Terminalia arjuna
Scientific names: Terminalia arjuna, Pentaptera arjuna, Pentaptera glabra
Family: Combretaceae
Alternate names: Arjan des Indes, Arjhan, Arjun Chal, Arjun Tree, Axjun Argun, Carambole Marron, Dhavala, Indradru, Kakubha, Kumbuk, Marudhu, Nadisarja, Neer Matti, Partha, Sadado, Sadaru, Tella Maddi, Veeravriksha
Actions: Anticancer, Antimicrobial, Cardiovascular, Gastrointestinal, Hepatoprotective, Immunosuppressive
Background
Terminalia arjuna is a tree. Its bark is traditionally used in Ayurvedic medicine.
The bark of the Terminalia arjuna tree contains chemicals that might stimulate the heart. It might also have effects that lower cholesterol and blood pressure.
People use Terminalia arjuna for chest pain, asthma, athletic performance, heart disease, high cholesterol, high blood pressure, obesity, and many other conditions, but there is no good scientific evidence to support these uses.
Don't confuse Terminalia arjuna with other Terminalia species, including Terminalia chebula and Terminalia bellirica. These are not the same.
The bark of the Terminalia arjuna tree contains chemicals that might stimulate the heart. It might also have effects that lower cholesterol and blood pressure.
People use Terminalia arjuna for chest pain, asthma, athletic performance, heart disease, high cholesterol, high blood pressure, obesity, and many other conditions, but there is no good scientific evidence to support these uses.
Don't confuse Terminalia arjuna with other Terminalia species, including Terminalia chebula and Terminalia bellirica. These are not the same.
Safety Safety definitions
When taken by mouth: Terminalia arjuna is possibly safe when used for up to 3 months. But it shouldn't be used without medical supervision. It can have significant effects on the heart.
Bleeding disorders: Terminalia arjuna might slow blood clotting. This might increase the risk of bruising and bleeding in people with bleeding disorders.
Surgery: Terminalia arjuna might increase the risk of bleeding during surgery. Stop taking Terminalia arjuna at least 2 weeks before a scheduled surgery.
Special Precautions & Warnings:
Pregnancy and breast-feeding: There isn't enough reliable information to know if Terminalia arjuna is safe to use when pregnant or breast-feeding. Stay on the safe side and avoid use.Bleeding disorders: Terminalia arjuna might slow blood clotting. This might increase the risk of bruising and bleeding in people with bleeding disorders.
Surgery: Terminalia arjuna might increase the risk of bleeding during surgery. Stop taking Terminalia arjuna at least 2 weeks before a scheduled surgery.
Effectiveness
Effective Effectiveness definitions
There is interest in using Terminalia arjuna for a number of purposes, but there isn't enough reliable information to say whether it might be helpful.
Dosing & administration
Terminalia arjuna has most often been used by adults in doses of 500 mg by mouth three times daily for up to 3 months. Keep in mind that Terminalia arjuna can affect the heart and should only be used under medical supervision. Speak with a healthcare provider before use.
Interactions with pharmaceuticals
Medications changed by the liver (Cytochrome P450 2C9 (CYP2C9) substrates)
Interaction Rating=Moderate Be cautious with this combination.
Some medications are changed and broken down by the liver. Terminalia arjuna might change how quickly the liver breaks down these medications. This could change the effects and side effects of these medications.
Medications changed by the liver (Cytochrome P450 2D6 (CYP2D6) substrates)
Interaction Rating=Moderate Be cautious with this combination.
Some medications are changed and broken down by the liver. Terminalia arjuna might change how quickly the liver breaks down these medications. This could change the effects and side effects of these medications.
Medications changed by the liver (Cytochrome P450 3A4 (CYP3A4) substrates)
Interaction Rating=Moderate Be cautious with this combination.
Some medications are changed and broken down by the liver. Terminalia arjuna might change how quickly the liver breaks down these medications. This could change the effects and side effects of these medications.
Medications that slow blood clotting (Anticoagulant / Antiplatelet drugs)
Interaction Rating=Moderate Be cautious with this combination.
Terminalia arjuna might slow blood clotting. Taking Terminalia arjuna along with medications that also slow blood clotting might increase the risk of bruising and bleeding.
Interactions with herbs & supplements
Herbs and supplements that might slow blood clotting: Terminalia arjuna might slow blood clotting and increase the risk of bleeding. Taking it with other supplements with similar effects might increase the risk of bleeding in some people. Examples of supplements with this effect include garlic, ginger, ginkgo, nattokinase, and Panax ginseng.
Interactions with foods
There are no known interactions with foods.
vital.ly has licensed monographs from TRC Healthcare.
This monograph was last reviewed on 31/07/2024 10:00:00 and last updated on 28/03/2018 19:21:56. Monographs are reviewed and/or updated multiple times per month and at least once per year.
Natural Medicines disclaims any responsibility related to medical consequences of using any medical product. Effort is made to ensure that the information contained in this monograph is accurate at the time it was published. Consumers and medical professionals who consult this monograph are cautioned that any medical or product related decision is the sole responsibility of the consumer and/or the health care professional. A legal License Agreement sets limitations on downloading, storing, or printing content from this Database. No reproduction of this monograph or any content from this Database is permitted without written permission from the publisher. It is unlawful to download, store, or distribute content from this site.
Natural Medicines rates safety based on scientific evidence according to the following scale: Likely Safe, Possibly Safe, Possibly Unsafe, Likely Unsafe, Unsafe, and Insufficient Evidence to Rate. For more information about Natural Medicines’ Safety Rating System, click here.
The Natural Medicines Effectiveness Ratings are assigned for specific indications. A product might be rated "Possibly Effective" for one condition, but be rated "Likely Ineffective" for another condition, depending on the evidence. For more info click here.
