Ashoka Tree (Saraca asoca): Benefits, Dosage, Safety & Evidence

Frequently asked questions

How does Ashoka bark work as a uterine tonic?

Ashoka bark contains active compounds including catechol tannins, haematoxylin, leucocyanidin, ketosterols, and saponins that exert uterine tonic effects. These constituents are believed to support the endometrial lining and help regulate uterine contractions. The tannins provide astringent properties that may help reduce excessive menstrual bleeding by tightening tissues. However, the precise molecular mechanisms have not been fully established in modern research, and evidence remains at Level C, indicating limited clinical data.

Does Ashoka bark interact with hormonal medications or birth control?

Ashoka bark may potentially interact with hormonal medications, including oral contraceptives and hormone replacement therapy, due to its effects on female reproductive hormones. The herb's uterine-stimulating and hormone-modulating properties could theoretically reduce the efficacy of hormonal contraceptives or additive hormonal therapies. No well-documented clinical drug interaction studies exist for Ashoka. Patients taking any hormonal medications should consult a qualified healthcare provider before using Ashoka bark supplements.

What is the recommended dosage for Ashoka bark?

The traditional Ayurvedic dosage for Ashoka bark is 3–6 grams of dried bark prepared as a decoction, taken once or twice daily. For standardized extracts, the typical dosage is 500 mg taken 2–3 times daily. Dosage should be individualized based on the specific condition being addressed and under guidance from a qualified herbalist or Ayurvedic practitioner. Starting with lower doses to assess tolerance before increasing is recommended.

Is Ashoka bark safe to take during pregnancy?

No, Ashoka bark is considered unsafe during pregnancy and is contraindicated for pregnant women. The herb has uterine-stimulating properties that may cause uterine contractions, potentially leading to miscarriage or premature labor. Women who are pregnant or attempting to conceive should avoid Ashoka bark entirely. This herb is also not recommended for children. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider before using any herbal supplement during pregnancy or while breastfeeding.

What is Ashoka bark used for in Ayurvedic medicine?

Ashoka bark is one of the most important herbs in Ayurveda for women's uterine health and is considered specific for the uterus. It is traditionally used as a uterine tonic and is indicated for menorrhagia (excessive menstrual bleeding), dysmenorrhea (painful menstruation), and leucorrhea (vaginal discharge). The tree is sacred in India and is associated with female energy. Clinical evidence supporting these traditional uses is at Level C, meaning traditional use is well-documented but rigorous clinical trials remain limited.

What are the side effects of Ashoka bark?

Ashoka bark is generally well-tolerated at recommended doses, but some individuals may experience gastrointestinal upset including nausea, stomach discomfort, or loose stools. Due to its hormonal effects, some users may notice changes in menstrual patterns or flow. The herb's uterine-stimulating properties make it contraindicated during pregnancy. If side effects occur, discontinue use and consult a healthcare provider. Long-term safety data is limited, so extended use should be supervised by a qualified practitioner.

PubMed-compiled information sheet

This sheet was compiled from PubMed (NIH) abstracts using AI assistance. Every factual claim is cited to a real PubMed article (see the source list). It has not yet been human-reviewed — confirm with a healthcare provider before use.

Compiled from 30 PubMed articles · model: gemma4:31b

Summary

Saraca asoca is a vulnerable medicinal tree from India used traditionally for gynecological disorders and other ailments [PMID:37390875, PMID:30189346].

Background

Saraca asoca (Fabaceae) is a perennial evergreen tree native to India, particularly the Western Ghats, and is classified as 'vulnerable' by the IUCN [PMID:33613076, PMID:41173934, PMID:27995002].

Traditional uses

It is traditionally used in Indian medicine as a uterine tonic for gynecological disorders, including leucorrhea and dysmenorrhea [PMID:37390875, PMID:25801341, PMID:38024692, PMID:27627901].

Active compounds

Bioactive compounds include phenolic compounds such as gallic acid, catechin, and epicatechin [PMID:31516922, PMID:28808391]; flavonoids such as quercetin, kaempferol, luteolin, rutin, and rhamnazin [PMID:27884717, PMID:35958453, PMID:38024692]; as well as β-sitosterol, (+)-pinitol, and tannins [PMID:24083202, PMID:26527419, PMID:40023231].

Mechanism of action

The herb exhibits anti-inflammatory activity through the inhibition of COX-2 expression in the uterus [PMID:25915082]. Some compounds may act as ACE inhibitors for cardioprotection [PMID:39309635] or as aromatase inhibitors to treat infertility in PCOS [PMID:38315510].

Clinical evidence

Evidence DGynecological disorders (Endometrial thickening)

Methanolic extract of bark reduced estradiol-induced endometrial thickening in rat models [PMID:25915082].

Evidence DPolycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS)

Ethanolic extract of S. asoca was evaluated for management of PCOS in adult rats [PMID:38024692]; procyanidin B2 and luteolin showed potential as aromatase inhibitors in silico and in vivo [PMID:38315510].

Evidence DDepression

Ethanolic extract of flowers showed antidepressant-like effects in mice subjected to acute restraint stress [PMID:35958453].

Evidence DSkin Cancer

Topical pretreatment with flavonoid fraction from flowers significantly reduced the number of tumors and percentage of tumor-bearing mice in a two-stage skin carcinogenesis model [PMID:21771821].

Evidence DMale Sexual Function

Methanolic extract of bark improved mount and intromission frequency in male Wistar rats [PMID:29770464].

Evidence D

Safety & adverse effects

A dose of 2000mg/kg of standardized ethanolic flower extract was evaluated as safe in female albino Wistar rats [PMID:27884717]. Methanolic bark extract did not affect sperm count, motility, or morphology in rats [PMID:29770464].

Drug interactions

The compound (+)-pinitol from S. asoca bark showed a synergistic effect with β-lactam antibiotics, reducing the required antibiotic doses up to eight-fold in vitro [PMID:26527419].

Evidence summary

The current evidence is primarily based on in vitro studies and animal models (Level D), with several review articles (Level C) summarizing traditional uses and phytochemical properties. There are no human clinical trials or meta-analyses provided.

PubMed sources

1.PMID: 39309635 (2024) — Investigating potent cardioprotective compounds as ACE inhibitors in Saraca asoca. · Toxicology reports
2.PMID: 37390875 (2023) — A comprehensive review on Saraca asoca (Fabaceae) - Historical perspective, traditional uses, biological activities, and conservation. · Journal of ethnopharmacology
3.PMID: 25801341 (2016) — Anti-inflammatory flavanol glycosides from Saraca asoca bark. · Natural product research
4.PMID: 31516922 (2019) — Population genetic and phytochemical dataset of Saraca asoca: A traditionally important medicinal tree. · Data in brief
5.PMID: 32174716 (2020) — Saraca asoca seed extract treatment recovers the trace elements imbalances in experimental murine visceral leishmaniasis. · Journal of parasitic diseases : official organ of the Indian Society for Parasitology

Ashoka Tree

Sources & Citations

Calculate a safe dose of Ashoka Tree

Ribes nigrum

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Ganoderma Tsugae

Frequently asked questions

Summary

Background

Traditional uses

Active compounds

Mechanism of action

Clinical evidence

Safety & adverse effects

Drug interactions

Evidence summary

PubMed sources

Government sources

Ashoka Tree

Sources & Citations

Calculate a safe dose of Ashoka Tree

Related Herbs

Ribes nigrum

Anatolian Borage

Ganoderma Tsugae

Frequently asked questions

Summary

Background

Traditional uses

Active compounds

Mechanism of action

Clinical evidence

Safety & adverse effects

Drug interactions

Evidence summary

PubMed sources

Government sources