# Arjuna

> Arjuna (Terminalia arjuna) is classified in Ayurveda as Hridya (Cardiotonic), from the Combretaceae family. Parts used: bark. Named after Arjuna of Mahabharata. No dedicated WHO monograph identified.

## Key facts

- **Botanical name:** Terminalia arjuna
- **Family:** Combretaceae
- **Ayurvedic category:** Hridya (Cardiotonic)
- **Pharmacopoeia status:** No dedicated WHO monograph identified. Listed in Ayurvedic Pharmacopoeia of India. Recognized in Indian traditional medicine systems (Ayurveda, Siddha, Unani). Included in Indian Pharmacopoeia for cardiovascular indications.

## Names and identification

| Language | Name |
|----------|------|
| English | Arjuna |
| Common Names | Arjuna, Arjun tree |
| Hindi | Arjun |
| Sanskrit | Arjuna, Dhananjaya, Partha |
| Latin/Botanical | *Terminalia arjuna* |

## Parts Used

- Bark

## Dosha Effects

| Dosha | Effect |
|-------|--------|
| **Pitta** | Decreases |
| **Kapha** | Decreases |
| **Vata** | Neutral |

## Key Phytochemical Constituents

- Arjunolic acid
- Arjunic acid
- Arjungenin
- [Arjunetin](/glossary/compounds-1-a/#arjunetin)
- [Tannins](/reference/tannins/)
- [Flavonoids](/reference/flavonoids/) ([luteolin](/glossary/compounds-l-o/#luteolin))

## Therapeutic Actions (Karma)

- Cardiotonic
- [Antihypertensive](/glossary/pharmacology/#antihypertensive)
- Anti-ischemic
- [Antioxidant](/reference/antioxidant/)
- [Hypolipidemic](/glossary/pharmacology/#hypolipidemic)
- Wound healing

## How does it work?

- Arjunolic acid (pentacyclic triterpenoid saponin) is the primary [cardioprotective](/reference/cardioprotective/) compound, inhibiting thrombin-induced platelet aggregation (IC50: 0.048 mM, more potent than aspirin at 0.088 mM)
- Prevents doxorubicin-induced cardiac apoptosis by blocking JNK-p38 and p53 signaling pathways
- Reverses cardiac fibrosis by inhibiting non-canonical TGF-beta signaling via TAK1 phosphorylation blockade, reducing p38 MAPK and NF-kB p65 activation
- Boosts endogenous antioxidant defense: increases catalase, superoxide dismutase, and glutathione S-transferase activity
- Anti-inflammatory cytokine rebalancing: decreases pro-inflammatory and increases anti-inflammatory cytokines in cardiac tissue
- Cardioprotection via MyD88-dependent TLR4 signaling pathway inhibition (2023 discovery)
- Positive inotropic effect enhancing myocardial contractility without increasing heart rate

## How is it used traditionally?

Named after Arjuna of Mahabharata. Vagbhata describes Arjuna Ksheerapaka for Hridroga (heart disease). Charaka classifies it as Udarda Prashamana (anti-urticaria) and wound healer.

## Where is it described in the classical texts?

- Charaka Samhita
- Sushruta Samhita
- Ashtanga Hridaya
- Bhavaprakasha Nighantu

## What do recent clinical trials show?

- Ramesh P, Palaniappan A 2023. [Terminalia arjuna, a Cardioprotective Herbal Medicine-Relevancy in the Modern Era of Pharmaceuticals and Green Nanomedicine-A Review](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/36678623/). *Pharmaceuticals (Basel, Switzerland)*. PMID [36678623](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/36678623/) · [doi:10.3390/ph16010126](https://doi.org/10.3390/ph16010126)  
  Review examining T. arjuna's pleiotropic cardiovascular effects including anti-atherogenic, hypotensive, inotropic, anti-inflammatory, anti-thrombotic and antioxidant actions, with exploration of nano-formulation approaches for improved bioavailability.
- Rajaram V, Namasivayam A, Shanmugam R and others 2024. [Terminalia arjuna: An overview of its magical properties](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/40230946/). *Bioinformation*. PMID [40230946](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/40230946/) · [doi:10.6026/9732063002002080](https://doi.org/10.6026/9732063002002080)  
  Comprehensive overview documenting cardiovascular properties attributed to flavonoids, [polyphenols](/glossary/compounds-o-q/#polyphenols), [triterpenoids](/glossary/compounds-t-z/#triterpenoids), tannins, [glycosides](/glossary/compounds-g-l/#glycosides), and minerals. Highlighted need for more rigorous clinical trials.
- Hasan MM, Madhavan P, Ahmad Noruddin NA and others 2023. [Cardioprotective effects of arjunolic acid in LPS-stimulated H9C2 and C2C12 myotubes via the My88-dependent TLR4 signaling pathway](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/37497554/). *Pharmaceutical biology*. PMID [37497554](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/37497554/) · [doi:10.1080/13880209.2023.2230251](https://doi.org/10.1080/13880209.2023.2230251)  
  Demonstrated arjunolic acid exerts cardioprotection by inhibiting MyD88-dependent TLR4 signaling, reducing LPS-induced cardiac inflammation and oxidative stress in cellular models.
- Maulik SK, Wilson V, Seth S and others 2016. [Clinical efficacy of water extract of stem bark of Terminalia arjuna (Roxb. ex DC.) Wight & Arn. in patients of chronic heart failure: a double-blind, randomized controlled trial](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/26988798/). *Phytomedicine : international journal of phytotherapy and phytopharmacology*. PMID [26988798](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/26988798/) · [doi:10.1016/j.phymed.2016.02.007](https://doi.org/10.1016/j.phymed.2016.02.007)  
  When added to standard pharmacotherapy in chronic heart failure for 12 weeks, Arjuna extract showed no significant change in LVEF but improved functional capacity, antioxidant reserves, and symptom-related quality of life. (Most recent large RCT available)

*1 further claim previously listed here could not be traced to a published paper and has been removed. An absence here means we could not identify the source, not that no work exists.*

## Recent safety updates

- No serious side effects reported with arjuna therapy in clinical studies; long-term safety data still limited
- Adverse reactions similar to placebo: constipation, headache, abdominal discomfort, body ache
- Drug interaction WARNING: may potentiate anticoagulant effects of warfarin due to inherent antiplatelet and anticoagulant properties similar to aspirin
- Inhibits CYP3A4, CYP2D6, and CYP2C9 [enzymes](/glossary/compounds-d-g/#enzymes) in human liver microsomes in vitro - caution with drugs metabolized by these enzymes
- In vivo pharmacokinetic study showed aqueous extract did not significantly alter pharmacokinetic parameters of probe substrates, suggesting in vitro findings may not fully translate
- High doses in animal studies associated with hepatotoxicity and hypothyroidism in rats
- Co-administration with statins, calcium channel blockers, and other CYP3A4 substrates requires medical supervision

## Recommended Dosage

Bark powder: 3-6g/day (with milk or water); Ksheerapaka (milk decoction): 10-20ml twice daily

## Safety, contraindications and cautions

- May potentiate cardiac medications
- Hypotension risk with antihypertensives
- Pregnancy (limited data)

## What is it made of?

**Part(s) Analyzed:** Bark

### Key Active Markers

- Arjunetin
- Tannins
- Flavonoids
- Luteolin
- Arjunolic acid
- Arjunic acid
- Arjungenin
- 

**Analytical Methods:** HPLC fingerprinting, TLC (identity), LC-MS/MS (marker quantification)

## Dosage forms and preparation

**Dosage Forms:** Churna (bark powder), Capsule, Tablet, Kashayam (decoction), Kshirapaka (milk decoction), Arishta ([Arjunarishta](/formulation/arjunarishta/) — fermented), Ghana Vati (concentrated extract tablet)

**Standard Dosage:** 3-6g bark powder twice daily with milk; 500mg-1g extract capsule twice daily; 15-30ml Arjunarishta after meals; Kshirapaka: 3-6g boiled in milk

**Bioavailability:** Moderate oral bioavailability for arjunolic acid (major triterpene, ~8-12% bioavailability) and arjunic acid. Tannins (15-20%) are partially absorbed. Arjungenin is the active aglycone after glycoside hydrolysis. Kshirapaka (milk decoction) significantly enhances bioavailability — milk fat solubilizes [triterpenes](/glossary/compounds-t-z/#triterpenes), and milk [proteins](/glossary/compounds-o-q/#proteins) prevent tannin-mediated precipitation. This is a classical example where anupana (vehicle) profoundly affects pharmacokinetics. Nanoparticle and phytosome formulations under development show 3-5x enhanced bioavailability.

**Optimal Timing:** Kshirapaka or powder with milk early morning and evening for cardiac support. Arjunarishta after meals. Continuous use for minimum 3-6 months recommended for cardiac benefits.

**Standardized Extract:** Bark extract standardized to minimum 15% total tannins (as gallic acid equivalent) and minimum 2% arjunolic acid. Triterpene-enriched extract: minimum 5% arjunolic acid + arjunic acid. 10:1 aqueous extract with minimum 20% tannins.

**Shelf Life:** 2 years (bark powder); 3 years (capsules/tablets); 5-10 years (Arjunarishta); 1 year (Kshirapaka, prepared fresh is best)

**Storage:** Bark powder in airtight containers, cool and dry place below 25°C. Arjunarishta in amber glass at room temperature — improves with age. Capsules with desiccant.

**Marker Compounds:** Arjunolic acid, Arjunic acid, Arjungenin, Arjunetin, Arjunaphthanol, Casuarinin, Gallic acid, Ellagic acid, Luteolin, Beta-[sitosterol](/glossary/compounds-q-t/#sitosterol)

### Extraction Methods

- Aqueous decoction (1:8, reduced to 1/4)
- Kshirapaka (1 part herb: 8 parts milk: 32 parts water, reduced to milk volume)
- Hydroalcoholic extraction (70:30) for triterpene enrichment
- Supercritical CO2 for triterpene-enriched extract
- Standardized aqueous extract (spray-dried)

### Synergistic Combinations

- With [Ashwagandha](/herb/ashwagandha/) for cardioprotection and stress management
- With [Punarnava](/herb/punarnava/) for heart failure and edema
- With Amalaki for antioxidant cardioprotection
- With Pushkaramoola for angina and cardiac arrhythmia
- With [Guggulu](/formulation/guggulu/) for lipid management

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

## Sources

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