Arjuna Bark

Also known as: Terminalia arjuna, Arjuna, T. arjuna bark extract, IPC-53

Evidence under review. — Not yet rated

Ayurvedic bark extract with clinical evidence for heart health, circulation, and skin aging benefits.

What it does

Arjuna Bark is the dried bark extract of the Terminalia arjuna tree, used for centuries in Ayurvedic medicine. Clinical trials show it can reduce angina frequency and improve exercise tolerance in...
Evidence quality

Evidence base hasn't been formally rated yet. See research below.
Clinical dose

500 mg 2-3x daily (1000-1500 mg/day) based on clinical studies

What the Science Says

Arjuna Bark is the dried bark extract of the Terminalia arjuna tree, used for centuries in Ayurvedic medicine. Clinical trials show it can reduce angina frequency and improve exercise tolerance in men with stable heart disease, performing comparably to a standard nitrate medication at 500 mg taken three times daily. Additional studies suggest it may improve symptoms of chronic venous insufficiency and reduce signs of skin aging, including improved hydration, elasticity, and reduced sagging.

What It Doesn't Do

Not a replacement for prescribed heart medications — talk to your doctor first. No strong evidence it prevents heart attacks or strokes. Skin benefits are modest and require topical application, not just oral supplements. Animal studies on liver and cardio protection don't automatically translate to humans. Not proven to work equally well in women — the main heart study only included men.

Evidence-Based Benefits

Reduces angina frequency and improves exercise capacity in men with stable heart disease.

Moderate Evidence

Effective at: 500 mg three times daily (1500 mg/day)

Supporting studies (click to view on PubMed):

PMID 12086380

Reduces leg pain, swelling, and skin changes in people with chronic venous insufficiency.

Weak Evidence

Effective at: 500 mg twice daily (1000 mg/day)

Supporting studies (click to view on PubMed):

PMID 38555178

Topical application improves skin hydration, elasticity, and reduces sagging in aging and postmenopausal skin.

Weak Evidence

Effective at: No established oral dose; topical extract used in studies

Supporting studies (click to view on PubMed):

PMID 24008587

May protect heart tissue from oxidative stress and inflammation in animal models of cardiac injury.

Weak Evidence

Effective at: 100-200 mg/kg in animal studies; human equivalent not established

Supporting studies (click to view on PubMed):

PMID 42467167

Absorption & Bioavailability

Unknown — no pharmacokinetic studies were provided. A nanosuspension formulation (118 nm particles) showed enhanced effects in animal studies compared to standard extract, suggesting standard oral bioavailability may be limited.

Red Flags to Watch For

The key angina trial only included men — results may not apply to women
Most mechanistic evidence comes from animal or cell studies, not human trials
Do not use as a substitute for prescribed cardiovascular medications without medical supervision
Drug-drug interactions with heart medications, blood pressure drugs, or blood thinners have not been well studied
Nanosuspension and novel delivery forms are not yet clinically validated in humans

Frequently Asked Questions

What does Arjuna Bark do?

Ayurvedic bark extract with clinical evidence for heart health, circulation, and skin aging benefits.

What is the effective dose of Arjuna Bark?

500 mg 2-3x daily (1000-1500 mg/day) based on clinical studies

Is Arjuna Bark safe?

The key angina trial only included men — results may not apply to women

What doesn't Arjuna Bark do?

Not a replacement for prescribed heart medications — talk to your doctor first.

Research Sources

PubMed
NIH DSLD

This information is for educational purposes only and is not medical advice. Always consult a healthcare professional before starting any supplement regimen. Last updated: 2026-11-06