antiasthmatic
activity.
Tinospora cordifolia (Willd) Miers (Giloe/Guduchi) consisting of stem of the herb, restores a
balance among the vitiated and deranged kapha, vata
and pitta doshas and is alterative and bitter. Categorised in Ayurveda as Rasayana, the herb is used in
inflammation and rheumatism, diabetes, jaundice and
allied liver problems and malarial fever 34. Chemical
investigations of the stems have isolated compounds,
broadly classified as alkaloids (berberine), glycosides
(furanoid diterpene glycoside), lactones (Tinosporon,
tinosporide), stearols and fatty acids. They are found
to be rich in calcium (1.06%). Trace elementsmanganese, zinc, copper and cobalt are also reported.
T. cordifolia herb possesses potent immunomodulatory and immunostimulant activities. It produces significant leucocytosis (increased number of leucocytes
in blood) in response to infection and predominant
neutrophilia affording an increased protection against
susceptibility to pathogenic infections. The herb is an
adaptogen, and induces a marked protection against
restraint stress-induced ulceration and other stress-

mediated effects. Utility and therapeutic value of the

herb has been demonstrated in various liver disorders
including jaundice, and exhibited antihyperglycaemic
activity35. Toxicity study has shown the herb to be
non-toxic with wide safety margin36.
Convolvulus pluricaulis Choisy (Shankhpushpi) being astringent and bitter improves Kapha-vata-pitta
doshas. Plant has shown presence of glycosides, coumarins, flavonoids and alkaloids. Alkaloid Shankhapushpine, has been identified as active principle.
The herb induces a feeling of calm and peace, good
sleep and a relief in anxiety, stresses, and mental fatigue, producing a significant reduction in the level of
anxiety, neuroticism arising due to various levels of
stresses. The herb appears to produce its action by
modulation of neuro-chemistry of the brain. Further,
the herb is non-toxic and its use does not produce any
side effects.
Allium sativum Linn. (Garlic) is most important
substance helpful in alleviating vata doshas controlling blood pressure and lowering cholesterol. Garlic is
known to lower blood pressure, boost immune system, fight infections, and prevent cancer 37. Garlic
lowers the over all cholesterol counts and helps to
combat cold and flu38. It also is helpful against parasites, bacterial infection, cancer, ulcers and even
slows the growth of existing tumors.
Cinnamomum zeylanicum Breyn. (Cinnamon)
powder with honey reduces the level of cholesterol in
the blood by 10% within 2 hrs39.
Cratgus oxycantha Linn. (Hawthorn berry) tincture strengthens heartbeat and improves circulation in
the blood vessels of the heart. Hawthorn extract gently dilates the coronary vessels increasing the supply
of arterial blood to the heart. This action enhances
oxygen utilization, resulting in a stronger, and more
powerful heart muscle. Crataegus differs from digitalis, which is also an effective heart stimulant, in that
it does not produce side effects. Crataegus strengthens
the overall effect of digitalis40.
Centella asiatica Urban (Mandukaparni) has
shown promise in cognitive, circulatory, digestive
health and venous hypertensive microangiopathy41-42.
In microangiopathy in diabetics, the triterpenic fraction (60 mg twice daily for 12 months) decreased capillary filtration and edema, which in turn improved the
condition43.
Mucuna prurita Hook. (Kapikachchha) exhibited
efficacy in heart disease and diabetes. Alcohol extract
of M. pruriens inhibited lipid peroxidation, a factor in

LOKHANDE et al: NATURAL REMEDIES FOR HEART DISEASES

free radical damage and heart disease44. The extract

had an antilipid peroxidation property, due to its effect in removing hydroxyl radicals and super oxides.
200 mg/kg/d exerted maximum anti-hyperglycemic
effects after six weeks45.
Withania somnifera Dunal (Ashwagandha) has
immunostimulatory properties, exerts a positive influence on the endocrine, cardiopulmonary and central
nervous systems and improves memory46.
Azadirachta indica A. Juss. (Neem) is helpful in
coronary artery disease and heart arrhythmias47, in
addition to protecting against ulcers and strep infections48.
Gymnema sylvestre R. Br. (Meshasringa) shows
hypoglycemic and anti-hyperglycemic activity, useful
for diabetics49. An extract of leaves given to rats for
three weeks influenced lipid metabolism, improving
serum cholesterol and triglyceride levels50.
Ayurvedic formulations
The principles underlying Ayurvedic formulations
can be broken into four parts: synergy, opposition,
protection and enhancement. The various formulations used in heart diseases are as follows51-55:
Chandraprabha, is used to maintain healthy cholosterol levels and blood sugar levels. Abana containing
arjuna, ashwaganda, and shatavari promotes healthy
cholesterol levels, helps regulate blood pressure and
supplies needed oxygen to the heart. Abana regulates
serum lipids by lowering the cholesterol, triglyceride,
low-density lipoprotein (LDL) and very low-density
lipoprotein (VLDL) levels, and restores the cardioprotective high-density lipoprotein (HDL) level. Abana
also reduces platelet aggregation. Abana reduces the
sensitivity of the heart to adrenergic stimulation and
improves the contractility of the heart by exerting a
positive ionotropic action. Digest Ease is a digestion
formula for pitta. It supports proper digestion and absorption for individuals prone to hyperacidity and
heartburn. Arjuna, bala and hawthorn berry are effective in nourishing and strengthening heart muscle,
stimulating circulation and oxygen flow. It promotes
healthy cholesterol levels aiding in the defense of
heart disease. Arjuna (Koha) paste is helpful in heart
diseases, acne, and diarrhoea. Cholest Control, an
Ayurvedic herbal formulation helps to reduce cholesterol levels in the body. Guggul is effective in arthritis, bronchitis, atherosclerosis, diet & weight loss,
PMS, stress, and ulcers. Avipattikar churna containing Vindanga, Sharkara, Lavanga, Pipli, Trifala,

425

Mustaka, Ela, Tejpata, and Kala mirch is effective in

acidity, heartburn, gastritis, anorexia, loss of appetite,
constipation, and hyperactivity. Bala (Sida cordifolia
Linn.) is commonly used for heart diseases, soothing
for arthritic pain, rejuvenative, nutritive, and stimulant
for the heart, helps in the inflammation of nerve tissue. Bala pacifies high vata-pitta conditions. Haritaki
(Terminalia chebula Retz.; C.B. Clarke is used in
cough, asthma, abdominal distention, tumors, heart
disease, skin disease, and itching. Tribulus terrestris
Linn. is also used in cardiovascular diseases. Cardoclear regularizes heart function, maintains lipid and
cures heart diseases. Hriday Amrit is a remedy for
coronary heart diseases & other cardiac disorders.
Hriday Amrit is composed of Terminalia arjuna,
Boerhaavia diffusa Linn., Plumbago zeylanica Linn.,
Terminalia chebula Retz., Withania somnifera Dunal,
Vitex negundo Linn., Vanda roxburghii R. Br., Solanum nigrum Linn., Tinospora cordifolia Miers ex
Hook f.& Thoms., Piper longum Linn., Cyperus
scariosus R. Br., and Embelia ribes Burm. f.
Baidyanath Arjunarishta is a cardiac tonic. Art
Capsules contains garlic, hawthorn, passionflower
extract and vitamin E. Muktavati containing Bacopa
monnieri (Linn.) Pennel., Evolvulus alsinoides Linn.,
Inula racemosa Hook. f., Celastrus paniculatus
Willd., Withania somnifera Dunal, Onosma bracteatum Wall., Tinospora cordifolia Miers ex Hook f.&
Thoms., red coral powder and pearls is a remedy for
high blood pressure, anxiety and Insomnia. Hinguvachaadi Gutika is useful in pain in the heart, difficulty
in passing urine, anemia, haemorrhoids, hiccups, respiratory disorders, and cough. Arjuna Nectar improves poor blood circulation, increases red blood cell
count, Coronary heart disease, Heart palpitations, Irregular heartbeat, arteriosclerosis and angina pectoris.
Parthadyarishtam containing Arjuna for heart and
lung diseases, as a cardiac stimulant and for controlling blood pressure. Hridayarnava rasa and Prabhakara vati are given in various cardiovascular
diseases. Mrigamadasava is the ideal drug at the time
of acute attacks. The Blisfil Joy herbal supplement is
a restorative containing Arjuna, Ashwagandha and
other nourishing herbs.
Conclusion
Ayurveda has offered a novel remedies for the
management of heart diseases. Plants such as Arjuna,
Garlic, Cinnamon and their formulations are very useful in treating heart diseases. Guggula and pushkar-

INDIAN J TRADITIONAL KNOWLEDGE, VOL. 5, No. 3, JULY 2006

426

mula has been shown to be a best combination for

treatment of Ischemic heart diseases. Chandraprabha
and Abana formulations are helpful in lowering the
cholesterol levels. Research is required to find out the
specific molecules, responsible for the their beneficial
actions in heart diseases along with their toxicological
studies. The detail investigation of the plants and their
constituents for their pharmacological actions will
help in the development of new molecules for the
treatment of heart diseases.

19

20

21

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