{"id":1971,"date":"2020-07-21T10:28:50","date_gmt":"2020-07-21T09:28:50","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/84.18.216.250\/~herbalreality\/?post_type=herb&p=1971"},"modified":"2026-04-16T13:55:31","modified_gmt":"2026-04-16T12:55:31","slug":"arjuna","status":"publish","type":"herb","link":"https:\/\/www.herbalreality.com\/herb\/arjuna\/","title":{"rendered":"Arjuna"},"content":{"rendered":"","protected":false},"featured_media":265678,"parent":0,"menu_order":0,"template":"","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"footnotes":"","beyondwords_generate_audio":"1","beyondwords_integration_method":"rest-api","beyondwords_project_id":"47224","beyondwords_content_id":"168e21fd-a51b-4d05-a230-49d299d71ecb","beyondwords_preview_token":"2c3a3dc9-fa57-4631-bce2-ebd2c3c09c8b","beyondwords_player_content":"","beyondwords_player_style":"","beyondwords_language_code":"","beyondwords_language_id":"","beyondwords_title_voice_id":"","beyondwords_body_voice_id":"","beyondwords_summary_voice_id":"","beyondwords_error_message":"","beyondwords_disabled":"","beyondwords_delete_content":"","beyondwords_podcast_id":"","beyondwords_hash":"","publish_post_to_speechkit":"","speechkit_hash":"","speechkit_generate_audio":"","speechkit_project_id":"","speechkit_podcast_id":"","speechkit_error_message":"","speechkit_disabled":"","speechkit_access_key":"","speechkit_error":"","speechkit_info":"","speechkit_response":"","speechkit_retries":"","speechkit_status":"","speechkit_updated_at":"","_speechkit_link":"","_speechkit_text":""},"tags":[167,168,58,163,153,61],"conditions":[694,685,693,701,700],"sustainability":[1576],"sense":[31,18],"western_action":[1008,989,992,1823,1014,1025],"chinese_action":[],"ayurvedic_action":[1109,1093,1057,1111,1076,1108,1085],"energetics_action":[1499,1498,1557,1561,1382,1533,1487,1554,1543,1552,1556,1539,1562,1617,1492,1377],"writer":[2020],"region":[1897],"class_list":["post-1971","herb","type-herb","status-publish","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","tag-arjuna","tag-cholesterol","tag-inflammation","tag-liver","tag-metabolism","tag-skin","conditions-cardiovascular-system","conditions-digestive-system","conditions-endocrine-system","conditions-immune-system","conditions-skin","sustainability-green-sustainability-status","sense-astringent-taste","sense-bitter","western_action-diuretic","western_action-alterative","western_action-anti-inflammatory","western_action-antihyperlipidaemic","western_action-hepatoprotective","western_action-vulnerary","ayurvedic_action-aphrodisiac-vajikarana","ayurvedic_action-bone-mending-sandhaniya","ayurvedic_action-rakta-shodhana-rakta-prasadana","ayurvedic_action-enhance-complexion-varnya","ayurvedic_action-heart-tonics-hridaya","ayurvedic_action-stop-allergies-udara-prasamana","ayurvedic_action-urine-increasing-mutravirechana","energetics_action-astringent","energetics_action-bitter","energetics_action-blood-tissue","energetics_action-bones-tissue","energetics_action-cool","energetics_action-cooling","energetics_action-dry","energetics_action-kapha-minus","energetics_action-light-quality","energetics_action-pitta-minus","energetics_action-plasma-tissue","energetics_action-pungent-katu","energetics_action-reproductive-tissue","energetics_action-reproductive-channel-ayurvedic","energetics_action-toning","energetics_action-western","writer-rebecca-collison-walker","region-ayurvedic-herbs"],"acf":{"last_reviewed":"20250818","herb_author":2020,"banner_text":"Arjuna improves cholesterol and encourages cellular regeneration","latin_name":"Terminalia arjuna<\/em>","pseudonym_name":"","family_name":"Combretaceae","herb_summary":"Arjuna bark has been used for thousands of years in India to support the heart and circulatory system.","key_benefits":"Reduces cholesterol\r\nReduces inflammation of skin\r\nWound healing\r\nImproves liver function","how_does_it_feel":"Arjuna has a mildly aromatic aroma, which upon tasting then develops into a slight bitterness and an astringent taste in the mouth. Initially, it feels cooling, followed by a stimulating warmth that spreads downwards throughout the body. <\/span>","hdif_image_1":8178,"hdif_image_2":8179,"hdif_image_3":8181,"hdif_video":"","sense":[31,18],"what_can_i_use_it_for":"[caption id=\"attachment_8180\" align=\"alignright\" width=\"511\"]\"Arjuna Arjuna (Terminalia arjuna<\/em>)[\/caption]\r\n\r\nArjuna bark has been shown to increase levels of superoxide dismutase, catalase and glutathione. This action provides protection against oxidative stress, and helps to reduce inflammatory markers, with a particular affinity for heart tissue. Arjuna also displays a positive inotropic action upon heart muscle, balancing any irregular contractions and supporting a healthy blood pressure (1). Arjuna is a cardiotonic, with some suggesting it has an <\/span>amphoteric<\/span><\/a> action by regulating blood pressure and heart rate (2,3).\u00a0<\/span>\r\n\r\nArjuna mediates the inhibition of cholesterol biosynthesis within the liver, improving cholesterol metabolism and also encouraging general hepatocyte regeneration (1).<\/span>\r\n\r\nArjuna has demonstrated antibacterial, antiviral and antimutagenic activity against multiple strains, such as <\/span>S. aureus<\/span><\/i>, salmonella, <\/span>E. coli<\/span><\/i> and <\/span>Pseudomonas<\/span><\/i>. In addition, it has also shown the ability to heal damaged and wounded skin cells, and prevent the growth of tumours (1,4).<\/span>","into_the_heart_of":"[caption id=\"attachment_8178\" align=\"alignright\" width=\"510\"]\"Arjuna Arjuna (Terminalia arjuna<\/em>)[\/caption]\r\n\r\nArjuna is first and foremost a <\/span>cardiotonic<\/span><\/a>. Arjuna is specifically indicated for all heart based conditions, strengthening, nourishing and repairing heart and blood vessel tissue. It will influence a reduction in any inflammation and congestion that may be impairing heart function but also help to reduce\u00a0 any emotional tension and anxiety affecting the organ (2).<\/span>\r\n\r\nArjuna has a regenerative effect on the liver through its mechanism of increasing glutathione and other antioxidants. This helps to neutralise toxic metabolites and protect hepatocytes (1,5). This helps to support effective detoxification and cholesterol metabolism.\u00a0\u00a0<\/span>\r\n\r\nArjuna contains tannins and flavonoids, which exhibit anti-inflammatory and antibacterial actions that help to accelerate wound healing and promote tissue repair (5).\u00a0\u00a0<\/span>\r\n\r\nArjuna is specifically indicated in <\/span>angina<\/span><\/a>, congestive heart failure, cardiac arrhythmia, and hypertension. Recent clinical trials on these conditions have shown promising outcomes when treated with arjuna.\u00a0 It has also been shown to reduce human total cholesterol and triglyceride levels. Arjuna helps to strengthen cardiac muscle as well as tone the capillaries and improve\u00a0 flexibility, which helps to prevent <\/span>high blood pressure<\/span><\/a>. It helps to balance the movement of <\/span>vyana vayu<\/span><\/i> in the heart and regulate circulation (1,2,6).<\/span>\r\n\r\nArjuna\u2019s affinity for the chest directs it to the lungs where it alleviates productive coughs with copious mucus in bronchitis and asthma. It can also treat haemoptysis influenced by increased heat and inflammation.<\/span>","tradtional_uses":"Arjuna has been used in India and Ayurvedic medicine for over 3,000 years as a remedy for the heart. It has been used to treat heart failure, fluid retention and oedema.\u00a0<\/span>\r\n\r\nAyurvedic doctors traditionally use arjuna to balance the three doshas if any of them are in excess. The bark was decocted and used to treat <\/span>diarrhoea<\/span><\/a> and dysentery, whilst the powdered bark was used for asthma. It was also recommended for poisonings and scorpion stings (2). <\/span>","what_practioners_say":"

\"CardiovascularCardiovascular system<\/a><\/h3>\r\nArjuna is indicated to treat a wide variety of heart conditions and chronic cardiovascular disease, including <\/span>angina<\/span><\/a>, congestive heart failure, cardiac arrhythmia, <\/span>hypertension<\/span><\/a> and hypercholesterolaemia. Its actions are expressed by a variety of mechanisms of action, including by increasing the strength of cardiac muscle contractions thereby improving cardiac output (positively inotropic). Arjuna promotes vasodilation, helping to lower blood pressure and support circulation (1,6).\u00a0<\/span>\r\n\r\nIts antioxidant effects extend to the cardiac tissues, helping to protect and reduce damage from oxidative stress and heart disease (1). It has also been shown to modulate inflammatory markers, and reduce inflammatory cytokines, thereby also supporting cardiovascular health (5). Arjuna effectively lowers total cholesterol and LDL, helping to support overall cardiovascular health and reduce cardiovascular disease (7).\u00a0<\/span>\r\n

Skin health<\/a><\/h3>\r\nArjuna bark contains considerable tannin levels, which accelerates wound healing by stimulating collagen synthesis and promoting tissue repair. Applying the bark topically can reduce infection, scarring and wound size (6). Arjuna can be used as part of a formulation to help with <\/span>post surgical recovery<\/span><\/a>, but promoting tissue repair and circulation. It works well when combined with <\/span>gotu kola<\/span><\/a> (<\/span>Centella asiatica<\/span><\/i>) for this application. In Ayurvedic medicine, arjuna is used as an alterative to help clear <\/span>pitta <\/span><\/i>inflammations of the skin which include <\/span>acne<\/span><\/a>, urticaria, and rosacea (8). It can also be applied externally, and internally for the treatment of diabetic ulcers.\u00a0<\/span>\r\n

Digestive system<\/a><\/h3>\r\nThe antioxidant properties of arjuna extend to the digestive system and help to offer a gastroprotective action on gastric cells. Arjuna can be used to treat <\/span>diarrhoea<\/span><\/a> and <\/span>gastric infections<\/span><\/a> due to its tannin content and broad spectrum antimicrobial actions (1,6).\u00a0<\/span>\r\n\r\nIts anti-inflammatory actions indicate arjuna in treating a range of inflammatory bowel conditions including <\/span>colitis<\/span><\/a> by helping to reduce inflammation and restore health in the gastric mucosa (9).\u00a0<\/span>\r\n\r\nArjuna has hepatoprotective effects on hepatocytes by reducing inflammation and oxidative stress. This helps to restore effective liver function and support metabolic health by inhibiting lipid peroxidation (10).\u00a0<\/span>\r\n

Urinary system<\/a><\/h3>\r\nArjuna has also shown to exhibit renal protective actions through its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory actions. It helps to reduce damage from oxidative stress and maintain optimal kidney enzyme levels (1,3).\u00a0<\/span>","research":"[caption id=\"attachment_265677\" align=\"alignright\" width=\"508\"]\"Arjuna Arjuna (Terminalia arjuna<\/em>)[\/caption]\r\n

Antioxidant and hypocholesterolaemic effects of Terminalia arjuna<\/i> tree-bark powder: A randomised placebo-controlled trial<\/h3>\r\nA randomised, placebo controlled trial was carried out to evaluate the effects of arjuna bark powder on antioxidant and cholesterol levels. One hundred and five patients were divided into three groups; with group one receiving placebo, group two receiving 400 units\/day of vitamin E capsules and group three receiving 500 mg of arjuna bark in capsules. These were administered daily over 30 days. <\/span>\r\n\r\nThe results showed a significant decrease in total and LDL cholesterol in the arjuna group, and both the vitamin E and arjuna group saw a marked decrease in lipid peroxide levels. The study concluded that arjuna demonstrates significant antioxidant activity, comparable to vitamin E as well as having an antihypercholesterolaemic action (7).\u00a0<\/span>\r\n

Effectiveness of herbal drug Terminalia arjuna<\/i> in chronic venous insufficiency: A prospective observational study<\/h3>\r\nThis study involved 25 patients with chronic venous insufficiency (CVI) who were given arjuna bark capsules at a dose of 500 mg twice daily and observed at day 30 and day 90. Follow ups were carried out three months post-treatment and to check up on any adverse effects. It was assessed using the Venous Clinical Severity Score (VCSS) and graded according to Clinical Etiology Anatomy Pathophysiology (CEAP). <\/span>\r\n\r\nThe results showed the median VCSS was lower during the third visit when compared to the first, and there was a marked improvement in CEAP compared with pre- and post-treatment. This suggests arjuna is a safe and effective treatment in CVI and could help reduce symptoms of oedema, inflammation, ulceration and pain (11).\u00a0<\/span>\r\n

Terminalia arjuna in chronic stable angina: Systematic review and meta-analysis<\/h3>\r\nThis review analysed 24 studies, of which five met the criteria to explore the treatment of chronic stable angina with arjuna or with conventional medication. Secondary outcomes including frequency of angina episodes or use of acute medication were reduced in the arjuna groups, and were sometimes compared to conventional therapy. Other studies also showed a significant increase in left ventricular ejection fraction and decrease in left ventricular mass after consumption of arjuna. <\/span>\r\n\r\nMany of the other studies, however, were subject to bias, and although these results are promising, more clinical trials are required to further explore its potential benefit in cardiovascular disease (6). <\/span>","did_you_know":"Arjuna means \u2018white\u2019 or \u2018shining\u2019 named after its bark that reflects light off its branches. Its name is also associated with Arjuna, one of the heroes of the great Indian epic, the Mahabharata. He brings strength, fortitude and protection to his family just as Arjuna brings these qualities to the body.<\/span>\r\n\r\nThe pale white bark of the arjuna tree moults naturally once a year; its new skin bringing new life. It is harvested when the tree is mature, thus attesting to its ability to prolong life, protect the elderly and strengthen the heart. Arjuna is also one of the species whose leaves are fed on by a particular moth that produces \u2018tassar\u2019 silk; a wild silk that is of great commercial importance (5).<\/span>","additional_information_right":{"illustration":250039},"additional_information_left":{"botany":"Arjuna is a large evergreen tree with typically pink-grey bark that peels away from the main frame of the trunk. It can grow up to 25 metres in height. The leaves can reach lengths of 15 cm and the flowers are cup-shaped and a pale yellow. The fruits are fibrous and woody and shaped into five \u2018wings\u2019 appearing between September and November. <\/span>","common_names":"","safety":"Arjuna is safe to take for short term use; however, as safety data is lacking for its long-term use, it is recommended to use for no more than three months (12).\u00a0<\/span>\r\n\r\nIt has traditionally been contraindicated during pregnancy, as there is insufficient research confirming its safety in pregnancy and lactation, so it is best avoided unless under the guidance of a qualified medical herbalist (3,12).\u00a0<\/span>\r\n\r\nArjuna can cause minor adverse reactions in some individuals including headache, constipation, and gastritis (3). <\/span>","interactions":"There is a theoretical interaction between arjuna and anticoagulant medication, as well as medication metabolised via cytochrome P450 pathway (12). Please consult a medical herbalist for more guidance. <\/span>","contraindications":"It is not recommended in patients with constipation (8). <\/span>","preparation":"

Dried bark<\/h3>\r\n