EFFECTIVENESS OF TERMINALIA ARJUNA IN MANAGING DYSLIPIDEMIA IN A PULMONARY TUBERCULOSIS PATIENT: A CASE STUDY

Asgar Nazir*

ABSTRACT

Background: Dyslipidemia is a metabolic disorder involving elevated levels of lipids and lipoproteins, increasing
the risk of atherosclerosis, coronary artery disease, and cerebrovascular diseases.A 50-year-old male with a history
of pulmonary tuberculosis and hemorrhagic stroke presented with symptoms including left upper quadrant pain
without radiation, palpitations, abdominal distension, and fatigue. He was diagnosed with prostatomegaly and
Grade I Fatty Liver Disease. His lipid profile showed elevated triglycerides (275 mg/dL), cholesterol (210 mg/dL),
LDL (120 mg/dL), and VLDL (51 mg/dL), with low HDL (35 mg/dL). Due to contraindications for conventional
lipid-lowering drugs, the patient was treated with Terminalia arjuna decoction. Terminalia arjuna, known for its
cardioprotective and hypolipidemic effects, contains bioactive compounds like flavonoids and
triterpenoids.Results: After 60 days of treatment, improvements in the lipid profile were observed: triglycerides
decreased from 275 mg/dL to 145 mg/dL, cholesterol from 210 mg/dL to 137 mg/dL, VLDL from 51mg/dL to 29
mg/dL, HDL increased from 35 mg/dL to 41 mg/dL, and LDL reduced from 120 mg/dL to 90 mg/dL. Conclusion:
Terminalia arjuna decoction effectively improved lipid profiles in this patient, providing a viable alternative to
conventional lipid-lowering medications. This herbal treatment shows promise for managing dyslipidemia in
patients with complex medical histories, although further research is needed to confirm its efficacy and safety.

Keywords: Dyslipidemia, Terminalia arjuna, Herbal Medicine, Case Report.