Evidence suggests that Terminalia arjuna may have blood vessel–relaxing properties.¹ The herb has shown promise in the treatment of angina, a condition in which blood vessels in the heart cannot carry adequate oxygen to the heart muscle.^2,3

In addition, exceedingly weak evidence suggests that terminalia may have antimicrobial effects, providing benefits against amoebas and other microorganisms.^4,5

One study has been used to indicate that terminalia can improve cholesterol levels, but in fact it proves little because the study was not double-blind.⁶

A 1-week, double-blind, placebo-controlled, crossover trial of 58 individuals evaluated the effectiveness of terminalia for angina by comparing it against placebo and also against the standard drug isosorbide mononitrate.⁷ The results indicated that the herb reduced anginal episodes and increased exercise capacity. It was more effective than placebo and approximately as effective as the medication.

A subsequent 3-month study compared the effectiveness of Terminal arjuna against placebo in 40 people with a recent heart attack.⁸ All participants in this study suffered from a particular complication of a heart attack called ischaemic mitral regurgitation. The results showed that use of the herb improved heart function and reduced angina symptoms.

A combination Ayurvedic therapy containing terminalia and approximately 40 other herbs has also shown some promise for angina.⁹