Arjuna
Terminalia arjuna · अर्जुन
Herbs & Roots. Ayurveda and Modern nutrition.
Also called Arjun, Arjuna bark, Arjuna tree
Sanskrit: अर्जुन (Arjuna)
Can lower blood pressureBark of a large Indian tree, used in Ayurveda as a heart tonic and studied in small heart trials.
Did you know? The tree is named after Arjuna, a hero of the Hindu epic Mahabharata, and is considered sacred in parts of India.
What it may help, and how strong the proof is
- Heart health. Small trials in heart failure and heart disease showed some benefit with arjuna bark powder. Studies are small and short.Early proof
- Blood pressure. Animal studies suggest a blood pressure effect. Human trials are few.Traditional proof
- Cholesterol. Small early studies suggest lower cholesterol. Evidence is weak.Traditional proof
Parts of the body
Traditional use
Ayurveda uses the bark as a heart tonic for chest pain and weak heart. It is also used for bleeding and wounds.
How it is classified
- Herbal actions
- Heart tonic, Antioxidant. Energy: cooling.
- Ayurveda
- Calms Pitta and Kapha. Taste (rasa): astringent. Energy (virya): cooling. After digestion (vipaka): pungent. Hridya (heart tonic), Bhagnasandhanakara (heals fractures), Vrananasana (heals wounds).
How people take it
Small studies used powdered bark over several weeks. Doses varied and are not clearly settled. Follow the product label and a clinician's advice.
Powder, decoction, capsule and tea.
Where to get it
Arjuna is a large tree of the Indian plains and forests. The bark is peeled and dried. Buy powdered bark, capsules or tea. Quality varies a lot.
Be careful
Arjuna can lower blood pressure and slow the heart, which may cause dizziness or fainting. Side effects are usually mild, such as nausea or acid reflux.
Avoid if: low blood pressure; pregnancy; breastfeeding; before surgery.
Mixing with other things
- Use cautionBlood pressure medicine (lisinopril, amlodipine, losartan)
May add to blood pressure medicines and cause dizziness or faintness.
- Use cautionHeart rhythm medicine (digoxin, amiodarone)
May change heart rate. Use only with a clinician's advice if you take heart medicine.
Adds up with others that may lower blood pressure: , , , , , , , , , , , , , and 12 more.
The honest take
Arjuna has more human heart studies than most Ayurvedic herbs, but they are few, small and short. Product quality varies. It should not replace heart medicine.