The rising incidence of heart disease worldwide — with India vying for the top spot — is prodding researchers to look for preventives and cures.

Technological advances have helped devise new surgical techniques and better stents. But even the best and most sophisticated technology comes with its own set of limitations. Which is why there has been a revival of interest in the ancient treatment modules.

A decade ago, all Ayurvedic formulations were considered alternative therapy. But today, some of the ancient curatives have generated fresh interest and they are gradually crossing over to become a part of mainstream treatment.

A case in point will be the use of Arjuna extract, which is being prescribed these days either by itself or in combination with other heart medications.

Although the scope of the use of the bark of the Arjuna tree (indigenous to India) is immense, clinical trials have been done mostly on its use in cardiovascular disease — angina, cardiomyopathies and congestive heart failure.

The Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, which is a teaching hospital of the Harvard Medical School, cites evidence to suggest that Terminalia Arjuna (the botanical name for Arjuna) has shown promise in the treatment of angina.

This benefit occurs due to its blood vessel relaxing property.

Recent medical and chemical analysis of the bark of the Arjuna tree reveals a long list of highly beneficial chemical compounds that includes sterols, antioxidants, minerals and a few others. It is therefore not surprising that the health benefits of Arjuna are not restricted to it being a cardio modulator.

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