The present study demonstrated prophylactic and therapeutic potential of Terminalia arjuna bark extract in isoproterenol (ISO)-induced chronic heart failure (CHF). Fifteen days after injection of ISO (85 mg/kg twice at an interval of 24 h, s.c), rats showed decline in maximal rate of rise and fall of left ventricular pressure (LV (dP/dt)_max and LV (dP/dt)_min), cardiac contractility index (LV (dP/dt)_max/LVP), cardiac output and rise in LV end-diastolic pressure. CHF rats showed a significant increase in serum creatine kinase isoenzyme-MB (CK-MB) and malondialdehyde levels, as well as fall in the activities of superoxide dismutase, reduced glutathione. Altered lipid profile and increased level of cytokine tumour necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) along with histological changes in heart were also observed in CHF rats. T. arjuna bark extract (500 mg/kg, p.o) treatment prior and 15 days after ISO injection significantly attenuated cardiac dysfunction and myocardial injury in CHF rats. Cardioprotective action of T. arjuna was comparable to fluvastatin, a synthetic drug. The results suggest that T. arjuna bark extract has a significant prophylactic and therapeutic beneficial effect on protection of heart against ISO-induced CHF possibly through maintaining endogenous antioxidant enzyme activities, inhibiting lipid peroxidation and cytokine levels.

Objectives: The purpose of this study was to compare the effect of lumbar stabilization exercise and thoracic mobilization with strengthening exercise on pain level, thoracic kyphosis, and functional disability in patients with Chronic Low Back Pain (CLBP). Methods: Thirty patients with CLBP were recruited based on inclusion and exclusion criteria. They were randomly allocated into two groups i. e., Group A (n = 15) and B (n = 15). Group A has received lumbar stabilization exercise and thoracic mobilization with strengthening exercises and Group B received only lumbar stabilization exercises, three sessions per week for 4 weeks both the groups. The conventional moist hot pack and interferential therapy was given to both the groups before the administration of exercise. Pre- and post-treatment pain level, Thoracic kyphosis, and functional disability were taken and statistical analysis was done. Results: The result of this study showed significant improvement from pre-intervention to post-intervention on pain level, thoracic kyphosis, and functional disability for both the groups i. e., Group A and group B but Group A showed greater changes in Numerical pain rating scale (NPRS), Kyphotic index, and Oswestry disability index (ODI), than Group B. Conclusions: The 4 week of therapeutic intervention including lumbar stabilization exercise with thoracic mobilization and strengthening exercise showed significantly reduction of the thoracic kyphosis, pain level and functional disability in patients with Chronic Low Back Pain.

Chronic heart failure (CHF) is characterized by left ventricular (LV) dysfunction along with impaired autonomic control functions. Herbal drugs are increasingly being used in the treatment of cardiovascular disorders. The present study was designed to examine the protective effect of Terminalia arjuna ( T arjuna) bark extract on LV and baroreflex function in CHF and to elucidate the possible mechanistic clues in its cardioprotective action. The baroreflex was evaluated by measuring the changes in heart rate (HR) with changes in arterial blood pressure induced by bolus injections of phenylephrine (vasoconstrictor) and sodium nitroprusside (vasodilator). T arjuna bark extract and fluvastatin were tested/administered therapeutically and prophylactically in isoproterenol-induced rat model of CHF. Fifteen days after isoproterenol administration, rats exhibited cardiac dysfunction, hypertrophy, and LV remodeling along with reduced baroreflex sensitivity. Prophylactic and therapeutic treatment with T arjuna improved cardiac functions and baroreflex sensitivity. It also attenuated hypertrophy and fibrosis of the LV. Fluvastatin treatment exerted a similar protective effect against myocardial remodeling and heart failure. Further, T arjuna and fluvastatin significantly reduced oxidative stress and inflammatory cytokine level in CHF rats. In conclusion, T arjuna exerts beneficial effect on LV functions, myocardial remodeling, and autonomic control in CHF possibly through maintaining endogenous antioxidant enzyme activities, inhibiting lipid peroxidation and cytokine levels.

Vascular complications are a leading cause of mortality and morbidity in diabetic patients. Herbal drugs are increasingly being used in the treatment of cardiovascular disorders. The present study was designed to examine the therapeutic potential of Terminalia arjuna bark extract in improving myocardial function in streptozotocin (STZ)-induced diabetic rats. After 8 weeks of STZ administration, rats showed a decline in left ventricular pressure (LVP), maximal rate of rise and fall in LVP (LV [dP/dt] max and LV [dP/dt] min), cardiac contractility index (LV [dP/dt] max/LVP), and rise in LV end-diastolic pressure. Altered lipid profile, oxidative stress, and increased levels of endothelin 1 (ET-1), tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), and interleukin 6 (IL-6) along with histological changes in heart and pancreas were observed in diabetic rats. T arjuna significantly attenuated cardiac dysfunction and myocardial injury in diabetic rats. It also reduced oxidative stress, ET-1, and inflammatory cytokine levels. The decreased body weight, heart rate blood pressure, and raised blood sugar in diabetic rats did not improve after T arjuna therapy. Results suggest that T arjuna bark extract improves the altered myocardial function in diabetic rats possibly through maintaining endogenous antioxidant enzyme activities, decreasing ET-1 and cytokine levels.

The present study aimed to evaluate the therapeutic and prophylactic potential of Coriandrum sativum extract in isoproterenol-induced heart failure (HF) in Wistar rats. Two weeks after the isoproterenol administration, rats developed severe impairment in left ventricular functions, reduced baroreflex sensitivity, and significant alteration in hemodynamic parameters and lipid profile. HF rats also exhibited enhanced lipid peroxidation and increased expression of endothelin receptors (ET_A and ET_B). Therapeutic and prophylactic treatment with C. sativum extract significantly (p < .05) improved the left ventricular functions and hemodynamic parameters and increased baroreflex sensitivity. It also inhibited lipid peroxidation, improved lipid profile, and downregulated the expression of endothelin receptors. Simvastatin treatment showed a similar cardioprotective effect. Our results suggest that C. sativum extract provides significant protection from heart failure possibly due to its ability to improve left ventricular functions and baroreflex sensitivity, attenuate lipid peroxidation, and modulate the expression of endothelin receptors.