Arjuna Twak
Terminalia arjuna
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%.
| Botanical name | Terminalia arjuna |
|---|---|
| Family | Combretaceae · other entries in this family |
| Order | Myrtales |
| Also known as | Arjuna Twak, ArjunaTwak |
| Taxon identifiers | GBIF 3699548 · Wikidata Q2719381 · NCBI Taxonomy 172200 |
Names and identification
| Language | Name |
|---|---|
| English | 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 (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 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 (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, Casuarinin, Gallic acid, Ellagic acid, Arjunaphthanol, 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 for cardiac strengthening
- With Punarnava for congestive heart failure adjunct
- With Pushkaramoola for anginal symptoms
- With Dalchini (cinnamon) for metabolic cardioprotection
Published research
Literature indexed in PubMed that concerns this subject, grouped by study type. A paper appearing here is a record of what has been published, not evidence that the subject works, and laboratory or animal results do not transfer to people. Study titles link to PubMed so you can read the source rather than take our word.
Randomised controlled trials3
- 2017. Effect of E-OJ-01 on Cardiac Conditioning in Young Exercising Adults: A Randomized Controlled TrialAmerican journal of therapeutics. PMID 27930383 · doi:10.1097/MJT.0000000000000542
- 2005. Role of Terminalia arjuna in ischaemic mitral regurgitationInternational journal of cardiology. PMID 15837100 · doi:10.1016/j.ijcard.2004.10.045
- 1995. Salutary effect of Terminalia Arjuna in patients with severe refractory heart failureInternational journal of cardiology. PMID 7649665 · doi:10.1016/0167-5273(95)02320-v
Other clinical studies and reviews9
- 2026. Hepatoprotective Potential of Indian Medicinal PlantsCombinatorial chemistry & high throughput screening. PMID 39835553 · doi:10.2174/0113862073346295250107070310
- 2023. Therapeutic potential and industrial applications of Terminalia arjuna barkJournal of ethnopharmacology. PMID 36933876 · doi:10.1016/j.jep.2023.116352
- 2021. Antiviral Potential of Selected Medicinal Herbs and Their Isolated Natural ProductsBioMed research international. PMID 34926691 · doi:10.1155/2021/7872406
- 2015. The medicinal properties and phytochemistry of plants of the genus Terminalia (Combretaceae)Inflammopharmacology. PMID 26226895 · doi:10.1007/s10787-015-0246-z
- 2015. Potential herbs and herbal nutraceuticals: food applications and their interactions with food componentsCritical reviews in food science and nutrition. PMID 24915396 · doi:10.1080/10408398.2011.649148
- 2014. Pentacyclic triterpenes from Terminalia arjuna show multiple benefits on aged and dry skinSkin pharmacology and physiology. PMID 24008587 · doi:10.1159/000351387
- 2014. Terminalia arjuna in coronary artery disease: ethnopharmacology, pre-clinical, clinical & safety evaluationJournal of ethnopharmacology. PMID 25014508 · doi:10.1016/j.jep.2014.06.056
- 2012. Therapeutic potential of Terminalia arjuna in cardiovascular disordersAmerican journal of cardiovascular drugs : drugs, devices, and other interventions. PMID 22583146 · doi:10.2165/11598990-000000000-00000
- 1998. Botanical influences on cardiovascular diseaseAlternative medicine review : a journal of clinical therapeutic. PMID 9855567
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