The Nature LibraryEN·ES
← The ApothecaryFabaceaebarkFact-checked 24 October 2026

Ashoka tree

Saraca asoca

Also calledAshoka / Asoka (Sanskrit, Hindi)

A sacred tree of Indian tradition whose bark is one of Ayurveda's principal women's medicines, taken as Ashokarishta and other preparations for heavy menstrual bleeding, leucorrhoea and uterine complaints. The only recent trial is an uncontrolled, company-funded study of a multi-herb syrup. Overharvesting has made the tree Vulnerable on the IUCN Red List, and over 80% of 'ashoka' bark sampled in Indian markets was another plant.

What it is used for

  • Called asrigdara in Ayurveda. In an open-label, single-arm study of 228 women funded by the manufacturer, 15 ml twice daily of an ashoka-based multi-herb syrup for 90 days cut estimated menstrual blood loss by 54%, with no significant adverse events. Without a control group the effect cannot be separated from placebo or natural variation. Ashokarishta is indicated for menorrhagia in Ayurvedic classics and the Ayurvedic Formulary of India but had never been tested in a clinical trial; one against tranexamic acid is planned.1,2

  • In the same uncontrolled study, 68% of women reported complete resolution of period pain by day 90.1

  • The bark is used for leucorrhoea and other uterine disorders; anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, antipyretic, anthelmintic and analgesic activities are reported from laboratory work.3

How it is prepared

syrup

Ashokarishta is a classical liquid Ayurvedic preparation of the bark; proprietary ashoka syrups are also sold.

Planned RCT protocol (2025): 20 ml Ashokarishta twice daily for 3 months, with Trinakantamani pishti and iron; 2026 open-label study: 15 ml of a multi-herb ashoka syrup twice daily for 90 days (study doses, not recommendations).

Bleeding

Amounts are as recorded by the named source, not a recommendation.

Safety

Pregnancy
Insufficient data
Breastfeeding
Insufficient data

Do not use if

  • Heavy or irregular bleeding that has not been medically investigated (fibroids, cancer and other causes need diagnosis)

Side effects

  • No clinically significant adverse events in the 2026 open-label study

Toxicity

Safety, pharmacology and toxicology reports for traditional formulations are still lacking (2023 review). Widespread adulteration means the plant actually in a product is often unknown.

In the healing traditions

  • Ayurveda

    Ashoka

    Bark for gynaecological disorders, especially asrigdara / raktapradara (heavy menstrual bleeding), leucorrhoea and uterine complaints; given as Ashokarishta. The tree is revered as sacred in Indian tradition.

    Ayurvedic classics; Ayurvedic Formulary of India (Ashokarishta)

History

Ashoka is held sacred in Indian tradition and its bark has been prescribed for women's disorders for centuries, as recorded in classical Ayurvedic texts and pharmacopoeias. Demand for the bark has stripped wild trees, leading to its IUCN Vulnerable status and to a market flooded with substitutes.

Sources

  1. 1.Dhiman K et al. Efficacy and safety of an Ayurvedic Menohelp syrup in the management of heavy menstrual bleeding (menorrhagia): an open-label clinical study. Drugs Context 2026
  2. 2.Ayurveda management of menorrhagia (raktapradara): protocol for a randomized controlled trial. JMIR Res Protoc 2025 (abstract)
  3. 3.Urumarudappa SK et al. DNA barcoding and NMR spectroscopy-based assessment of species adulteration in the raw herbal trade of Saraca asoca. Int J Legal Med 2016 (abstract)
  4. 4.A comprehensive review on Saraca asoca (Fabaceae): historical perspective, traditional uses, biological activities, and conservation. J Ethnopharmacol 2023 (abstract)

Reference, not prescription. Nothing here is medical advice. Herbs can interact with medicines and be dangerous in pregnancy; tell your doctor or pharmacist about anything you take.