Arjunolic acid

PhytochemicalTriterpene

What is it

Arjunolic acid is a triterpenoid compound found mainly in Terminalia arjuna, the Indian arjuna tree whose bark is used in Ayurvedic medicine for cardiovascular conditions. It is one of several bioactive compounds in the bark.

Evidence for 2 uses

AI-assisted evidence assessment — talk to your doctor before relying on any single supplement.

Cardiovascular support (as part of arjuna)

Limited Evidence

Small clinical trials of arjuna extracts (containing arjunolic acid) have suggested benefits for angina and heart failure symptoms. Most trials are small and from India.

Hepatoprotection (preclinical)

Mixed Evidence

Animal studies show liver-protective effects against various toxins. No controlled human trials of isolated arjunolic acid.

How it works

Arjunolic acid has shown antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, cardioprotective, and hepatoprotective effects in laboratory and animal models. Proposed mechanisms include scavenging reactive oxygen species, modulating inflammatory signaling (NF-kB), and protecting cardiomyocytes from oxidative damage. In Ayurvedic tradition, arjuna bark (containing arjunolic acid alongside other compounds) is used for heart failure, angina, and hypertension. Modern clinical research on arjuna extracts has produced some encouraging results for chronic stable angina and heart failure, though most trials have been small.

Dosage

There is no recommended dose for isolated arjunolic acid. Arjuna bark extract studies have used 500-1500 mg per day. DSLD label data did not include a typical dose.

When and how to take it

Follow the directions of the arjuna product. Typically 2-3 times daily with water or milk in traditional preparations.

1 commercial form

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Arjunolic acid (in arjuna bark extract)

Almost always taken as part of whole or standardized arjuna extract.

Bioavailability data for the pure compound is limited.

Safety

Arjuna bark has a long history of traditional use with good tolerability. Reported side effects are mild and infrequent (occasional headache, GI upset, body ache). Long-term safety of isolated arjunolic acid has not been established.

Who should be cautious

People with heart disease should not self-treat with arjuna or arjunolic acid; coordinate with a clinician. Use caution in pregnancy and lactation due to limited data. Discontinue if dizziness or palpitations develop.

Interactions

Theoretical interactions with cardiovascular medications, including beta-blockers, ACE inhibitors, and digoxin. Discuss with your cardiologist if used alongside heart medications.

Frequently asked questions

Can arjunolic acid help my heart?⌄

Preliminary evidence suggests arjuna extracts (which include arjunolic acid) may benefit some cardiac conditions, but this should never replace prescribed cardiac therapy.

Is isolated arjunolic acid available?⌄

Mostly as a research chemical. Consumer products use arjuna bark or its standardized extracts, where arjunolic acid is one of several active compounds.

References

Arjunolic acid on Wikidata — Wikidata link

Arjunolic acid (ChEBI:68381) — ChEBI link

Arjunolic acid (PubChem CID 73641) — PubChem link

Arjunolic acid on NIH DSLD (US supplement label database) — NIH Dietary Supplement Label Database link

Research on Arjunolic acid (PubMed search) — PubMed link

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Evidence-based·How we grade evidence

Disclaimer: These statements have not been evaluated by the FDA. This page is educational, not a substitute for personalized medical advice. Evidence grades are AI-assisted assessments — talk to your doctor before starting any new supplement, especially if you’re pregnant, breastfeeding, on medications, or managing a chronic condition.