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Introduction: Cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) remain the leading cause of morbidity and mortality worldwide. Ayurveda describes a group of herbs and formulations—commonly termed Hrudya or cardiotonic herbs—that have traditionally been used to support cardiac function, circulation, and systemic resilience. Modern research has begun validating many of these agents for anti-ischemic, anti-atherosclerotic, antihypertensive, antioxidant, and anti-arrhythmic actions. Methods: A structured literature search was performed (PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, Embase, Google Scholar) together with consultation of classical Ayurvedic texts (Charaka Samhita, Sushruta Samhita, Ashtanga Hridaya, Bhavaprakasha). Search terms included “Ayurveda AND heart,” “Terminalia arjuna cardioprotective,” “Withania somnifera cardiovascular,” “Triphala cardiovascular,” “Curcumin cardiovascular,” and related keywords. Inclusion criteria: preclinical pharmacology, mechanistic studies, randomized controlled trials, systematic reviews (1950–2025). Exclusion criteria: non-translated non-English reports, anecdotal single-case reports, and poor-quality studies. Results: Classical cardioprotectives include Terminalia arjuna (Arjuna), Withania somnifera (Ashwagandha), Curcuma longa (Turmeric), Allium sativum (Garlic), Emblica officinalis/Terminalia chebula/Terminalia bellirica (Triphala components), Guggulu (Commiphora mukul), and others. Systematic and mechanistic data support antioxidant, lipid-lowering, anti-inflammatory, vasodilatory, anti-platelet, and myocardial metabolic effects for several agents — notably Arjuna (cardioprotective and anti-ischemic evidence with clinical trials showing improved symptoms and antioxidant reserve) and curcumin/ashwagandha (beneficial effects on endothelial function, blood pressure, oxidative stress, and exercise tolerance). Discussion: Ayurvedic concepts of Hridya medicines (strengthening the heart and circulatory system) map well onto modern cardiology mechanisms (myocardial protection, anti-atherosclerotic action, autonomic modulation). Evidence gaps include heterogeneity of extracts, variable standardization, inconsistent dosing, and limited large, multicenter randomized trials for hard cardiovascular endpoints (MI, stroke, mortality). Integration into modern practice will require standardized phytopharmaceuticals, mechanistic translational studies, and robust clinical trials. Conclusion: Several Ayurvedic cardioprotective herbs show promising translational potential. Arjuna, curcumin, ashwagandha and multi-herb formulations such as Triphala have substantial preclinical and growing clinical evidence. Targeted research to standardize preparations and test clinically meaningful cardiovascular endpoints could enable evidence-based integration into contemporary cardiology.

KEYWORDS: Arjuna, Ashwagandha, Ayurveda, Cardioprotection, Curcumin