Assessment of Cardioprotective Effects of Terminalia Arjuna Extract inChronic Unpredictable Stress-induced Cardiac Dysfunction

Introduction: Chronic Unpredictable Stress (CUS) significantly contributes to cardiac dysfunction and poses a critical global health challenge. Chronic stress exposure results in dysregulation of neuroendocrine and inflammatory pathways, leading to detrimental structural and functional alterations in the heart. Terminalia Arjuna (TA) is a traditional cardioprotective medicinal plant; however, its protective effects against stress-induced cardiac dysfunction are inadequately investigated. Materials and Methods: Rats underwent CUS for 8 weeks, thereafter receiving treatment with TA extract for 15 days. Physiological and behavioral characteristics, blood corticosterone concentrations, Electrocardiography (ECG), Heart Rate Variability (HRV), heart weight-to-body weight ratio, inflammatory cytokines (IL-1β, IL-6), oxidative stress marker (MDA), antioxidant biomarkers (Superoxide Dismutase (SOD), Glutathione (GSH)), and histopathological alterations were assessed. Apoptosis was evaluated by measuring caspase-3 expression Results: CUS resulted in substantial weight reduction, depressive-like behavior, increased corticosterone levels, and pronounced cardiac abnormalities such as hypertrophy, fibrosis, and apoptosis. ECG-HRV indicated an elevated heart rate and less parasympathetic activity. TA therapy markedly improved ECG-HRV parameters, balanced the heart weight-to-body weight ratio, reduced IL-1β and IL-6 levels, lowered MDA, and increased SOD and GSH activities. Histological analysis revealed decreased cardiac hypertrophy, fibrosis, collagen accumulation, and caspase-3 expression. Discussion: The results indicate that TA alleviates stress-related heart injury by reducing inflammatory responses, reestablishing redox equilibrium, and obstructing apoptotic pathways. Enhancement of autonomic control further substantiates its function in cardiac recovery during chronic stress. Conclusion: The extract of Terminalia arjuna provides substantial cardioprotection against cardiac dysfunction induced by CUS through its synergistic anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and anti-apoptotic effects, underscoring its therapeutic potential in cardiac illnesses associated with chronic stress.