Age Ayurveda Nighantu

Ashoka

Saraca asoca

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 nameSaraca asoca
FamilyFabaceae · other entries in this family
OrderFabales
Pharmacopoeia statusListed 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.
Taxon identifiersGBIF 7458904 · Wikidata Q757356 · NCBI Taxonomy 1073321

Names and identification

LanguageName
EnglishAshoka

Key Ingredients

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 action: 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 and antipyretic effects.

Which traditional uses are supported by research?

  • Menorrhagia and metrorrhagia control (validated by clinical studies showing 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?

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 (fermented preparation), Capsule, Tablet, Ghana Vati (extract tablet), Syrup

Standard Dosage: 3-6g bark powder twice daily; 50-100ml decoction; 15-30ml Ashokarishta after meals; 500mg-1g extract capsule

Bioavailability: Moderate oral bioavailability. Saraca asoca bark contains catechin (~7% bioavailability), epicatechin (~20%), and tannins. Estrogenic 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. 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, Haematoxylin, Beta-sitosterol, Quercetin, 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 for menorrhagia and leucorrhea
  • With Nagakesara for uterine bleeding disorders
  • With Shatavari for comprehensive female reproductive health
  • With Dashamoola for uterine disorders with inflammation
  • Part of Ashokarishta with Dhataki pushpa, Musta, Haritaki

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 reviews2

  1. Prasad S, Younis K, Yousuf O. 2024. Investigating potent cardioprotective compounds as ACE inhibitors in Saraca asocaToxicology reports. PMID 39309635 · doi:10.1016/j.toxrep.2024.101731
  2. Urumarudappa SKJ, Rosario S, G R and others. 2023. A comprehensive review on Saraca asoca (Fabaceae) - Historical perspective, traditional uses, biological activities, and conservationJournal of ethnopharmacology. PMID 37390875 · doi:10.1016/j.jep.2023.116861

Laboratory and animal studies10

  1. 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 studiesJournal of biomolecular structure & dynamics. PMID 38315510 · doi:10.1080/07391102.2024.2310793
  2. 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 RatsACS omega. PMID 38024692 · doi:10.1021/acsomega.3c05274
  3. Agrawal A, Sharma R, Sharma A and others. 2023. Antibacterial and antibiofilm efficacy of green synthesized ZnO nanoparticles using Saraca asoca leavesEnvironmental science and pollution research international. PMID 37402918 · doi:10.1007/s11356-023-28524-7
  4. Hegde S, Pai SR, Bhagwat RM and others. 2019. Population genetic and phytochemical dataset of Saraca asoca: A traditionally important medicinal treeData in brief. PMID 31516922 · doi:10.1016/j.dib.2019.104173
  5. Hegde S, Saini A, Hegde HV and others. 2018. Molecular identification of Saraca asoca from its substituents and adulterants3 Biotech. PMID 29527448 · doi:10.1007/s13205-018-1175-5
  6. Hegde S, Hegde HV, Jalalpure SS and others. 2017. Resolving Identification Issues of Saraca asoca from Its Adulterant and Commercial Samples Using Phytochemical MarkersPharmacognosy magazine. PMID 28808391 · doi:10.4103/pm.pm_417_16
  7. Ahmad F, Misra L, Tewari R and others. 2016. Anti-inflammatory flavanol glycosides from Saraca asoca barkNatural product research. PMID 25801341 · doi:10.1080/14786419.2015.1023728
  8. Smitha GR, Thondaiman V. 2016. Reproductive biology and breeding system of Saraca asoca (Roxb.) De Wilde: a vulnerable medicinal plantSpringerPlus. PMID 27995002 · doi:10.1186/s40064-016-3709-9
  9. Nag D, Ghosh M, Mukherjee A. 2015. Antimutagenic and genoprotective effects of Saraca asoca bark extractToxicology and industrial health. PMID 23546395 · doi:10.1177/0748233713483200
  10. Shirolkar A, Gahlaut A, Chhillar AK and others. 2013. Quantitative analysis of catechins in Saraca asoca and correlation with antimicrobial activityJournal of pharmaceutical analysis. PMID 29403849 · doi:10.1016/j.jpha.2013.01.007

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