# Arjunarishta

> Arjunarishta is a classical Ayurvedic fermented arishta or asava. Listed in the Ayurvedic Formulary of India (AFI). Charaka Samhita (1st-2nd century CE) and Sushruta Samhita (3rd-4th century CE), where it is described as Arjuna Asava for strengthening the heart and enhancing stamina.

## Key facts

- **Pharmacopoeia status:** Listed in the Ayurvedic Formulary of India (AFI). Terminalia arjuna bark monograph included in Ayurvedic Pharmacopoeia of India. HPLC-standardized formulations available commercially. AYUSH-approved manufacturing standards.

## Names and identification

| Language | Name |
|----------|------|
| English | Arjunarishta |

## Where is it described in the classical texts?

Charaka Samhita (1st-2nd century CE) and Sushruta Samhita (3rd-4th century CE), where it is described as [Arjuna](/herb/arjuna/) Asava for strengthening the heart and enhancing stamina. [Arjuna](/herb/arjuna/) is praised as Hridya (cardiac tonic) in classical texts.

## How does it work?

- [Cardioprotective](/reference/cardioprotective/) action through [flavonoids](/reference/flavonoids/), [glycosides](/glossary/compounds-g-l/#glycosides) ([arjunetin](/glossary/compounds-1-a/#arjunetin), arjunolic acid), and coenzyme Q10 protecting myocardial cells
- [Antioxidant](/reference/antioxidant/) activity (ellagic acid, gallic acid, [quercetin](/reference/quercetinquercetin/), [kaempferol](/reference/kaempferol/)) prevents oxidative damage to cardiac tissue
- Anti-hypertensive effect through mild ACE inhibition and vasodilation
- Myocardial calcium channel stabilization provides antiarrhythmic effects and reduces left ventricle hypertrophy

## Which traditional uses are supported by research?

- Heart tonic (Hridya) - validated by cardioprotective studies showing reduced post-ischemic damage
- Cardiac weakness and palpitations - supported by antiarrhythmic and calcium channel stabilization research
- Hypertension management - corroborated by ACE inhibition and vasodilatory mechanisms
- Hyperlipidemia - traditional use supported by antioxidant profile and lipid-lowering properties of [Arjuna](/herb/arjuna/)

## What do recent clinical trials show?



*3 further claims previously listed here could not be traced to a published paper and have been removed. Classical formulations are researched largely in journals that PubMed does not index, so an absence here reflects the reach of the index rather than the state of the evidence.*

## Recent safety updates

- Generally well-tolerated. Contains 5-10% self-generated alcohol. Should be used cautiously in patients on cardiac medications (digoxin, beta-blockers, calcium channel blockers) due to potential interactions.
- May potentiate [antihypertensive](/glossary/pharmacology/#antihypertensive) drugs leading to excessive blood pressure reduction. Patients with hypotension should use with caution. Not recommended during pregnancy.

## What is it made of?

### Mineral/Elemental Profile

- **Primary component:** Mineral-derived preparation
- **Note:** Composition varies by specific preparation method

**Analytical Methods:** XRD, ICP-OES, SEM-EDS

## Dosage forms and preparation

**Dosage Forms:** Arishta (fermented decoction), Capsules (modern), Syrup (modern)

**Standard Dosage:** 15-30 mL twice daily after meals with equal water, as per AFI Part I

**Bioavailability:** Alcohol base enhances absorption of arjunic acid and arjungenin (triterpene [saponins](/reference/saponins/)). Fermentation generates bioactive metabolites with improved cardiac bioavailability. [Tannins](/reference/tannins/) provide sustained-release cardioprotective activity.

**Optimal Timing:** After meals, twice daily, preferably morning and evening for cardiac indications

**Shelf Life:** 10 years from date of manufacture as per ASU guidelines

**Storage:** Store in well-closed amber glass or HDPE containers in a cool, dry place. Protect from direct sunlight. Temperature not exceeding 30°C.

**Marker Compounds:** Arjunic acid, Arjungenin, Arjunetin, Arjunolone, Gallic acid, Ellagic acid

**Quality Parameters:** pH (3.0-4.5), specific gravity (1.02-1.06), self-generated alcohol (5-12%), total solids, total sugar, total acidity, arjunic acid content by HPLC, total tannins, total flavonoids, microbial limits, heavy metals, absence of methanol

**Vehicle (Anupana):** Equal quantity of water

### Synergistic Combinations

- [Pushyanuga Churna](/formulation/pushyanuga-churna/)
- Hridayarnava Rasa
- Prabhakara Vati
- [Ashwagandha](/herb/ashwagandha/) Churna for cardio-[adaptogenic](/reference/adaptogenic/) synergy

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Canonical version of this page: https://nighantu.ageayurveda.com/formulation/arjunarishta/

## Sources

- Amidha Ayurveda Herb Database (700+ herbs, CC-BY-4.0)
- Web research (clinical trials, WHO monographs, safety databases)
- Ayurvedic Pharmacopoeia of India
- Classical Ayurvedic texts (Charaka Samhita, Sushruta Samhita, Bhavaprakasha Nighantu)

Published by Age Ayurveda in the Nighantu. Educational reference only, not medical advice.
Incorporates material from the Amidha Ayurveda Herb Database under CC BY 4.0.