Ashok
Saraca asoca
A sacred Indian tree whose bark is a main herb in Ayurvedic gynecology. An Ashoka-based syrup cut heavy menstrual bleeding in an open study.
Safety at a glance
- PregnancyNothing recorded
- BreastfeedingNothing recorded
- MedicinesNothing recorded
- Who should avoid itNothing recorded
- AllergiesNothing recorded
- ToxicityNothing recorded
Tap a box to read the safety notes below. “Nothing recorded” means our sources don't cover it, not that it's safe.
What is Ashok?
- Plant family
- Fabaceae, the pea and bean family
- Parts used
- The bark
- Where it grows
- The Indian subcontinent
- Genus
- Saraca
- Species
- asoca
Also called
Ashoka
Older scientific names
Saraca indica
Traditionally used for
- Heavy periods
- Uterine problems (traditional)
Traditionally described as
- Women's health tonic
Health topics
Where Ashok appears in symptom search, and why. Being listed doesn't mean it's a proven treatment.
- Menstrual Discomfort
Used in Ayurveda for heavy periods; an open study of an Ashoka-based syrup reduced bleeding and period pain.
Traditions that use it
- Ayurveda
A principal herb in Ayurvedic gynecology, for heavy periods and other uterine problems.
What does the research say?
Traditional use
These are traditional uses, not proven treatments.
Ashok is one of the oldest sacred trees in Indian religion. It is one of the main herbs in Ayurvedic gynecology, used for heavy periods and other uterine problems, and as a tonic for women's health.[1]Study
Laboratory & animal research
Lab and animal results show what might be worth studying in people. They don't show that the herb has these effects in humans.
In lab tests, a bark extract acted as an antioxidant and harmed breast cancer cells, and animal tests found no signs of toxicity.[2]Study
Research in people
In a 90-day study of women with heavy periods, an Ayurvedic syrup based on Ashoka cut menstrual blood loss by about half and eased period pain, with no serious side effects. There was no comparison group, and the syrup contains other herbs too.[3]Study
In short
Studies so far found no serious side effects.
Sources
- [1] Investigating potent cardioprotective compounds as ACE inhibitors in Saraca asoca · DOI: 10.1016/j.toxrep.2024.101731Peer-reviewed study
- [2] Saraca indica bark extract shows in vitro antioxidant, antibreast cancer activity and does not exhibit toxicological effects · DOI: 10.1155/2015/205360Peer-reviewed study
- [3] Efficacy and safety of an Ayurvedic Menohelp syrup in the management of heavy menstrual bleeding (menorrhagia): an open-label clinical study · DOI: 10.7573/dic.2026-3-1Peer-reviewed study
This information is educational and traditional in nature, and is not a substitute for professional medical advice. Unfamiliar word? See what these words mean.