Combretaceae
Arjuna Bark
Terminalia arjuna
✓ Generally Safe
Caution in Pregnancy
Native to: India, Sri Lanka, Myanmar
Also known as: Arjuna Tree Bark, Koha, Kakubha Bark
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Parts Used
Bark
Therapeutic Uses
Heart failure, angina (multiple clinical trials — RCT shows improvement in LVEF), hypertension, cardiomyopathy. Premier Ayurvedic cardioprotective herb.
Herbal Actions
Cardiotonic, antihypertensive, antioxidant (coronary), anti-ischaemic, antifatigue, hypolipidemic
Active Constituents
Glycosides (arjunoside I–IV), triterpenes (arjunolic acid — primary, arjungenin, arjunetin), flavonoids (luteolin, rutin, quercetin), tannins (12–16%)
Preparation Methods
🍵 Decoction💊 Capsule🏺 Tincture
Traditional Preparation Notes
| Herbal Tea | 3g dried bark powder boiled in 250ml milk (ksheera paka) — traditional preparation, 2x daily |
| Tincture | 500mg standardized extract 2x daily. Decoction: 3–6g daily. |
| Notes | Traditional preparation in milk significantly improves bioavailability. RCT in stable angina: 500mg 3x daily. Long-term use (3–6 months) for cardiac benefits. Combine with hawthorn. |
Safety Information
Safety Rating
✓ Generally Safe
Pregnancy
Caution in Pregnancy
Drug Interactions
Possible — consult doctor
Contraindications: Caution with cardiac medications (additive). Antihypertensives. Caution in pregnancy.
Side Effects: GI upset. Headache. Generally very well tolerated.