Last verified: April 2026
Arjuna — Arjuna
The heart, in the classical Ayurvedic system, is the seat of Ojas, the location of Prana, and the organ most vulnerable to the combined effects of chronic stress, impaired Agni, and Dosha vitiation. Charaka Samhita documents more conditions associated with the heart than any other single organ. And for all of them — Hridroga, the classical category of heart conditions — the primary herb is Arjuna. The white bark of a large riverbank tree. Named for the clarity of its colour. Documented for the health of what the classical tradition called the centre of life.
The bark of the Arjuna tree peels annually — it sheds its outer layer each year and grows fresh, clean white bark underneath. The classical tradition observed this quality of constant renewal and saw in it the indication of the herb's action: strengthening and renewing the heart muscle, clearing the vessels (Dhamani) that carry blood from and to the heart, and supporting the Sadhaka Pitta — the subtype of Pitta that governs the heart's metabolic function and emotional clarity.
Charaka Samhita classifies Hridroga (heart disease) as one of the eight major disease categories requiring detailed documentation. The text identifies multiple types of cardiac conditions — Vataja (Vata-origin), Pittaja (Pitta-origin), Kaphaja (Kapha-origin), Tridoshaja (all three involved), and Krimija (infection-origin) — each with distinct presentations and distinct treatments. Arjuna bark is documented across all types, making it the single most consistently prescribed herb across the entire Hridroga classification.
The specific Prabhava of Raktastambhana (stopping bleeding) explains another classical application: Arjuna is documented for haemoptysis (coughing blood), haematuria, and bleeding associated with cardiac weakness. The astringent Kashaya Rasa and cold Virya are the pharmacological basis — they constrict, cool, and consolidate, reducing the overflow and extravasation of blood from weakened vessels.
Classical pharmacological profile
Rasa: Kashaya (astringent) — dominantly. Like Haritaki and Bibhitaki (its Combretaceae family relatives), Arjuna is primarily an astringent herb. The astringent taste reflects its Earth + Air elemental composition, which governs the toning, consolidating, and strengthening actions documented for cardiac tissue.
Virya: Sheeta (cold). The cold potency is what makes Arjuna specifically appropriate for Pitta-type cardiac conditions — the overheated, inflamed, or excess-metabolic presentations. It cools the heart's metabolic fire while strengthening the structural tissue.
Prabhava: Hridya — this special affinity for the heart is documented consistently across all three Brihat Trayi texts, making Arjuna one of the few herbs with a Prabhava designation that is unanimous across the classical tradition.
Ayurvedic Pharmacopoeia of India monograph
API Volume II, Monograph No. 1.1.8 specifies: bark of Terminalia arjuna (Roxb. ex DC.) Wight & Arn., Family Combretaceae; total ash: not more than 12%; acid-insoluble ash: not more than 2%; tannin content (as gallic acid): not less than 5%; arjunic acid content (by HPLC): not less than 0.5% on dry weight basis. TLC identity uses arjunic acid and arjunolide as reference standards.