Actaea simplex vs Ashoka Tree

Side-by-side comparison of medicinal herbs

Herb

Actaea simplex

Womens Health

Saraca asoca

Womens Health

Actaea simplex

❌ Not recommended in pregnancy

❌ Not recommended while nursing

Ashoka Tree

❌ Not recommended in pregnancy

❌ Not recommended while nursing

Description

East Asian bugbane used in TCM for menopausal symptoms and as ornamental; similar to A. racemosa.

Sacred tree of India; bark is one of the most important herbs in Ayurveda for women's uterine health — considered specifically for the uterus.

Active Compounds

actein, triterpene glycosides, flavonoids, tannins

catechol tannins, haematoxylin, leucocyanidin, ketosterols, saponins

Traditional Uses

menopausal symptoms, hot flashes, rheumatism

Uterine tonic and menorrhagia in Ayurveda, Dysmenorrhea treatment, Leucorrhea, Sacred tree associated with female energy

Modern Uses

menopausal symptom relief, anti-inflammatory

Uterine tonic (clinical evidence), Antiestrogenic activity, Anti-inflammatory, Antioxidant

Adult Dosage

40-80mg extract 2x/day

3–6 g bark as decoction; 500 mg extract 2–3x daily

Contraindications

liver disease, hormone-sensitive cancers, pregnancy

Pregnancy, Children

Side Effects

GI upset, rare hepatotoxicity

GI upset, Hormonal effects

Drug Interactions

0 known interactions

Reviewed by: HerbAlly Editorial Team, Medical herbalists and healthcare professionals

Sources: WHO Monographs · NCCIH · PubMed · Commission E