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Dietary supplement

Arjuna Bark 500 mg Ingredients & Drug Interactions

by Swanson

Capsule Category: Botanical
Most serious interaction: Moderate
The interaction bottom line Most serious interaction: Moderate

Arjuna Bark 500 mg is a dietary supplement by Swanson with 1 active ingredient. Its ingredients are commonly taken for heart health and circulation, digestive problems (constipation, diarrhea), cholesterol support.Based on those ingredients, 933 medications have a known interaction with it, the most serious rated moderate. The ingredients most likely to interact are Terminalia arjuna bark extract. Use the checker below to test your specific medication, or read the full HelloPharmacist Interaction Report.

HelloPharmacist Scorecard of Arjuna Bark 500 mg by Swanson

Our pharmacy team’s full take, with four database checks built into the cards below — a summary of what is known, not a grade of the product itself.

From our pharmacy team — supplement deep dive

What’s inside

Full disclosure
Ingredient Transparency · database check
Full

Every active ingredient lists its own amount on the label.

Why this rating?
  • The label discloses an exact amount for 1 of its 1 active ingredient.
  • No proprietary blends here — you can verify the dose of every single component.

Swanson's Arjuna Bark contains a single active ingredient: Terminalia arjuna bark extract at 500 mg per capsule. The capsule itself is made from inactive ingredients—hypromellose, microcrystalline cellulose, silica, and magnesium stearate—that help hold and deliver the extract.

Does it work?

Not established
Evidence for Intended Use · database check
By FDA rules, dietary supplements can’t claim to treat, cure, or prevent disease — so labels speak in careful marketing language. We discern each product’s intended use from its name, label claims, and label statements, then grade the clinical evidence for that use. How these ratings are computed
Not established

The graded evidence we hold for these ingredients covers different conditions than the ones this product is marketed for, so there's no established rating for its stated use — see Terminalia's own graded uses on its monograph.

Why this rating?
  • The label markets this product for: Traditional Ayurvedic herb for cardiovascular health.
  • We looked for evidence on: Angina, Coronary heart disease (CHD), Heart failure, Hyperlipidemia, Hypertension, Circulation — and 2 related terms.
  • The closest evidence on file: Terminalia is rated "Insufficient Reliable Evidence To Rate" for Angina (Natural Medicines).
  • Also on file: Terminalia is rated "Insufficient Reliable Evidence To Rate" for Coronary heart disease (CHD), Heart failure, Hyperlipidemia, Hypertension.

The evidence for Terminalia arjuna is limited. We hold no reliable data supporting its use for obesity, high cholesterol (hyperlipidemia), high blood pressure (hypertension), or angina—the conditions this product is often marketed for.

That doesn't mean it doesn't work; it means the research we have access to isn't strong enough yet to say either way.

The evidence, ingredient by ingredient Terminalia

How safe is it?

Some data gaps
Safety Information · database check
Some gaps

Safety data exists for these ingredients, but with some important gaps.

Why this rating?
  • We hold adverse-effect (side-effect) data for 0 of the 1 matched ingredient.
  • Pregnancy & breastfeeding safety ratings cover 1 of 1.
  • General safety write-ups exist for 1 of 1.
  • Remember: this measures how much safety information exists. Thin data is not the same as being safe.

Terminalia arjuna is generally well tolerated in short-term studies, but we don't have solid long-term safety data, and quality can vary between products. The safety data advises against use during pregnancy and while breastfeeding because there isn't enough information to know whether it's safe in those situations.

If you're pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or breastfeeding, talk with your doctor or pharmacist before taking this supplement.

Side effects, ingredient by ingredient Terminalia

Meds to double-check

Moderate interaction found
Known Interaction Concern · database check
Moderate identified

The most serious documented interaction for these ingredients is Moderate. Check your medications for a personalized result.

Why this rating?
  • 1 of the 1 matched ingredient can interact with medications — Terminalia.
  • The most serious interaction on file is rated Moderate.
  • Some involve high-stakes drug classes: anticoagulant / antiplatelet drugs; diabetes medications.
  • For scale: 934 individual medications appear in the full list. A big number alone doesn't make a product dangerous — what matters is whether YOUR medication is on it, so run yours through the interaction checker on this page.

Before you start, double-check any medications you take with the search tool below, especially blood thinners (anticoagulants or antiplatelet drugs), diabetes medications, muscle relaxers like chlorzoxazone, omeprazole for heartburn, and any drugs broken down by your liver's CYP2D6, CYP2C9, or CYP3A4 enzymes—a large group that includes many common prescriptions.

Check your own medication Run your meds through the checker above

The bottom line

Scorecard at a glanceFully disclosed formula with no established evidence rating for its marketed use. Moderate medication interactions have been identified, and some safety-information gaps remain.

Arjuna Bark is a single-ingredient supplement with documented interactions across multiple drug categories—especially liver enzyme systems, blood thinners, diabetes medications, and a couple of specific drugs. If you take any prescription medications, check them against the interaction tool on this page.

The evidence for what it's supposed to do isn't established yet, so discuss whether it makes sense for you with your pharmacist.

Educational only — not medical advice; always confirm with your pharmacist. Our editorial policy · How we use AI

Assessment coverage: 1 of 1 active ingredient matched to our full ingredient reviews (monographs). Based on the product label dated Nov 22, 2024.

This Scorecard evaluates available label information, ingredient evidence, and known medication-safety considerations. It does not independently verify product identity, purity, potency, contamination, or manufacturing quality. How these ratings are computed

At a glance

General information

Key facts about Arjuna Bark 500 mg, straight from the product label.

Brand Swanson
Barcode (UPC) 087614141992
Net contents 60 Veggie Capsule(s)
Market status On market
Date entered into DSLD Nov 22, 2024
DSLD ID 308469
Product type Botanical
Supplement form Capsule
Dietary claims / uses All Other, Structure/Function
Intended target group(s) Adult (18 - 50 Years), Women (not pregnant or lactating)
From the label
Everything in this section is reproduced from the manufacturer’s own product label — it’s the label speaking, not HelloPharmacist. We show it so you can see exactly what the maker states; we don’t verify or endorse those statements.

Supplement Facts

The label details for Arjuna Bark 500 mg by Swanson, sourced from the NIH Dietary Supplement Label Database.

Supplement Facts

Daily Value (DV) Target Group(s):
Adults and children 4 or more years of age
Minimum serving Sizes:
1 Veggie Capsule(s)
Maximum serving Sizes:
1 Veggie Capsule(s)
Servings per container
60
UPC/BARCODE
087614141992
IngredientAmount% DV
Terminalia arjuna bark extract500 mg--

Other ingredients: Hypromellose, Microcrystalline Cellulose, Silica, Magnesium Stearate

Tap any ingredient to jump to its full detail below.

Label statements
These statements are the manufacturer’s wording, reproduced from the product label — the label is saying it, not HelloPharmacist. We don’t verify or endorse them.
Formulation

Traditional Ayurvedic herb for cardiovascular health

Cardiovascular Health and Energy

Formula

Standardized to minimum 0.5% arjunolic acid

Arjuna Bark 500 mg per capsule

Brand IP Statement(s)

Swanson Science-Backed Quality Since 1969

Suggested/Recommended/Usage/Directions

Suggested Use: As a dietary supplement, take one veggie capsule two times per day with water.

Precautions

Warning: For adults only.

Do not take this product if you are pregnant or nursing. Consult your healthcare provider before using this or any product if you are taking medication or have a medical condition.

Keep out of reach of children.

Do not use if seal is broken.

Storage

Store in a cool, dry place.

FDA Disclaimer Statement

These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease.

FDA Statement of Identity

Herbal Supplement

See for yourself

Arjuna Bark 500 mg by Swanson label

The label scan from the NIH Dietary Supplement Label Database. Tap to enlarge.

What’s inside

The Ingredients in Arjuna Bark 500 mg by Swanson

This is the 1 active ingredient this product is made of. Select it to open its full monograph.

Serving size1 Veggie Capsule(s) Dosage formCapsule Servings per container60 Amounts shown are per serving.

Terminalia arjuna bark extract

Interacts with
933 drugs
500 mg per serving Form: Arjunolic Acid

Terminalia is a group of traditional Ayurvedic tree species (most notably Terminalia arjuna) used for heart, digestive, and general wellness purposes....

Terminalia arjuna bark extract monograph & interactions

Other (inactive) ingredients: Hypromellose, Microcrystalline Cellulose, Silica, Magnesium Stearate. These complete the product’s ingredient list but are not active constituents.

Interaction report

Arjuna Bark 500 mg by Swanson Drug Interactions

Want to check YOUR meds against Arjuna Bark 500 mg?

Ask about interactions with your drugs in plain English — “Can I take it with lisinopril?” — and we find you the answer in seconds, ingredient by ingredient.

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933Drugs
933 Moderate

Ingredients driving the most interactions

Each ingredient & the kinds of drugs it affects

For each ingredient in Arjuna Bark 500 mg with known interactions, here are the types of medications it can affect. Open any type for the detail — or search your exact drug in the checker above.

Terminalia arjuna bark extract7 drug types · 933 drugs

Anticoagulant/Antiplatelet Drugs

Theoretically, concomitant use of Terminalia arjuna with anticoagulant or antiplatelet drugs may increase the risk of bleeding in some patients.
In vitro, Terminalia arjuna bark extract inhibits platelet aggregation, decreases platelet activation, and shows antithrombotic properties.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
Antidiabetes Drugs

Theoretically, concomitant use of Terminalia bellirica or Terminalia chebula with antidiabetes drugs could affect blood sugar control and increase the risk of hypoglycemia.
Animal and in vitro research shows that Terminalia bellirica and Terminalia chebula fruit and seed extract have hypoglycemic effects.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
Chlorzoxazone (Parafon Forte, Paraflex)

Theoretically, use of Terminalia chebula may increase the risk of adverse effects from chlorzoxazone.
Animal research shows that enteral administration of Terminalia chebula for 15 days prior to administration of chlorzoxazone increases blood levels of chlorzoxazone and decreases chlorzoxazone clearance. It is speculated that Terminalia chebula reduces the metabolism of chlorzoxazone by inhibiting cytochrome P450 2E1.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
Cytochrome P450 2C9 (Cyp2C9) Substrates

Theoretically, use of Terminalia arjuna may increase the levels and clinical effects of CYP2C9 substrates.
In vitro research shows that Terminalia arjuna extract inhibits CYP2C9 enzymes and reduces CYP2C9 substrate metabolism.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
Cytochrome P450 2D6 (Cyp2D6) Substrates

Theoretically, use of Terminalia arjuna may increase the levels and clinical effects of CYP2D6 substrates.
In vitro research shows that Terminalia arjuna extract inhibits CYP2D6 enzymes and reduces CYP2D6 substrate metabolism.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
Cytochrome P450 3A4 (Cyp3A4) Substrates

Theoretically, use of Terminalia arjuna may increase the levels and clinical effects of CYP3A4 substrates.
In vitro research shows that Terminalia arjuna extract inhibits CYP3A4 enzymes and reduces CYP3A4 substrate metabolism.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
Omeprazole (Prilosec)

Theoretically, use of Terminalia chebula may increase the risk of adverse effects from omeprazole.
Animal research shows that enteral administration of Terminalia chebula for 15 days prior to administration of omeprazole increases blood levels of omeprazole and decreases omeprazole clearance. It is speculated that Terminalia chebula reduces the metabolism of omeprazole by inhibiting cytochrome P450 2C19.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
The maker

Brand information

Manufacturer and brand details for Arjuna Bark 500 mg, from the product label.

Swanson

See all Swanson products
Name
Swanson Health Products
City
Fargo
State
ND
ZipCode
58104
Phone Number
1-800-437-4148
Web Address
swanson.com
Pharmacist Counseling Corner

Arjuna Bark 500 mg by Swanson: Common Questions

Does Arjuna Bark 500 mg by Swanson interact with any medications?
Yes. Based on its ingredients, Arjuna Bark 500 mg has a known interaction with 933 medications. Use the checker to see how it interacts with a specific drug.
How can one product interact with so many drugs?
Arjuna Bark 500 mg contains a single active ingredient, and that one ingredient can interact with many different medications on its own. We check it against each medication and show the mechanism responsible.
Where does this information come from?
The product label data comes from the NIH Dietary Supplement Label Database (DSLD); the interaction data is built on the Natural Medicines database and reviewed by HelloPharmacist pharmacists.
Can I take Arjuna Bark while I'm pregnant or breastfeeding?
No—the safety data advises against it because there isn't enough information to know whether it's safe. Talk with your doctor or pharmacist for personalized advice if you're pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or breastfeeding.
Does Arjuna Bark actually work for heart health, cholesterol, or blood pressure?
We don't have reliable evidence yet to say whether it works for those purposes. The ingredient is often promoted for them, but the research data we hold isn't strong enough to support those claims.
What side effects should I watch for?
The supplement is generally well tolerated in short-term use, and we hold no reported adverse effects from studies. That said, long-term safety data is limited, and quality varies by product, so if you notice anything unusual, stop taking it and talk to your pharmacist.
Why does this one-ingredient product interact with so many drugs?
Terminalia arjuna extract inhibits three major liver enzyme systems that break down many common medications—CYP2D6, CYP2C9, and CYP3A4. When those enzymes are slowed down, drug levels in your body can rise, which is why the interaction count is high even though there's only one active ingredient.
Is this supplement safe to take long-term?
We don't have solid long-term safety data, and quality can vary between products. If you're thinking about taking it regularly, talk with your pharmacist about what we know and what we don't.

Written and reviewed by the HelloPharmacist editorial staff. Our editorial policy

Not sure if Arjuna Bark 500 mg is safe with your meds?

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Label information is sourced from the NIH Dietary Supplement Label Database and reflects the product version on file; always read your actual product label. This page is for education only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice. Confirm with your pharmacist or doctor before combining supplements and medications.

Arjuna Bark 500 mg label
Sources

Sources & How We Checked

Arjuna Bark 500 mg's label data comes from the NIH Dietary Supplement Label Database; the ingredient interaction data is from the Natural Medicines database, reviewed by our pharmacists.

Content is written and reviewed by licensed HelloPharmacist pharmacists. See our data sources and editorial standards for how this information is built and checked.

The 9 references behind this product’s interaction data

Every citation that drives the interaction findings for this product’s ingredients, from the evidence-graded Natural Medicines (TRC Healthcare) database. Open an ingredient to browse its citations — links open the study on PubMed or the publisher’s site.

Terminalia 9 references
  1. Sabu, M. C. and Kuttan, R. Anti-diabetic activity of medicinal plants and its relationship with their antioxidant property. J Ethnopharmacol. 2002;81(2):155-160. PubMed
  2. Rao, N. K. and Nammi, S. Antidiabetic and renoprotective effects of the chloroform extract of Terminalia chebula Retz. seeds in streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats. BMC.Complement Altern.Med 2006;6:17. PubMed
  3. Murali, Y. K., Anand, P., Tandon, V., Singh, R., Chandra, R., and Murthy, P. S. Long-term effects of Terminalia chebula Retz. on hyperglycemia and associated hyperlipidemia, tissue glycogen content and in vitro release of insulin in streptozotocin induced
  4. Senthilkumar, G. P. and Subramanian, S. Evaluation of antioxidant potential of Terminalia chebula fruits studies in streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats. Pharmaceutical Biology (Netherlands) 2007;45:511-518.
  5. Malik N, Dhawan V, Bahl A, Kaul D. Inihbitory effects of Terminalia arjuna on platelet activation in vitro in healthy subjects and patients with coronary artery disease. Platelets. 2009;20(3):183-1190.
  6. Varghese A, Savai J, Pandita N, Gaud RS. In vitro modulatory effects of Terminalia arjuna, arjunic acid, arjunetin, and arjungenin on CYP3A4, CYP2D6, and CYP2C9 enzyme activity in human liver microsomes. Toxicology Reports. 2015(2):806-16. PubMed
  7. Wu G, Dong Z, Dong J, et al. Effects of mongolian medicine Terminalia chebula Retz. on 6 CYP450 enzymes in rats. Int J Clin Exp Pathol 2020;13(12):3128-3138.
  8. Das A, Naveen J, Sreerama YN, Gnanesh Kumar BS, Baskaran V. Low-glycemic foods with wheat, barley and herbs (Terminalia chebula, Terminalia bellerica and Emblica officinalis) inhibit a-amylase, a-glucosidase and DPP-IV activity in high fat and low dose st
  9. Eltimamy M, Elshamarka M, Aboelsaad M, Sayed M, Moawad H. Effects of alcoholic extract of Terminalia Chebula dried fruit on blood biochemical profile in diabetic rats. J Diabetes Metab Disord 2022;21(1):159-170. PubMed

See these in context on the Terminalia monograph →

Parts of this content are provided by the Therapeutic Research Center, LLC.

DISCLAIMER: Currently this does not check for drug-drug interactions. This is not an all-inclusive comprehensive list of potential interactions and is for informational purposes only. Not all interactions are known or well-reported in the scientific literature, and new interactions are continually being reported. Input is needed from a qualified healthcare provider including a pharmacist before starting any therapy. Application of clinical judgment is necessary.

© 2021 Therapeutic Research Center, LLC

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