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).
| 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 action.
- Estrogenic modulation: Phytoestrogens from Ashoka bark modulate estrogen receptor activity, balancing hormonal fluctuations in menopause and menorrhagia.
- Astringent hemostasis: Kashaya (astringent) rasa of Ashoka bark constricts blood vessels and reduces capillary permeability in uterine tissue.
- Fermentation-enhanced bioavailability: Dhataki-mediated fermentation and self-generated alcohol (3-9%) improve extraction and absorption of catechin, epicatechin, and other 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. JMIR research protocols. PMID 40163851 · doi: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. Ayu. PMID 23723668 · doi: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 and tannins from 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 (from 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
- Chandraprabha Vati
- Lodhra Churna
- Shatavari Churna
- Ashoka Ghrita|Ashoka Ghrita
Composition
As given in the Ayurvedic Formulary of India, Part I, entry 1:5 (ASOKARISTA), which cites Bhaisajyaratnavali, Strirogadhikara; 114-116. Names, parts and quantities are transcribed as printed and checked row by row against the book. Manufacturers' versions of a classical formulation can differ from the formulary.
| # | Ingredient | Part | Quantity |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Asoka | stem bark | 4.800 kg. |
| 2 | Water for decoction * | 49.152 l. reduced to 12.288 l. | |
| 3 | Guda | 9.600 kg. | |
| 4 | Dhataki * | flower | 768 g. |
| 5 | Ajaji (svetajiraka) | fruit | 48 g. |
| 6 | Mustaka (musta) | rhizome | 48 g. |
| 7 | Sunthi * | rhizome | 48 g. |
| 8 | Darvi (daruharidra) | stem | 48 g. |
| 9 | Utpala * | flower | 48 g. |
| 10 | Haritaki | pericarp | 48 g. |
| 11 | Bibhitaka | pericarp | 48 g. |
| 12 | Amalaki | pericarp | 48 g. |
| 13 | Amrasthi (amra) | endosperm | 48 g. |
| 14 | Jiraka (svetajiraka) * | fruit | 48 g. |
| 15 | Vasa * | root | 48 g. |
| 16 | Candana (Sveta candana) | heart wood | 48 g. |
* The scanned text was damaged at this row and the name was read from the entry's own Sanskrit verse.
Published research
Literature indexed in PubMed that concerns this subject, grouped by study type. A paper appearing here is a record of what has been published, not evidence that the subject works, and laboratory or animal results do not transfer to people. Study titles link to PubMed so you can read the source rather than take our word.
Other clinical studies and reviews1
- 2025. Ayurveda Management of Menorrhagia (Raktapradara): Protocol for a Randomized Controlled TrialJMIR research protocols. PMID 40163851 · doi:10.2196/60801
Laboratory and animal studies1
Consult a qualified vaidya before acting on anything here. Ayurvedic practice is prescribed to a person, not to a condition: the same dravya is given, withheld or substituted depending on your constitution, your agni, the season and what else you are already taking. A page cannot know any of that. Self-prescribing from a reference is how the wrong preparation, the wrong dose or the wrong anupana gets used.
Educational reference only. Nothing on this page is medical advice, a diagnosis, or a recommendation to take anything. Traditional uses and research findings are reported as published, not as claims about what any product does. If you take prescribed medication, raise any interaction with the prescriber rather than acting on a page. See our editorial standards.