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Myrobalan

Myrobalan is the name of a genus of trees. Three species of this plant genus are used for the production of medicine. These species are Terminalia arjuna, Terminalia bellerica, and Terminalia chebula.

In traditional Ayurvedic medicine, myrobalan has been used to balance the three "humors": Kapha, Pitta, and Vata. Myrobalan is also used for asthma, bile duct disorders, scorpion stings and poisoning. The bark of Terminalia arjuna has been used in India for more than 3000 years as a remedy and primarily to treat heart problems. An Indian physician named Vagbhata is considered to be the first physician to use this product to treat heart problems in the seventh century. Myrobalane products have been the subject of scientific research since the 1930s, but the results have been mixed. If Myrobalane products play a role in heart disease, this is not yet known. Nevertheless, Myrobalane products are used by some people for cardiovascular problems including heart disease and heart disease-related chest pain, high blood pressure and high cholesterol levels. They are also used as diuretics and for earache, dysentery, sexually transmitted diseases and urinary tract disorders, as well as to increase sexual desire. Terminalia bellerica and Terminalia chebula are used for high cholesterol levels and digestive problems including diarrhea, constipation and indigestion. They are also used to treat HIV infections. Terminalia bellerica is used to protect the liver and treat respiratory conditions including inflammation of the airways, coughs and sore throats.

Terminalia chebula is used to treat dysentery. Terminalia bellerica and Terminalia chebula are used as a lotion for inflamed eyes. Terminalia chebula is also used as a mouthwash and gargle solution. Terminalia chebula is also used intravaginally to treat vaginal infections. In Ayurvedic medicine, Terminalia bellerica is used in combination with Terminalia chebula and Emblica officinalis as a so-called "health harmonizer". This combination is also used to lower cholesterol levels and protect against the death of heart tissue.

How do Myrobalane products work?

Plants of the genus Myrobalane contain ingredients that may help to stimulate the heart. They may also help the heart by lowering cholesterol levels and blood pressure.

How effective are Myrobalane products?

Myrobalane products are potentially effective for the following applications:

  • Treating chest pain after a heart attack, when used in combination with conventional medication.
  • Treatment of heart failure, when used in combination with conventional medication.

However, long-term studies on a larger scale are needed to ensure the potential role of Myrobalane products in the treatment of cardiovascular diseases.

There is not enough scientific data to make a statement about the effectiveness of Myrobalane products for earache, lung disease, HIV infection, severe diarrhea, urinary tract problems and water retention.

Further scientific research is needed to evaluate the effectiveness of Myrobalane products in these applications.

Safety and side effects

The use of Terminalia arjuna is potentially safe and harmless for short-term use of up to three months. However, it should not be used without medical supervision as Terminalia arjuna may affect the heart.

Not enough is known about the safety and harmlessness of using Terminalia bellerica and Terminalia chebula, so it is better to refrain from use until more is known.

Precautions and warnings

Pregnancy and lactation: There is evidence that Terminalia arjuna is not safe and harmless during pregnancy. Nothing is known about the safety of the other two species during pregnancy. It is therefore best to avoid all Myrobalane products during pregnancy.

Not enough is known about the safety and harmlessness of Myrobalane products during breastfeeding, so breastfeeding women should avoid Myrobalane products to be on the safe side.

Interactions

At this time, there is no information on interactions of Myrobalane products with medications or supplements.

Dosage

The following dosages have been investigated in scientific studies:

Oral:

  • For the treatment of chest pain after a heart attack in combination with conventional treatment: 500 mg of the ground bark of Terminalia arjuna every 8 hours.
  • For heart failure: 500 mg of Terminalia arjuna ground bark every 8 hours.

References

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