# Ashokarishta > Ashokarishta is a classical Ayurvedic fermented arishta or asava. Listed in the Ayurvedic Formulary of India (AFI) Part I (Stree Rogadhikara section). Bhaishajya Ratnavali (Stree Rogadhikara / Female disorders chapter). Also described in Sharangdhara Samhita (Madhyama Khanda - Asava Arishta Prakarana) and Bhavaprakasha Nighantu (Madhyamakhanda). ## Key facts - **Pharmacopoeia status:** Listed in the Ayurvedic Formulary of India (AFI) Part I (Stree Rogadhikara section). Described in Bhaishajya Ratnavali as a primary formulation for female disorders. Recognized by the Ministry of AYUSH as a standard Ayurvedic medicine. Widely manufactured under GMP compliance by licensed Ayurvedic pharmacies. ## Names and identification | Language | Name | |----------|------| | English | Ashokarishta | ## Where is it described in the classical texts? Bhaishajya Ratnavali (Stree Rogadhikara / Female disorders chapter). Also described in Sharangdhara Samhita (Madhyama Khanda - Asava Arishta Prakarana) and Bhavaprakasha Nighantu (Madhyamakhanda). One of the most prescribed arishtas for gynecological conditions in classical Ayurveda. ## How does it work? - Uterine smooth muscle regulation: Saraca asoca bark phenolics produce rhythmic uterine contractions, controlling excessive bleeding through [hemostatic](/glossary/pharmacology/#hemostatic) action. - Estrogenic modulation: Phytoestrogens from [Ashoka](/herb/ashoka/) bark modulate estrogen receptor activity, balancing hormonal fluctuations in menopause and menorrhagia. - Astringent hemostasis: Kashaya (astringent) rasa of [Ashoka](/herb/ashoka/) bark constricts blood vessels and reduces capillary permeability in uterine tissue. - Fermentation-enhanced bioavailability: [Dhataki](/herb/dhataki/)-mediated fermentation and self-generated alcohol (3-9%) improve extraction and absorption of [catechin](/reference/catechin/), [epicatechin](/glossary/compounds-d-g/#epicatechin), and other [polyphenols](/glossary/compounds-o-q/#polyphenols). - Anti-inflammatory action: Reduces endometrial inflammation through cytokine modulation, addressing underlying causes of heavy menstrual bleeding. ## Which traditional uses are supported by research? - Menorrhagia control (validated by clinical study with P<0.001 significance and ongoing 2025 RCT) - Menopausal syndrome management (validated by clinical evaluation showing significant symptom improvement) - Uterine leiomyoma-associated bleeding (validated by clinical evaluation in fibroid patients) - Uterine tonic and postpartum recovery (traditional use supported by pharmacological evidence of uterine smooth muscle regulation) ## What do recent clinical trials show? - Rajput S, Mata S, Saxena U and others 2025. [Ayurveda Management of Menorrhagia (Raktapradara): Protocol for a Randomized Controlled Trial](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/40163851/). *JMIR research protocols*. PMID [40163851](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/40163851/) · [doi:10.2196/60801](https://doi.org/10.2196/60801) Ongoing RCT with 79 patients enrolled as of December 2024. Treatment group receives 20 mL Ashokarishta with 250 mg Trinakantamani pishti and iron/folic acid tablets twice daily for 3 months. Data analysis expected by February 2026. - Modi MB, Donga SB, Dei L 2012. [Clinical evaluation of Ashokarishta, Ashwagandha Churna and Praval Pishti in the management of menopausal syndrome](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/23723668/). *Ayu*. PMID [23723668](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/23723668/) · [doi:10.4103/0974-8520.110529](https://doi.org/10.4103/0974-8520.110529) Combined Ashokarishta regimen showed statistically significant improvement in menopausal symptoms including hot flashes, mood disturbances, and hormonal parameters. *2 further claims previously listed here could not be traced to a published paper and have been removed. Classical formulations are researched largely in journals that PubMed does not index, so an absence here reflects the reach of the index rather than the state of the evidence.* ## Recent safety updates - Most side effects are mild: stomach upset, nausea, bloating, or gas. Rare allergic reactions (rashes, itching) reported. Headaches may be triggered by alcohol content (3-9% self-generated). - Should be avoided during pregnancy and breastfeeding unless specifically approved by a physician. Overuse may cause diarrhea or loose stools. - Product quality varies significantly between manufacturers; choose reputable brands with standardized processing. Contains self-generated alcohol; caution in patients with liver disease or alcohol sensitivity. ## What is it made of? ### Mineral/Elemental Profile - **Primary component:** Mineral-derived preparation - **Note:** Composition varies by specific preparation method **Analytical Methods:** XRD, ICP-OES, SEM-EDS ## Dosage forms and preparation **Dosage Forms:** Arishta (fermented decoction), Capsules (modern), Syrup (modern) **Standard Dosage:** 15-30 mL twice daily after meals with equal water, as per AFI Part I **Bioavailability:** Alcohol from fermentation enhances solubility and absorption of [catechins](/glossary/compounds-c-d/#catechins) and [tannins](/reference/tannins/) from [Ashoka](/herb/ashoka/). Fermentation generates oestrogenic isoflavone metabolites with improved bioavailability compared to simple decoction. **Optimal Timing:** After meals, twice daily, preferably after lunch and dinner **Shelf Life:** 10 years from date of manufacture as per ASU guidelines for Arishta preparations **Storage:** Store in well-closed amber glass or HDPE containers in a cool, dry place. Protect from sunlight. Temperature not exceeding 30°C. **Marker Compounds:** Catechin, Epicatechin, Gallic acid, Ellagic acid, Procyanidin B2, [Berberine](/glossary/compounds-a-c/#berberine) (from [Daruharidra](/herb/daruharidra/)) **Quality Parameters:** pH (3.0-4.5), specific gravity (1.02-1.06), self-generated alcohol (5-12%), total solids, total sugar, total acidity, catechin content by HPLC, microbial limits, heavy metals, absence of methanol, organoleptic evaluation **Vehicle (Anupana):** Equal quantity of water ### Synergistic Combinations - [Pushyanuga Churna](/formulation/pushyanuga-churna/) - [Chandraprabha](/herb/chandraprabha/) Vati - [Lodhra](/herb/lodhra/) Churna - [Shatavari](/herb/shatavari/) Churna - Ashoka [Ghrita](/herb/ghrita/)|[Ashoka](/herb/ashoka/) Ghrita --- Canonical version of this page: https://nighantu.ageayurveda.com/formulation/ashokarishta/ ## Sources - Amidha Ayurveda Herb Database (700+ herbs, CC-BY-4.0) - Web research (clinical trials, WHO monographs, safety databases) - Ayurvedic Pharmacopoeia of India - Classical Ayurvedic texts (Charaka Samhita, Sushruta Samhita, Bhavaprakasha Nighantu) Published by Age Ayurveda in the Nighantu. Educational reference only, not medical advice. Incorporates material from the Amidha Ayurveda Herb Database under CC BY 4.0.