Arjuna
Terminalia arjuna
Other names: Arjuna (अर्जुन), Arjuna
Photo credit: J.M.Garg
Safety information
Safety information
Toxicity: Mild; generally well tolerated short-term; mild GI complaints, headache. Long-term safety not well characterized.
Contraindications: Pregnancy/lactation (insufficient data); should NOT replace prescribed cardiac therapy. Caution with hypotension/bradycardia and thyroid disease (mild thyroid effects reported).
Interactions: Antihypertensives, antiarrhythmics, beta-blockers, anticoagulants, antidiabetics (additive effects) — cardiac patients must consult a clinician.
Pregnancy & breastfeeding: Insufficient data.
Evidence level
Supported by clinical trials in humans.
Preparations
decoction · bark
Part used: bark
Traditional use: Used by herbalists for poor circulation to the heart; in Ayurveda for diarrhea and dysentery.
How to prepare (traditional): The bark is made into a decoction.
Dosage note (descriptive only): professional use only — not provided
tincture · bark
Part used: bark
Traditional use: A cardiac tonic prescribed for angina.
How to prepare (traditional): A tincture is made from the bark.
Dosage note (descriptive only): professional use only — not provided
powder · bark
Part used: bark
Traditional use: Prescribed in Ayurveda for asthma.
How to prepare (traditional): The bark is powdered, a traditional Ayurvedic remedy.
Dosage note (descriptive only): professional use only — not provided
Associated conditions
Nutritional notes
N/A; bioactives are saponins (arjunolic acid), flavonoids, tannins.
Healing traditions
Sources (4)
- Kaur 2014, Cardiol Res Pract (PMID 24600529)
- Dwivedi 2014, J Tradit Complement Med (PMID 25379463)
- Kapoor 2014, J Ethnopharmacol (PMID 25014508)
- Maulik 2012, Am J Cardiovasc Drugs (PMID 22583146)