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Limited evidenceWomen's health

Ashoka (Saraca Indica)

A classical Ayurvedic uterine tonic with centuries of use and almost no controlled human data. What exists is preclinical, plus a large descriptive literature.

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What the science says

  • Menstrual bleeding and pain Limited evidence

    A comprehensive ethnopharmacology review of Saraca asoca catalogues its traditional use for menorrhagia and dysmenorrhea and notes that the biological work is overwhelmingly in vitro and in animals, with no adequately controlled clinical trials.

  • Prostaglandin-related mechanism Limited evidence

    An older laboratory study found that Saraca asoca bark inhibits the prostaglandin H2 synthetase complex, a plausible route to reduced uterine cramping. This is an enzyme-level finding only.

Dosage & safety

Studied doseNo trial-established dose. Traditional Ayurvedic use is 3-6 g of bark powder daily, or 10-20 ml of the bark decoction (ashokarishta); commercial extracts commonly supply 500 mg per capsule as a label dose.
SafetyPoorly characterized. Species adulteration is a documented problem in the trade, so identity of the raw material is a real concern. Avoid in pregnancy; no data in breastfeeding or with hormone-sensitive conditions.

How to take it

TimingTiming does not matter.
With food?With food to reduce stomach upset.
Worth knowingSubstitution with other barks is a documented problem in the ashoka trade, so buy only from suppliers who publish botanical identity testing.

Frequently asked questions

Does ashoka help heavy or painful periods?

Ashoka (Saraca asoca) has centuries of traditional use for menstrual bleeding and pain, but no adequately controlled clinical trials; the research is almost entirely in vitro and in animals. The evidence is limited.

How much ashoka should I take?

Ashoka has no trial-established dose. Traditional Ayurvedic use is 3-6 g of bark powder daily or 10-20 ml of ashokarishta, and commercial extracts often supply 500 mg per capsule as a label dose.

Is ashoka safe?

Ashoka's safety is poorly characterised, and substitution with other barks is a documented problem in the trade, so buy only from suppliers who publish botanical identity testing. Avoid ashoka in pregnancy.

Scientific references

Related in Women's health

Herbal medicines: what the evidence says (335)