Ashoka
Saraca asoca
Ashoka (Saraca asoca) is a plant drug, also called Asokah, Asokavriksah and Kankeli. Listed in the Ayurvedic Pharmacopoeia of India (API) Part I; bark monograph recommends use in metrorrhagia, menorrhagia, chronic lymphadenitis, and inflammations.
| Botanical name | Saraca asoca |
|---|---|
| Family | Fabaceae · other entries in this family |
| Order | Fabales |
| 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. |
| Taxon identifiers | GBIF 7458904 · Wikidata Q757356 · NCBI Taxonomy 1073321 |
| Sanskrit | अशोकः (aśokaḥ), अशोकवृक्षः (aśokavṛkṣaḥ), Kankeli, कङ्केलिः (kaṅkeliḥ) |
|---|---|
| Hindi | अशोक (aśoka) |
| English | Asok Tree |
| Tamil | அசோகு, Asogam, Asogu, Asokam, அசோகம் |
| Malayalam | Asokam |
| Telugu | Ashokapatta |
| Kannada | Ashokadamara, Ashokamara, Kankalimara |
| Marathi | Ashok |
| Bengali | Ashoka |
| Gujarati | Ashoka |
| Punjabi | Asok |
| Oriya | Ashoka |
| Assamese | Ashoka |
| Kashmiri | Ashok |
Sources: API Vol I, AŚOKA (Saraca asoca), Sanskrit: Kaṅkeli; Ayurvedic Pharmacopoeia of India (column alignment reconstructed); DDSA, The Practical Sanskrit-English Dictionary (Apte), via wisdomlib definition 'ashokavriksha': अशोकवृक्ष glossed 'the Asoka tree', analysed as aśoka + vṛkṣa; Monier-Williams p.113, quoted in the Pandanus record for Saraca asoca: "aśoka ... m. the tree Jonesia Asoka Roxb."; API Vol I monograph title AŚOKA; Platts p.58: "اشوك अशोक aśok ... The tree Jonesia aśoka" and p.54 असोक asok, same gloss; API Vol I, AŚOKA, Hindi: Ashoka; Tamil Lexicon p.35: "அசோகம் acōkam ... 2. Ašōka tree, m. tr., Saraca indica"; API Vol I, AŚOKA, Tamil: Asogam, Asogu, Asokam; Pandanus, Tamil: acōkam; Tamil Lexicon, University of Madras p.36: "அசோகு acōku, n. Saraca indica; பிண்டி"; API Vol I, AŚOKA (Saraca asoca), Tamil: Asogam, Asogu, Asokam; MMPND Sorting Saraca, TAMIL: Anagam, Asogam, Asogu. How we source.
The evidence at a glance
12papers on this site for this drug, published 2013 to 2025, every one with a DOI.
- 2Other clinical studies and reviews
- 10Laboratory and animal studies
A count is not a conclusion and a tier is a study design, not a verdict. Everything listed here is laboratory or animal work, which does not show an effect in people. Each paper is listed with what it measured on the page below. See the research index for how papers are tiered.
Names and identification
| Language | Name |
|---|---|
| English | Ashoka |
Key Ingredients
- Saraca asoca bark (primary drug)
- Key phytoconstituents: catechin, epicatechin, kaempferol, rutin, gallic acid, salicylic acid, procyanidin B2, luteolin, beta-sitosterol, lignin 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 action: Flavonoids (kaempferol, rutin) and gallic acid scavenge free radicals and reduce malonaldehyde levels.
- Uterine smooth muscle modulation: Oxytocic effect on uterine musculature, producing rhythmic contractions.
- Anti-inflammatory pathway: Inhibition of COX-2 and pro-inflammatory cytokines, contributing to analgesic and antipyretic effects.
Which traditional uses are supported by research?
These summaries come from the source notes, which do not name the studies behind them.
- Menorrhagia and metrorrhagia: traditionally used for these conditions. Clinical studies have reported hemostatic and uterotonic effects.
- PCOS: traditionally used in this context. Studies have reported hormonal modulation and aromatase inhibition.
- Antioxidant and skin health: traditionally used for skin health. Studies have reported flavonoid-mediated free radical scavenging.
- Antipyretic action: traditionally used for fever. Preclinical studies of seed extract have reported antipyretic activity.
- Anti-inflammatory and analgesic effects: traditionally used for inflammation and pain. Studies have reported COX-2 inhibition and cytokine modulation.
What do recent studies 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. ACS omega. PMID 38024692 · doi: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 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. Journal of biomolecular structure & dynamics. PMID 38315510 · doi: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. Journal of ethnopharmacology. PMID 37390875 · doi:10.1016/j.jep.2023.116861
Comprehensive review cataloguing anti-inflammatory, analgesic, antipyretic, antibacterial, antioxidant, anticancer, and uterotonic activities. Emphasized need for more quality control, standardization, and clinical trials to utilize the plant as effective anti-cancer drug.
Only studies that could be traced to a published paper are listed here. 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 doses of 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?
The marker compounds are listed under Dosage forms and preparation, below.
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
Optimal Timing: Ashokarishta after meals; bark powder with rice water or milk before meals; for menstrual disorders, start 3-5 days before expected cycle
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
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
- 2024. Investigating potent cardioprotective compounds as ACE inhibitors in Saraca asocaToxicology reports. PMID 39309635 · doi:10.1016/j.toxrep.2024.101731
- 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
- 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
- 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
- 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
- 2018. Molecular identification of Saraca asoca from its substituents and adulterants3 Biotech. PMID 29527448 · doi:10.1007/s13205-018-1175-5
- 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
- 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
- 2016. Anti-inflammatory flavanol glycosides from Saraca asoca barkNatural product research. PMID 25801341 · doi:10.1080/14786419.2015.1023728
- 2015. Effect of Saraca asoca (Asoka) on estradiol-induced keratinizing metaplasia in rat uterusJournal of basic and clinical physiology and pharmacology. PMID 25915082 · doi:10.1515/jbcpp-2014-0124
- 2015. Antimutagenic and genoprotective effects of Saraca asoca bark extractToxicology and industrial health. PMID 23546395 · doi:10.1177/0748233713483200
- 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
Reviewed by Dr. Awadesh Pratap Singh, BAMS, on 11 October 2026. What that review covered.
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.
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