# Arjuna Twak

> Arjuna Twak (Terminalia arjuna) is a plant used in Ayurveda. Arjunolic acid bioavailability ~8-12%. Kshirapaka enhances triterpene absorption significantly. Tannin-rich matrix provides sustained release of active compounds. Piperine co-administration can enhance arjunolic acid bioavailability by 30-40%.

## Key facts

- **Botanical name:** Terminalia arjuna

## Names and identification

| Language | Name |
|----------|------|
| English | [Arjuna](/herb/arjuna/) Twak |

## Ayurvedic pharmacology (Dravyaguna)

| Property | Value | Description |
|----------|-------|-------------|
| **Rasa** (Taste) | Kashaya | Primary taste |
| **Guna** (Quality) | Laghu, Ruksha | Physical quality |
| **Virya** (Potency) | Sheeta | Heating/Cooling effect |
| **Vipaka** (Post-digestive) | Katu | Post-digestive effect |

## Dosage forms and preparation

**Dosage Forms:** Churna (bark powder), Kashayam (decoction), Kshirapaka (milk decoction), Capsule, Tablet, Ghana Vati (extract tablet)

**Standard Dosage:** 3-6g bark powder twice daily; 50-100ml decoction; 500mg-1g extract capsule; Kshirapaka preparation preferred

**Bioavailability:** Same as [Arjuna](/herb/arjuna/) (this is the bark/Twak of Terminalia arjuna specifically designated). Arjunolic acid bioavailability ~8-12%. Kshirapaka enhances triterpene absorption significantly. Tannin-rich matrix provides sustained release of active compounds. [Piperine](/reference/piperine/) co-administration can enhance arjunolic acid bioavailability by 30-40%.

**Optimal Timing:** Morning and evening with warm milk (Kshirapaka) for cardiovascular support. Continuous administration for chronic cardiac conditions.

**Standardized Extract:** Bark extract standardized to minimum 2.5% arjunolic acid and minimum 18% total [tannins](/reference/tannins/) (as gallic acid). HPLC-verified arjunolic acid content for extract standardization.

**Shelf Life:** 2 years (bark powder); 3 years (capsules/tablets); 5 years (Ghana Vati in sealed packaging)

**Storage:** Airtight containers, cool dry place, below 25°C. Protect from moisture — tannins are hygroscopic. Whole bark pieces store longer than powder.

**Marker Compounds:** Arjunolic acid, Arjunic acid, [Arjunetin](/glossary/compounds-1-a/#arjunetin), Casuarinin, Gallic acid, Ellagic acid, Arjunaphthanol, [Friedelin](/glossary/compounds-d-g/#friedelin)

### Extraction Methods

- Aqueous decoction (classical Kashaya)
- Kshirapaka (milk decoction — preferred classical method)
- Hydroalcoholic extraction (70:30 ethanol-water)
- Spray-dried aqueous extract for Ghana Vati

### Synergistic Combinations

- With [Ashwagandha](/herb/ashwagandha/) for cardiac strengthening
- With [Punarnava](/herb/punarnava/) for congestive heart failure adjunct
- With Pushkaramoola for anginal symptoms
- With [Dalchini](/herb/twak-cinnamon/) (cinnamon) for metabolic cardioprotection

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Canonical version of this page: https://nighantu.ageayurveda.com/herb/arjuna-twak/

## Sources

- Amidha Ayurveda Herb Database (700+ herbs, CC-BY-4.0)
- Ayurvedic Pharmacopoeia of India

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.