Limited evidenceWomen's health

Lodhra

An Ayurvedic bark used for menstrual complaints and PCOS. Evidence is confined to reviews of traditional use and animal work; no human trial supports either indication.

Evidence last reviewed: August 2026

What the science says

Menstrual and uterine complaints Limited evidence
A comprehensive review of Symplocos racemosa covering its botany, phytochemistry and pharmacology describes extensive traditional gynecological use but identifies no controlled clinical trials for menstrual disorders.
Estrogen-related activity Limited evidence
A screening study in immature rats found estrogenic activity for Symplocos racemosa among several Indian medicinal plants. Whether this translates to any hormonal effect in women is untested.

Dosage & safety

Studied doseNo studied dose. Traditional use is 1-3 g of bark powder daily; commercial capsules typically supply 400-500 mg as a label dose.

SafetyHuman safety data are essentially absent. Its apparent estrogenic activity in animals is a reason for caution in hormone-sensitive conditions. Avoid in pregnancy and breastfeeding.

Scientific references

A comprehensive analysis on Symplocos racemosa Roxb.: Traditional uses, botany, phytochemistry and pharmacological activities
Acharya N, Acharya S, Shah U, Shah R, Hingorani L — J Ethnopharmacol, 2016
Evaluation of the estrogenic activity of Indian medicinal plants in immature rats
Kamat SK, Barde PJ, Raut SB — Anc Sci Life, 2015

Where to buy

View on iHerb

Referral link — this site may earn a commission on purchases.

Related in Women's health

Folic Acid (Vitamin B9) Strong evidence
Inositol (Myo-Inositol) Moderate evidence
Strontium Limited evidence
Soy Isoflavones Moderate evidence
Ipriflavone Limited evidence
Evening Primrose Oil Limited evidence