Arjuna supplement health benefit and side effects, dosage and research studies by Ray Sahelian, M.D.  500 mg tablets

Ancient medical scientists have mentioned the properties of Arjuna herb.  Indian medical knowledge known as Ayurveda goes back millennia. The Vedas and Puranas refer various materials of medical importance including herbs, plants and trees. Modern research has discovered that Arjuna has antioxidant properties and may be clinically helpful in cardiovascular health.

Substances found in arjuna herb
 A triterpene glycoside, arjunetoside, together with oleanolic and arjunic acids, and a cardenolide, have been isolated from the root bark of Terminalia arjuna.

Buy Arjuna, 550 mg dosage,  120 Tablets - Planetary Formulas

Arjuna Supplement Facts
Serving Size 1 Tablet
Amount Per Serving  
Calcium - 30 mg           
Terminalia arjuna Bark -  500 mg
Terminalia arjuna Bark extract - 50 mg
    (standardized 10:1 extract, meaning it is 10 times more concentrated than the plain bark powder)

Suggested use: Take one Arjuna tablet once a day or as recommended by your health care provider.

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Arjuna benefit for heart and cardiovascular health
Over the years, several studies have been done with Arjuna. Here's a summary of some of the studies. You can find the abstracts at the bottom of this page.

Arjuna has been tested in patients with angina. The herb dilates blood vessels, even in cigarette smokers.
Arjunolic acid, a new triterpene and a potent extract from the bark of Terminalia arjuna, has been shown to provide significant cardiac protection in myocardial necrosis in rats. Arjunolic acid treatment prevents the decrease in the levels of powerful antioxidants such as superoxide dismutase, catalase, glutathione, alpha-tocopherol, and ascorbic acid.

Additional actions of arjuna herb
Arjuna has compounds that protect against DNA damage from toxins.
Compounds in Arjuna may help maintain healthy cholesterol.
A substance in Arjuna, casuarinin, inhibits breast cancer cell growth in laboratory studies.
Substances in this plant have anti-platelet activity, meaning they can thin the blood.

Side effects
No significant side effects have been published in medical journals as of September 2009.

Antiplatelet actions
Inhibitory effects of Terminalia arjuna on platelet activation in vitro in healthy subjects and patients with coronary artery disease.
Platelets. 2009 May; Malik N, Dhawan V, Bahl A, Kaul D. Department of Experimental Medicine & Biotechnology, Chandigarh-160012, India.
Terminalia arjuna is a medicinal plant used as a cardiotonic in ayurveda. Scientific evidence dictates its strong hypolipidemic and antioxidant properties. However, anti-inflammatory and antiplatelet properties of TA are not known. The present study demonstrates in vitro effects of its ethanolic bark extract on platelet function indices. Twenty patients of angiographically proven coronary artery disease (CAD) were included in Group I and 20 age and sex-matched controls were included in Group II. The bark extract is able to significantly inhibit platelet aggregation both in patient and control groups. Our data clearly demonstrates that the bark extract of terminalia arjuna decreases platelet activation and may possess anti-thrombotic properties. The possible mechanism of action could be by desensitizing platelets to the agonist by competing with platelet receptor or by interfering with signal transduction. Thus, this plant can be exploited for its therapeutic potential in CAD and related cardiovascular disorders.

Arjuna Terminalia research studies
Effect of Terminalia arjuna extract on adriamycin-induced DNA damage.
Phytother Res. 2008 Sep; Reddy TK, Seshadri P, Reddy KK, Jagetia GC, Reddy CD. Division of Cancer Biology, Sugen Life Sciences, Tirupati, 517505, AP, India.
The effect of a bark extract of Terminalia arjuna (TAE) was studied on the alteration of adriamycin (ADR)-induced micronuclei formation in cultured human peripheral blood lymphocytes. Our results demonstrate that TAE protects DNA against ADR-induced damage.

Effects of Terminalia arjuna bark extract on apoptosis of human hepatoma cell line HepG2.
World J Gastroenterol. 2006 Feb 21;12(7):1018-24.
AIM: To investigate the effects of Terminalia arjuna (T. arjuna) extract on human hepatoma cell line (HepG2) and its possible role in induction of apoptosis. T. arjuna induced cytotoxicity in HepG2 cells in vitro. Apoptosis of HepG2 cells may be due to the DNA damage and expression of apoptotic proteins. Depletion of GSH may be involved in the induction of apoptosis of HepG2 cells.

Antioxidant activity of Terminalia arjuna bark extract on N-nitrosodiethylamine induced hepatocellular carcinoma in rats.
Mol Cell Biochem. 2006 Jan;281(1-2):87-93. Sivalokanathan S, Ilayaraja M, Balasubramanian MP.
Department of Pharmacology and Environmental Toxicology, Dr. ALM Post-Graduate Institute of Basic Medical Sciences, University of Madras, Taramani Campus, Chennai, Tamil Nadu, India.
The present investigation was carried out to evaluate the antioxidant nature of ethanolic extract of Terminalia arjuna bark on N-nitrosodiethylamine (DEN) induced liver cancer in male Wistar albino rats. Our results show an antioxidant activity of T. arjuna bark against DEN-induced liver cancer.

Role of Terminalia arjuna in ischaemic mitral regurgitation.
Int J Cardiol. 2005 Apr 28;100(3):507-8. Dwivedi S, Aggarwal A, Agarwal MP, Rajpal S.
The bark powder of Terminalia arjuna, an indigenous plant has been found to have antianginal, decongestive and hypolipidemic effect. We planned a study to evaluate the role of T. arjuna in ischemic mitral regurgitation (IMR) following acute myocardial infarction (AMI). 40 patients with fresh AMI showing IMR were randomly divided into 2 groups of 20 each. They were given placebo or 500 mg of T. arjuna in addition to anti-ischemic treatment. After 1 and 3 months of follow up, patients receiving adjuvant T. arjuna showed significant decrease in IMR, improvement in E/A ratio and considerable reduction in anginal frequency.

Casuarinin from the Bark of Terminalia arjuna Induces Apoptosis and Cell Cycle Arrest in Human Breast Adenocarcinoma MCF-7 Cells.
Planta Med. 2005 Mar;71(3):237-43.
Casuarinin, a hydrolyzable tannin isolated from the bark of Terminalia arjuna L. (Combretaceae), was investigated for its antiproliferative activity in human breast adenocarcinoma MCF-7 cells. The results showed that casuarinin from arjuna inhibited the proliferation of MCF-7 by blocking cell cycle progression in the G0/G1 phase and inducing apoptosis. Our study reports here for the first time that the induction of p21/WAF1 and the activity of Fas/Fas ligand apoptotic system may participate in the antiproliferative activity of casuarinin in MCF-7 cells.

Terminalia arjuna (Roxb.) protects rabbit heart against ischemic-reperfusion injury: role of antioxidant enzymes and heat shock protein.
 J Ethnopharmacol. 2005 Jan 15;96(3):403-9.
The bark of Terminalia arjuna Roxb. is widely recommended for the treatment of ischemic heart disease (IHD) in Indian system of medicine. Oral administration of Terminalia arjuna for 12 weeks in rabbits caused augmentation of myocardial antioxidants; superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT) and glutathione (GSH) along with induction of heat shock protein72 (HSP72). In vivo ischemic-reperfusion injury induced oxidative stress, tissue injury of heart and haemodynamic effects were prevented in the Terminalia arjuna  treated rabbit hearts. The study provides scientific basis for the putative therapeutic effect of Terminalia arjuna in ischemic heart disease.

Terminalia arjuna reverses impaired endothelial function in chronic smokers.
Indian Heart J. 2004 Mar-Apr;56(2):123-8.
Smoking, largely through increased oxidative stress, causes endothelial dysfunction which is an early key event in atherosclerosis. The present study was aimed to determine whether Terminalia arjuna, an Indian medicinal plant with potent antioxidant constituents, would improve endothelial dysfunction in smokers. Eighteen healthy male smokers and equal number of age-matched non-smoker controls participated in the study. The baseline brachial artery reactivity studies were performed to determine endothelium-dependent, flow-mediated dilation and endothelium-independent nitroglycerine-mediated dilation. Subsequently the smokers were given Terminalia arjuna (500 mg q8h) or matching placebo randomly in a double blind cross-over design for two weeks each, followed by repetition of brachial artery reactivity studies. There was no significant difference as regards vessel diameter and flow velocities between the two therapies. However, the flow-mediated dilation showed significant improvement from baseline values after Terrminalia arjuna therapy but not with placebo. CONCLUSIONS: Smokers have impaired endothelium-dependent but normal endothelium-independent vasodilation as determined by brachial artery reactivity studies. Further, Terrminalia arjuna therapy for two weeks leads to significant regression of this endothelial abnormality amongst smokers.

Cardioprotective effect of the alcoholic extract of Terminalia arjuna bark in an in vivo model of myocardial ischemic reperfusion injury.
Life Sci. 2003 Oct 10;73(21):2727-39.
The present study was designed to investigate the effects of chronic administration of the alcoholic extract of Terminalia arjuna bark on isoproterenol induced myocardial injury. The arjuna was administered orally to Wistar albino rats 6 days/week for 4 weeks. At the end of this period, all the animals, except the normal untreated rats that served as the control group, were administered isoproterenol for two consecutive days to induce in vivo myocardial injury. A significant rise in myocardial thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS) and loss of reduced glutathione (GSH), superoxide dismutase (SOD) and catalase (suggestive of increased oxidative stress) occurred in the hearts subjected to in vivo myocardial ischemic reperfusion injury. In in vivo ischemic reperfusion injury of the arjuna treated rats there was a significant decrease in TBARS in all the groups. The present study demonstrates that arjuna augments endogenous antioxidant compounds of the rat heart and also prevents the myocardium from isoproterenol induced myocardial ischemic reperfusion injury.

A novel naphthanol glycoside from Terminalia arjuna with antioxidant and nitric oxide inhibitory activities.
Pharmazie. 2003 Dec;58(12):932-4.
A novel naphthanol glycoside, arjunaphthanoloside (1), was isolated from the stem bark of Terminalia arjuna and showed potent antioxidant activity.

Possible mechanisms of hypotension produced 70% alcoholic extract of Terminalia arjuna in anaesthetized dogs.
BMC Complement Altern Med. 2003 Oct 16;3(1):5.
The bark of Terminalia arjuna is used in Ayurveda since ancient times for the treatment of cardiac disorders. Previous laboratory investigations have demonstrated the use of the arjuna bark in cardiovascular complications. The present study was aimed to find the effect of 70% alcoholic extract of Terminalia arjuna on anaesthetized dog blood pressure and probable site of action. Six dogs were anaesthetized and the blood pressure of each dog was measured. The extract of arjuna (dissolved in propylene glycol) in the dose range of 5 to 15 mg/kg were administered intravenously in a pilot study and the dose (6 mg/kg) which produced appreciable hypotension was selected for further studies. RESULTS: Intravenous administration of arjuna produced dose-dependent hypotension in anaesthetized dogs. The results indicated the likely involvement of peripheral mechanism for hypotension produced by the 70% alcoholic extract of Terminalia arjuna and lends support for the claims of its traditional usage in cardiovascular disorders.

Antimutagenic activities of acetone and methanol fractions of Terminalia arjuna.
Food Chem Toxicol. 2002 Oct;40(10):1475-82.
Efficacy of Terminalia arjuna in chronic stable angina: a double-blind, placebo-controlled, crossover study comparing Terminalia arjuna with isosorbide mononitrate.
Indian Heart J. 2002 Mar-Apr;54(2):170-5.
Terminalia arjuna, an Indian medicinal plant, has been reported to have beneficial effects in patients with ischemic heart disease in a number of small, open studies. The need for a double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled study with adequate sample size has long been felt. The arjuna bark extract contains acids (arjunic acid, terminic acid), glycosides (arjunetin arjunosides), strong antioxidants (flavones, tannins, oligomeric proanthocyanidins), minerals. etc. and exhibits anti-ischemic properties. Fifty-eight males with chronic stable angina (NYHA class II-III) with evidence of provocable ischemia on treadmill exercise test received Terminalia arjuna (500 mg 8 hourly), isosorbide mononitrate (40 mg/daily) or a matching placebo for one week each, separated by a wash-out period of at least three days in a randomized, double-blind, crossover design. They underwent clinical, biochemical and treadmill exercise evaluation at the end of each therapy which were compared during the three therapy periods. Terminalia arjuna therapy was associated with significant decrease in the frequency of angina and need for isosorbide dinitrate. The treadmill exercise test parameters improved significantly during therapy with arjuna compared to those with placebo. The total duration of exercise increased, maximal ST depression during the longest equivalent stages of submaximal exercise decreased , time to recovery decreased, and higher double products were achieved during arjuna therapy. Similar improvements in clinical and treadmill exercise test parameters were observed with isosorbide mononitrate compared to placebo therapy. No significant differences were observed in clinical or treadmill exercise test parameters when arjuna and isosorbide mononitrate therapies were compared. No significant untoward effects were reported during arjuna therapy. Terminalia arjuna bark extract, 500 mg 8 hourly, given to patients with stable angina with provocable ischemia on treadmill exercise, led to improvement in clinical and treadmill exercise parameters as compared to placebo therapy. These benefits were similar to those observed with isosorbide mononitrate (40 mg/day) therapy and the extract was well tolerated. Limitations of this study include applicability of the results to only men with chronic stable angina but not necessarily to women, as they were not studied.

Antioxidant and hypocholesterolaemic effects of Terminalia arjuna tree-bark powder: a randomised placebo-controlled trial.
J Assoc Physicians India. 2001 Feb;49:231-5.
To evaluate the antioxidant and hypocholesterolemic effects of Terminalia arjuna tree bark (a popular cardiotonic substance in Indian pharmacopoeia) and to compare it with a known antioxidant, vitamin E, we performed a randomized controlled trial. One hundred and five successive patients with coronary heart disease presenting to our centre were recruited and divided into 3 groups of 35 each. None of the patients was on lipid-lowering drugs. Supplemental vitamins were stopped for one month before study began and American Heart Association Step II dietary advice was given to all. At baseline, total cholesterol, triglycerides, HDL and LDL cholesterol and lipid peroxide estimated as thiobarbituric acid reactive substances were determined. Group I received placebo capsules; Group II vitamin E capsules 400 units/day; and Group III received finely pulverized arjuna tree bark-powder (500 mg) in capsules daily. Lipids and lipid peroxide levels were determined at 30 days follow-up. Response rate in various groups varied from 86% to 91%. No significant changes in total, HDL, LDL cholesterol and triglycerides levels were seen in Groups I and II. In Group III there was a significant decrease in total cholesterol, and LDL cholesterol. Lipid peroxide levels decreased significantly in both the treatment groups. This decrease was more in vitamin E group as compared to the arjuna group. Terminalia arjuna tree bark powder has significant antioxidant action that is comparable to vitamin E. In addition, it also has a significant hypocholesterolaemic effect.

Antigenotoxic properties of Terminalia arjuna bark extracts.
J Environ Pathol Toxicol Oncol. 1999;18(2):119-25.
Compounds possessing antimutagenic properties (polyphenols, tannins, vitamins, etc.) have been identified in fruits, vegetables, spices, and medicinal plants. Terminalia arjuna (Combretaceae), a tropical woody tree occurring throughout India and known locally as Kumbuk, is a medicinal plant rich in tannins and triterpenes that is used extensively in Ayurvedic medicine as a cardiac tonic. The aim of the present collaborative work was to test six solvent extracts from the bark of Terminalia arjuna for antigenotoxic activity using in vitro short-term tests. Terminalia arjuna extracts were obtained by sequential extraction using acetone, methanol, methanol + HCl, chloroform, ethyl acetate, and ethyl ether.

Arjuna supplement emails
Q. My husband and I have used arjuna supplements for the past few months and we both believe it has lowered our blood pressure.

Q. I was diagnosed with hypertension many years ago and since then have been prescribed various allopathic drugs, most recently Atenolol. On November 23, 2004 I reduced the dosage of Atenolol and replaced it gradually with Arjuna which we purchased online from you. I have been taking Arjuna exclusively since Dec 1.  Since Dec 1, my blood pressure seems to have been as well controlled by arjuna as it was previously by allopathic drugs and from this aspect, I see no reason why I should not continue taking arjuna exclusively. However, I am concerned about the seeming lack of any documentation regarding its long term effects. Information on such effects is readily available in respect of allopathic anti-hypertensives. If arjuna terminalia has such a long history of use in such conditions, surely there must be some data on the effects of long term use - even if the conclusion is that there is no traceable effect. Can you please comment on this point?
   A. Even though Arjuna has a long history of use, this was probably recorded in India and has not make it to the Western medical research information base. As soon as we get any info on this topic we will mention it in our newsletter.

Q. I had 2 strokes, can not take Plavix, I have started on natural remedies. I am no longer on Lipitor, Lopressor, or Lotrel. My Doctor knows that I am taking natural remedies, and he checks me out, and feel I am o.k. My question to you is: Will Arjuna work with natural products that I am taking to lower my blood pressure and clostrial.
   A. This is a question your doctor would answer for you after reading research on arjuna.

Q. I have been reading about Terminalia Arjuna with regard to heart health. In one article, I read, "Arjuna's ability to suppress the blood's absorption of lipids indicates that it has cholesterol-regulating properties." If this is the case, would taking arjuna supplements interfere with the blood's absorption of essential fatty acids?
   A. I have no reason to suspect that the use of arjuna supplements would cause problems with essential fatty acid absorption.

I have been ordering my Arjuna from Himalaya for quite some time. I just happened to look at the bottle today and noticed, among its ingredients – Colloidal Silicon Dioxide. I’m no scientist but that doesn’t sound like a good thing to be taking. Is this a “natural” ingredient? I was wondering if your Arjuna has that ingredient in it? If it doesn’t, maybe I should be buying my this herbal product from your company.
    We do not think Colloidal Silicon Dioxide is harmful, the amounts in the capsules are often very very small. The product we carry has Other Ingredients: microcrystalline cellulose, dibasic calcium phosphate, stearic acid, hydroxypropyl cellulose, colloidal silicon dioxide and modified cellulose gum. These are also safe. You may wish to keep using the product you have or try another.