High Blood Pressure / Hypertension and Herbs – Arjuna

Arjuna to Lower High Blood Pressure / Hypertension

Scientific name: Terminalia arjuna

Part used: bark

Constituent that helps lower high blood pressure: Co-enzyme Q-10 and arjunoids.

The bark of Arjuna which is rich in Co-enzyme Q-10 has long been used in Ayurveda for treatment of hypertension. Co-enzyme Q-10 is a catalyst in the production and transportation of energy required for normal functioning of the organs. It also protects LDL cholesterol from damage through oxidation. Incidentally, the heart and the liver have the highest demand for Co Q-10 because of the nature of their function. Co Q-10 depletes with age and as we reach our fifties, the heart muscles become weaker resulting in high blood pressure and palpitations. Meanwhile, the LDL becomes too oxidized to function properly, so it builds up in the artery walls blocking the walls and raising blood pressure further. Supplementation of Co Q-10 is thus required to improve heart function and lower high blood pressure

Numerous researches have shown the blood pressure lowering effect and cholesterol lowering effect of T. arjuna. One of the studies found that 70 percent alcoholic extract of Terminalia arjuna in a dose of 6 mg/kg of body weight significantly lowered blood pressure in experimental animals.

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Dose: 1) 250 mg – 500 mg capsules to be taken twice a day or as directed by physician. 2) 3-6 gm of Arjuna powder dissolved in 50-100 ml of water to be taken once a day.

Side effects: High amount of this plant extract may cause hepatotoxicity as well as hypothyroidism in some individuals.