# Ashoka

> Ashoka (Saraca asoca) is a plant used in Ayurveda. Listed in the Ayurvedic Pharmacopoeia of India (API) Part I; bark monograph recommends use in metrorrhagia, menorrhagia, chronic lymphadenitis, and inflammations.

## Key facts

- **Botanical name:** Saraca asoca
- **Pharmacopoeia status:** Listed in the Ayurvedic Pharmacopoeia of India (API) Part I; bark monograph recommends use in metrorrhagia, menorrhagia, chronic lymphadenitis, and inflammations. Also listed in the Ayurvedic Formulary of India (AFI). Classified as Vulnerable on IUCN Red List due to over-exploitation.

## Names and identification

| Language | Name |
|----------|------|
| English | Ashoka |

## Key Ingredients

- Saraca asoca bark (primary drug)
- Key phytoconstituents: [catechin](/reference/catechin/), [epicatechin](/glossary/compounds-d-g/#epicatechin), [kaempferol](/reference/kaempferol/), [rutin](/glossary/compounds-q-t/#rutin), gallic acid, salicylic acid, procyanidin B2, [luteolin](/glossary/compounds-l-o/#luteolin), beta-[sitosterol](/glossary/compounds-q-t/#sitosterol), lignin [glycosides](/glossary/compounds-g-l/#glycosides)

## Where is it described in the classical texts?

Charaka Samhita (Chikitsa Sthana) and Sushruta Samhita reference Ashoka for Pradara (menorrhagia). Bhavaprakasha Nighantu describes it under Pushpa Varga. Ashoka Vriksha referenced in ancient texts as sacred tree of Kamadeva.

## How does it work?

- Estrogenic activity: Phytoestrogens (catechin, epicatechin) bind estrogen receptors, modulating reproductive hormone levels (FSH, LH, estradiol, progesterone).
- Aromatase inhibition: Procyanidin B2 and luteolin inhibit aromatase enzyme, relevant for PCOS and estrogen-dependent conditions.
- [Antioxidant](/reference/antioxidant/) action: [Flavonoids](/reference/flavonoids/) (kaempferol, rutin, gallic acid) scavenge free radicals and reduce malonaldehyde levels.
- Uterine smooth muscle modulation: Oxytocic effect on uterine musculature, producing rhythmic contractions that help control menorrhagia.
- Anti-inflammatory pathway: Inhibition of COX-2 and pro-inflammatory cytokines, contributing to [analgesic](/reference/analgesic/) and [antipyretic](/reference/antipyretic/) effects.

## Which traditional uses are supported by research?

- Menorrhagia and metrorrhagia control (validated by clinical studies showing [hemostatic](/glossary/pharmacology/#hemostatic) and uterotonic effects)
- PCOS management (validated by 2023-2024 studies showing hormonal modulation and aromatase inhibition)
- Antioxidant and skin health (validated by flavonoid-mediated free radical scavenging studies)
- Antipyretic action (validated by preclinical seed extract studies)
- Anti-inflammatory and analgesic effects (validated by COX-2 inhibition and cytokine modulation studies)

## What do recent clinical trials show?

- Bu N, Jamil A, Hussain L and others 2023. [Phytochemical-Based Study of Ethanolic Extract of Saraca asoca in Letrozole-Induced Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome in Female Adult Rats](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/38024692/). *ACS omega*. PMID [38024692](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/38024692/) · [doi:10.1021/acsomega.3c05274](https://doi.org/10.1021/acsomega.3c05274)  
  HPLC analysis revealed kaempferol, rutin, epicatechin, salicylic acid, and gallic acid. EESA reduced body weight and cystic follicles, lowered serum testosterone, LH, insulin, and malonaldehyde levels, while increasing FSH, estradiol, progesterone, prolactin, and antioxidant [enzymes](/glossary/compounds-d-g/#enzymes) in PCOS rats.
- Himaja K, Veerapandiyan K, Usha B 2025. [Aromatase inhibitors identified from Saraca asoca to treat infertility in women with polycystic ovary syndrome via in silico and in vivo studies](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/38315510/). *Journal of biomolecular structure & dynamics*. PMID [38315510](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/38315510/) · [doi:10.1080/07391102.2024.2310793](https://doi.org/10.1080/07391102.2024.2310793)  
  Of 10 flavonoids tested, procyanidin B2 and luteolin showed superior interaction with higher binding energy when docked against aromatase compared to the commercial inhibitor letrozole, suggesting potential for PCOS-related infertility treatment.
- Urumarudappa SKJ, Rosario S, G R and others 2023. [A comprehensive review on Saraca asoca (Fabaceae) - Historical perspective, traditional uses, biological activities, and conservation](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/37390875/). *Journal of ethnopharmacology*. PMID [37390875](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/37390875/) · [doi:10.1016/j.jep.2023.116861](https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jep.2023.116861)  
  Comprehensive review cataloguing anti-inflammatory, analgesic, antipyretic, antibacterial, antioxidant, [anticancer](/reference/anticancer/), and uterotonic activities. Emphasized need for more quality control, standardization, and clinical trials to utilize the plant as effective anti-cancer drug.

*2 further claims previously listed here could not be traced to a published paper and have been removed. An absence here means we could not identify the source, not that no work exists.*

## Recent safety updates

- Acute oral toxicity studies show safety up to 2000 mg/kg body weight (ethanolic flower extract) with no mortality or toxic symptoms observed.
- At higher doses (250-1000 mg/kg), aqueous bark extract revealed significant changes in hematological and biochemical parameters, with potential toxic effects on hematopoietic and metabolic systems, and significant variation in relative organ weight of liver, spleen, and kidney.
- Contraindicated during pregnancy due to uterotonic effects. Should be used under medical supervision for long-term use.

## What is it made of?

### Key Active Markers

- Derived from constituent herbs (see individual herb profiles)
- Standardized on primary bioactive markers

**Analytical Methods:** HPLC fingerprinting, TLC (identity), LC-MS/MS (marker quantification)

## Dosage forms and preparation

**Dosage Forms:** Churna (bark powder), Kashayam (decoction), [Ashokarishta](/formulation/ashokarishta/) (fermented preparation), Capsule, Tablet, Ghana Vati (extract tablet), Syrup

**Standard Dosage:** 3-6g bark powder twice daily; 50-100ml decoction; 15-30ml [Ashokarishta](/formulation/ashokarishta/) after meals; 500mg-1g extract capsule

**Bioavailability:** Moderate oral bioavailability. Saraca asoca bark contains catechin (~7% bioavailability), epicatechin (~20%), and [tannins](/reference/tannins/). Estrogenic [isoflavones](/glossary/compounds-g-l/#isoflavones) are well absorbed. Ashokarishta (fermented form) shows enhanced bioavailability due to self-generated alcohol content (5-10% ethanol), which acts as co-solvent for [polyphenols](/glossary/compounds-o-q/#polyphenols). Haemostatic tannins act locally in GI tract and systemically after absorption.

**Optimal Timing:** Ashokarishta after meals; bark powder with rice water or milk before meals; for menstrual disorders, start 3-5 days before expected cycle

**Standardized Extract:** Bark extract standardized to minimum 4% catechin and minimum 2% epicatechin. Total tannin content minimum 15% (as tannic acid equivalent). Estrogenic fraction standardized to total isoflavone content.

**Shelf Life:** 2 years (bark powder); 3 years (capsules/tablets); 5-10 years (Ashokarishta — improves with age); 2 years (syrup)

**Storage:** Bark powder in airtight containers, cool and dry. Ashokarishta in amber glass at room temperature. Capsules with desiccant.

**Marker Compounds:** Catechin, Epicatechin, Procyanidin B2, [Leucocyanidin](/glossary/compounds-g-l/#leucocyanidin), Haematoxylin, Beta-sitosterol, [Quercetin](/reference/quercetinquercetin/), Kaempferol, Gallic acid

### Extraction Methods

- Aqueous decoction (1:8, reduced to 1/4)
- Hydroalcoholic extraction (70:30)
- Fermentation for Ashokarishta (classical 30-day fermentation)
- Spray-dried aqueous extract for Ghana Vati
- Ethyl acetate fractionation for catechin enrichment

### Synergistic Combinations

- With [Lodhra](/herb/lodhra/) for menorrhagia and leucorrhea
- With [Nagakesara](/herb/nagakesara/) for uterine bleeding disorders
- With [Shatavari](/herb/shatavari/) for comprehensive female reproductive health
- With [Dashamoola](/herb/dashamoola/) for uterine disorders with inflammation
- Part of Ashokarishta with [Dhataki](/herb/dhataki/) pushpa, Musta, [Haritaki](/herb/haritaki/)

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Canonical version of this page: https://nighantu.ageayurveda.com/herb/ashoka/

## 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.