Herbs & Botanicals · Ayurvedic women's bark remedy

Ashoka

Q: What is Ashoka used for?

Mainly in Ayurveda, for women's complaints: heavy periods, period pain and vaginal discharge. The part used is the stem bark, often as the fermented liquid Ashokarishta. Human research is very small.

Q: Does Ashoka stop heavy periods?

It may help, but this is not proven. One uncontrolled study of a branded Ashoka-based syrup found estimated blood loss fell by 54% in 90 days, with no comparison group. A randomised trial against tranexamic acid is registered but has no results. Heavy periods need a doctor's check first.

Q: Is Ashoka the same as Ashokarishta?

No. Ashokarishta is a fermented liquid made with Ashoka bark and other ingredients, and it contains alcohol. Results for one do not apply to the other.

Q: Is Ashoka safe in pregnancy or breastfeeding?

Avoid it. We found no safety data, it is used on the womb in tradition, and the liquid contains alcohol. The one human study included only non-pregnant women.

Q: What is false ashoka and why does it matter?

False ashoka is Polyalthia longifolia, a different tree whose bark is the commonly used adulterant. In a survey of raw bark from 25 shops, more than 80% of samples were not genuine Ashoka and came from at least 7 plant families.

Q: Is the Ashoka tree endangered?

It is under pressure. Papers describe wild populations as declining sharply because the bark and wood are harvested for the herbal market, and call the tree vulnerable (one calls it endangered). GBIF's link to the IUCN list shows Near Threatened, and the IUCN site itself could not be read, so the formal status is unconfirmed. Choose cultivated, traceable material and do not harvest wild trees.

Q: Does it affect hormones or estrogen?

In rats, yes, but in different directions: bark and Asokarishta lowered estrogen-driven womb-lining growth, while a flower extract acted estrogen-like. No human hormone result exists. Avoid it with hormone medicines or hormone-sensitive conditions unless your doctor agrees.

Q: Can it interfere with blood thinners?

Unknown. No interaction study exists. A test-tube study found a clot-dissolving effect while the herb is used traditionally to reduce bleeding, so the direction is unclear. Ask a pharmacist, and tell the surgeon before an operation.

Q: Do the tannins affect iron or the stomach?

Possibly. Ashoka bark is described as tannin-rich, and tannins are listed among the main blockers of iron absorption in a review of foods. This matters if you take iron for anaemia after heavy periods. It has not been measured for Ashoka. Tannins can also upset the stomach in some people.

Q: Do Ashokarishta products contain alcohol or heavy metals?

Fermented arishtas make their own alcohol: three types tested in Sri Lanka held 5.80 to 8.35% by volume (Ashokarishta was not tested). A survey of 42 Ayurvedic products found metals in all and above-limit mercury, arsenic or lead in many. Those were other products, but the risk shows why a tested brand matters.

Saraca asoca · also called Ashoka, Asoka, Ashok, Ashokarishta (the liquid made with it)

Ashoka is a sacred Indian tree whose bark is a classic Ayurvedic remedy for heavy periods and women's complaints. The human evidence is very thin: one uncontrolled study of a syrup that also held other ingredients, plus animal and lab work. Avoid it in pregnancy, and beware of fake bark from a different tree. The wild tree is under serious pressure.

General information, not medical advice. Last substantive update October 25, 2026 · Not medically reviewed. A named clinician has not signed off on this page. How this page is made

About Ashoka

Ashoka (Saraca asoca) is a tree of India whose stem bark is used in Ayurveda for heavy periods and women's complaints, often as the fermented liquid Ashokarishta. Human research is tiny: one uncontrolled study of a branded syrup and one registered trial with no results. Most claims come from animals and the lab. Avoid it in pregnancy. Choose a tested brand, because fake bark, alcohol and metals are real concerns.

What it is

Ashoka (Saraca asoca) is a tree in the legume family, a sacred tree in Indian tradition. The part used in medicine is the stem bark, and in some traditions the flowers. The bark holds catechins, epicatechin and tannins; the flowers hold flavonoids such as quercetin, kaempferol and luteolin.

Do not confuse it with 'false ashoka' (Polyalthia longifolia), a different tree. Ashokarishta is a fermented liquid made with the bark and other ingredients. It is not the same as the bark.

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What the research shows

For heavy periods, the best human result is one open-label study of 228 women who took a branded Ashoka-based syrup for 90 days. The authors report 54% less estimated blood loss and haemoglobin rising from 10.64 to 11.38 g/dL. There was no control group, blood loss was self-reported, the syrup had other ingredients, and two authors work for the maker. A randomised trial of Ashokarishta plus a coral preparation and iron against tranexamic acid is registered, but no results were found.

A small trial of a three-product formula reported lower menopause symptom scores. The rest is rat, mouse and test-tube work: bark and Asokarishta lowered estrogen-driven womb-lining growth in young rats, a flower extract acted estrogen-like in rats, a flower extract eased stress behaviour in mice, and one extract dissolved lab clots. None of it has been tested in women.

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The tree is under pressure

Papers describe wild Ashoka as vulnerable, and one calls it endangered. A 2025 genetic study says wild populations have fallen sharply because the wood is harvested for the herbal market, with critically low numbers in parts of the Western Ghats. GBIF's link to the IUCN Red List shows Near Threatened, but the IUCN site could not be read, so the formal status is unconfirmed.

Scarcity drives substitution. In a survey of raw bark from 25 shops, more than 80% of samples were not genuine, and the usual adulterant is the bark of false ashoka. Prefer cultivated, traceable bark and never strip wild trees.

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At a glance

Traditional uses history, not proof

Heavy periods, vaginal discharge, blood in urine and other female complaints (2005 paper)
Uterine tonic, as bark and as the fermented liquid Ashokarishta
Flower juice as a women's tonic (2017 paper)

Studied for research

Heavy periods, very low certainty (one uncontrolled syrup study; trial under way)
Period pain, very low certainty (same study)
Menopause symptoms, very low certainty (three-product formula)
Hormone effects, mood, antioxidant, cancer-cell and clot claims, lab and animal only

Main compounds

Catechin (CID 9064)
Epicatechin (CID 72276)
Tannins (class)
Gallic acid (CID 370)
Quercetin (CID 5280343)
Kaempferol (CID 5280863)
Beta-sitosterol (CID 222284)

Common forms

Dried stem bark
Bark powder or capsules
Extracts
Ashokarishta (fermented liquid with alcohol)
Branded syrup (one open-label study)

Research links: Heavy periods syrup study (2026) · Ashokarishta trial protocol (2025) · Review of the tree (2023) · Market adulteration survey (2016) · Wild population genetics (2025) · Research Library · Genes & Biomarkers Library

The plant and its history

Accepted scientific name: Saraca asoca (Roxb.) W.J.de Wilde
Naming authority: (Roxb.) W.J.de Wilde
Synonyms: Jonesia asoca Roxb.; Saraca asoca (Roxb.) Willd.; Saraca indica Bedd.; Saraca confusa (Hassk.) Backer
Common names: Ashoka (English / Hindi); Asoka (English); Ashok (Hindi); Ashoka tree, sorrowless tree (English)
Botanical family: Fabaceae (legume family)
Classification: Plantae > Tracheophyta > Magnoliopsida > Fabales > Fabaceae > Saraca > Saraca asoca
Native range: India and the Western Ghats are named in the papers; the full native range was not verified.
Habitat: Wild populations in the Western Ghats, a biodiversity hotspot (Scientific Reports 2025). Further habitat details were not verified.
What the plant looks like: Roots: Not described in sources read; Stems: Bark is the part used; bark of Polyalthia longifolia looks somewhat similar (2005 paper); Leaves: Not described in sources read; Flowers: Flowers are used traditionally as a tonic juice (2017 paper); Fruit: Not described in sources read
Cultivation: Not covered by the sources we read. The 2023 review calls for conservation strategies; no cultivation guidance was read.
Harvest and processing: The bark comes from the tree stem. Papers describe 'destructive extraction' (2005) and 'unregulated extraction of its wood' (2025).
Look-alikes and adulterants: Name: Polyalthia longifolia (false ashoka); Family: Annonaceae; Note: The commonly used bark adulterant; GBIF accepted name Polyalthia longifolia (Sonn.) Thwaites. Not a medicinal equivalent.; Name: Kingiodendron pinnatum; Family: not verified; Note: A widely used substitute bark in Asokarishta; tested as an alternative in rats (2018).
Sustainability and conservation: The wild tree has declined severely, mainly from unregulated extraction of its wood for the herbal market (Scientific Reports, 2025). Papers call it vulnerable (2016, 2023 title, 2025), 'endangered' (2018) or 'critically low' in local populations in the Western Ghats. GBIF's IUCN link currently shows Near Threatened. The IUCN site returned a block, so the formal status was not confirmed. What readers can do: avoid wild-harvested bark, prefer cultivated and traceable supply, and do not buy products that cannot name the tree.

Traditional use and history history, not clinical proof

Tradition or era	Documented use	Source
Hindu and Buddhist tradition	Considered a sacred tree (abstract of 2005 paper); revered as sacred in Indian tradition (2023 review).	p22557174
Ayurveda	The stem bark is the principal ingredient of several Ayurvedic preparations prescribed in leucorrhoea, haematuria, menorrhagia and other female genitourinary complaints.	p22557174
Ayurveda: Ashokarishta	A fermented preparation using the bark, used as a uterine tonic. The trial protocol says Ashokarishta has been used in Ayurvedic practice for a long time but had not been tested in a clinical trial.	p40163851
Ancient texts to today	The 2023 review traces taxonomy and use from ancient Ayurvedic textbooks to the present and calls for conservation and for safety and toxicology reports on traditional formulas.	p37390875
Regulators	No EMA/HMPC monograph found (EMA search blocked, marked unverified).	s-regulators-not-found
Wikipedia-style legends (for example links to the Buddha's birth)	NOT verified: not read in any source we opened. Left out of reader text.

Traditional use shows how a plant was used. It does not show that a supplement works or is safe today.

What is inside, and how it may work

What the plant contains and how those compounds act in cells and animals. Laboratory and animal mechanisms are not proven effects in people.

Main compounds

Compound	Family	Where it is concentrated	Activity studied	Level of evidence
Catechin ((+)-catechin) PubChem 9064	Flavan-3-ol	Bark and leaf (regenerated bark highest)	Found in S. asoca extracts by MS/MS; linked in that paper to antimicrobial activity in the lab. ^{16 25}	Laboratory research
Epicatechin ((+)-epicatechin in one paper) PubChem 72276	Flavan-3-ol	Bark and leaf; also in marketed Ashokarishta	Seven-fold difference between two Ashokarishta brands; (-)-epicatechin also found in an ethanol extract by HPLC. ^{16 3 25}	Laboratory research
Epigallocatechin	Flavan-3-ol	Bark water extract	Higher in bark water extract; low antimicrobial activity. ¹⁶	Laboratory research
Tannins (class, mostly condensed tannins and related polyphenols)	Tannin	Bark	The 2025 gene study says the bark is used for women's complaints primarily due to its tannin content. Amounts were not measured in the abstract. ¹	Laboratory research
Gallic acid PubChem 370	Phenolic acid	Bark (ethanol extract)	Found by HPLC in the ethanol extract used in the PCOS rat study. ^{3 25}	Laboratory research
Quercetin PubChem 5280343	Flavonol	Flower 1.543 mg/g in the standardised flower extract	Found in flower extracts by LC-MS and HPLC; the flower authors credit antioxidant flavonoids for the mouse result. ^{15 18 25}	Animal research
Kaempferol PubChem 5280863	Flavonol	Flower; bark ethanol extract 0.924 mg/g in the flower extract	Found in the flower extract and the ethanol extract. ^{18 3 25}	Animal research
Luteolin PubChem 5280445	Flavone	Flower 2.349 mg/g in the flower extract	Found in the flower extract. ^{18 25}	Animal research
Myricetin PubChem 5281672	Flavonol	Flower	Found in the flower extract. ^{15 25}	Animal research
Rutin PubChem 5280805	Flavonol glycoside	Bark (ethanol extract)	Found in the ethanol extract used in the PCOS rat study. ^{3 25}	Laboratory research
Beta-sitosterol PubChem 222284	Plant sterol	Flower 4.481 mg/g in the flower extract	Found in the flower extract. ^{18 25}	Animal research
Rhamnazin	Flavonol	Flower	Named in the mouse paper; no CID verified. ¹⁵	Animal research

Mechanisms, receptors and pathways

Target or pathway	Gene or receptor	What was found	Level
Estrogen-driven womb-lining growth	Estrogen signalling (not identified further)	Asokarishta and a bark extract lowered estradiol-induced thickening and serum estrogen in immature rats; a flower extract acted estrogen-like in ovariectomised rats. ^{14 13 18}	Animal research
Inflammation	COX-2	Bark extract lowered LPS-induced COX-2 in rat uterus and reduced paw swelling in mice. ¹³	Animal research
Stress hormone and antioxidant defence	Glutathione peroxidase, SOD (named in the paper)	Flower extract lowered corticosterone and raised antioxidant enzymes in mouse hippocampus. ¹⁵	Animal research
Clot dissolving	Not identified	An extract dissolved 49.70% of a lab clot against 79.32% for streptokinase. ⁴	Laboratory research
Hormone and metabolic pathway in PCOS model	Not identified	Ethanol extract changed testosterone, LH, FSH, estradiol, progesterone and insulin in letrozole-treated rats. ³	Animal research

Absorption, metabolism and elimination

Absorption: No human absorption data found.
Distribution: Not found.
Metabolism: Not found.
Elimination: Not found.
Bioavailability: Not found.

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Isolated compounds versus whole extracts

Results cannot be moved between forms. Bark extracts, flower extracts and Asokarishta (a fermented, multi-ingredient liquid) were each tested separately, and content varies between brands (the epicatechin level differed seven-fold between two brands). The human study used a branded syrup, not bark alone.

Nutritional composition

Ashoka bark is a medicinal tree bark, not a food. Its polyphenols (catechins, tannins) can lower iron absorption, which matters for women who are anaemic after heavy periods; this is a food-compound finding, not measured for Ashoka. Fermented liquids also contain alcohol.

9benefits and uses looked at

26studies and sources checked

Very low certaintybest evidence rating found

7lab markers tracked in trials

3 very low certainty6 not enough evidence

What is Ashoka good for?

The studied uses and how strong the human evidence is. 'Very low' means one small or uncontrolled study. 'Insufficient' means no human trial, or animal and lab work only. Safety comes first: see the Safety tab.

Heavy periodsVery low certaintyAshoka bark and the fermented liquid Ashokarishta are the classic Ayurvedic remedy. The only human result is an uncontrolled study of 228 women taking a branded Ashoka-based syrup: estimated blood loss fell by 54% over 90 days. With no comparison group, and a multi-ingredient product, we cannot say the syrup did it. A randomised trial against tranexamic acid is registered; no results yet. Period painVery low certaintyIn the same uncontrolled syrup study, 68% of women reported complete relief of period pain at 90 days. This is a secondary result with no comparison group. Traditional uterine tonic and vaginal dischargeNot enough evidenceUsed for centuries in India for women's complaints. This is tradition, not trial proof. No controlled study of the bark alone was found. Menopause symptoms (three-product formula)Very low certaintyA small open trial of Ashokarishta plus ashwagandha root powder plus a coral preparation reported lower menopause symptom scores. We cannot tell what Ashoka added. Hormone balanceNot enough evidenceRat studies disagree: bark and Asokarishta acted anti-estrogen-like, a flower extract acted estrogen-like. No human hormone result. It is not a hormone treatment. Mood and stressNot enough evidenceA flower extract lowered a stress hormone and 'depression-like' behaviour in mice. No human study. Antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and cancer-cell claimsNot enough evidenceLab and animal results only; no human trial. Not a cancer treatment. Effects on clottingNot enough evidenceIn one test-tube study an extract dissolved about half of a lab clot, which pulls against its use to reduce bleeding. Nothing is shown in people.

Benefits, one by one

Each card is a research question, not a promise. Tap a goal to filter. Open a card to see the studies, doses and limits.

Heavy periods (heavy menstrual bleeding)

Very low certainty

Ashoka bark is best known in Ayurveda as a remedy for heavy periods. The only human result we found is one uncontrolled study of a branded syrup with Ashoka in it: bleeding fell, but with no comparison group we cannot say the syrup caused it. A proper trial is under way.

3 studiesBranded syrup in the one study; classical Ashokarishta in the planned…

Studies, doses and limits

What the trials found

One open-label study (Drugs in Context, 2026) gave Menohelp Syrup, a branded Ayurvedic syrup described as Ashoka-based with 'ingredients like' Saraca asoca, to 228 non-pregnant women with heavy periods; 217 finished 90 days. There was no control group. A randomised trial that will compare Ashokarishta, a coral-based preparation and iron against tranexamic acid plus iron is registered, with 79 women enrolled by December 2024 and no results yet.

Results

In the open-label study the authors report a 54% fall in estimated blood loss and a 58% fall in chart score by day 90. Average blood loss fell from 123.6 mL to 56.9 mL and haemoglobin rose from 10.64 to 11.38 g/dL (plain-language summary). Endometrial thickness stayed stable. No clinically significant adverse events were reported. No result exists for Ashoka bark alone.

Effect sizes as reported

Menstrual blood loss: 123.6 mL to 56.9 mL (54% fall by the authors' estimate); chart score down 58%; haemoglobin 10.64 to 11.38 g/dL. No confidence intervals in the abstract and no comparison group.

Why this rating

One uncontrolled study of a multi-ingredient syrup, 90 days, self-reported blood loss charts, with two authors employed by the maker. The only randomised trial found has no results yet.

Form and dose studied

Branded syrup in the one study; classical Ashokarishta in the planned trial. Ask a doctor or pharmacist about amounts.

Who was studied

Non-pregnant women aged 18 to 45 with heavy periods, India.

Limits

No placebo or control group, open label, blood loss self-reported on charts, short follow-up, product contains other ingredients, industry-linked authors. Heavy periods can have causes such as fibroids, thyroid problems or clotting disorders that need a medical check.

Why researchers looked

Heavy periods can cause iron-deficiency anaemia, tiredness and poor quality of life. Ayurveda describes the problem as Asrigdara or Raktapradara and uses Ashoka bark and the fermented liquid Ashokarishta for it.

Traditional use

A 2005 paper says the stem bark is the main part used in Ayurvedic preparations for leucorrhoea (vaginal discharge), blood in the urine, heavy periods and other female complaints. A 2023 review describes long use and a sacred status in India.

Proposed mechanism Animal research

Not established in people. In young female rats a bark extract and Asokarishta lowered the thickening of the womb lining that estradiol caused, and the bark extract lowered COX-2, an inflammation enzyme. Whether this happens in women is unknown.

A proposed mechanism does not show that the effect happens in people.

Heavy bleeding needs a doctor's assessment first. The study excluded women with large fibroids, cancer or major disease, and did not include pregnant women.

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Ashokarishta compared with tranexamic acid (trial under way)

Not enough evidence

A randomised trial in India is comparing a package of Ashokarishta, a coral-based Ayurvedic preparation and iron against standard tranexamic acid and iron. No results have been published that we could find.

1 studiesClassical Ashokarishta liquid in the protocol. Ask a doctor or pharma…

Studies, doses and limits

What the trials found

Protocol only (JMIR Research Protocols, 2025): open-label randomised trial, planned 140 women, treatment group 20 mL Ashokarishta twice a day plus 250 mg Trinakantamani pishti plus iron and folic acid for 3 months; control group tranexamic acid plus iron and folic acid. Registered as CTRI/2023/05/052929.

Results

No results. Data analysis was due by February 2026.

Effect sizes as reported

None.

Why this rating

A protocol is not evidence of effect. Even when the results arrive, the package contains three products, so the effect of Ashoka alone could not be isolated.

Form and dose studied

Classical Ashokarishta liquid in the protocol. Ask a doctor or pharmacist about amounts.

Who was studied

Women with heavy periods, India.

Limits

Open label; combination treatment; no results yet.

Why researchers looked

Tranexamic acid is a standard non-hormonal treatment for heavy periods. The trial authors say no clinical trial of Ashokarishta had been carried out before.

Traditional use

Ashokarishta is a classical fermented liquid made from Ashoka bark with other ingredients.

Proposed mechanism Traditional use

Not tested in this protocol.

A proposed mechanism does not show that the effect happens in people.

Ashokarishta is fermented and contains alcohol (see the Safety tab).

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Period pain (painful periods)

Very low certainty

In the same open-label syrup study, many women reported less period pain. This is a secondary result from an uncontrolled study of a multi-ingredient syrup, so it is weak.

2 studiesBranded syrup. Ask a doctor or pharmacist about amounts.

Studies, doses and limits

What the trials found

The Menohelp Syrup study reports that 68.06% of participants had complete resolution of dysmenorrhoea at day 90, and lower cramping and backache, with no control group.

Results

68.06% reported complete resolution of period pain by the end of 90 days. There was no placebo comparison, and periods can change over time without treatment.

Effect sizes as reported

68.06% with complete resolution (single arm).

Why this rating

Secondary outcome of one uncontrolled study of a multi-ingredient product.

Form and dose studied

Branded syrup. Ask a doctor or pharmacist about amounts.

Who was studied

Non-pregnant women with heavy periods.

Limits

No control, self-reported, multi-ingredient, industry-linked authors.

Why researchers looked

Painful periods often go along with heavy periods, and Ashoka is traditionally used for women's complaints in general.

Traditional use

Listed among traditional uses for female complaints by the 2023 review and the 2005 paper.

Proposed mechanism Animal research

Not studied in people. An anti-inflammatory effect (paw swelling, COX-2) was seen in mice and rats with a bark extract.

A proposed mechanism does not show that the effect happens in people.

Severe or new pain needs medical review.

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Traditional 'uterine tonic' use (leucorrhoea and women's complaints)

Not enough evidence

In Ayurveda Ashoka bark is called a uterine tonic and used for vaginal discharge and other women's complaints. This is traditional use. No good human trial of the bark alone exists.

3 studiesBark, powder, decoction and Ashokarishta in tradition. Ask a doctor o…

Studies, doses and limits

What the trials found

No controlled human study of Ashoka bark alone was found. The 2023 review calls for more clinical, safety and toxicology work.

Results

No human result for bark alone.

Effect sizes as reported

None.

Why this rating

Traditional use only; no controlled trials of the bark itself.

Form and dose studied

Bark, powder, decoction and Ashokarishta in tradition. Ask a doctor or pharmacist about amounts.

Who was studied

Women, traditionally.

Limits

Tradition is not proof. A product sold as Ashoka may not contain it: over 80% of 25 raw-drug market samples were spurious.

Why researchers looked

It is one of the best-known women's herbs in Indian medicine and is a prime ingredient of Asokarishta.

Traditional use

A 2023 review follows its use through old Ayurvedic texts and says it is revered as sacred. The 2005 paper lists leucorrhoea, haematuria and menorrhagia.

Proposed mechanism Traditional use

Not established. Lab work finds catechins and other polyphenols in the bark; their link to any effect in women is not shown.

A proposed mechanism does not show that the effect happens in people.

Abnormal discharge or bleeding needs a medical check, because infection and other causes need treatment.

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Menopause symptoms (a three-product formula)

Very low certainty

A small open trial in India tested Ashokarishta together with ashwagandha root powder and a coral preparation in menopausal women. Symptom scores fell. We cannot say what Ashoka contributed.

1 studiesCombination of three products. Ask a doctor or pharmacist about amoun…

Studies, doses and limits

What the trials found

Ayu 2012: 52 women registered and 51 finished. The treatment was three products together (Ashokarishta, Ashwagandha churna and Praval pishti). Outcomes were the Menopause Rating Scale and the MENQOL questionnaire.

Results

The authors report a highly significant fall (P < 0.01) in both scores. No averages are given in the abstract, and no placebo is described.

Effect sizes as reported

P < 0.01 for both scales; no numbers in the abstract.

Why this rating

Small trial, three products at once, no placebo described, no numbers in the abstract, 2012.

Form and dose studied

Combination of three products. Ask a doctor or pharmacist about amounts.

Who was studied

Women with mild to moderate menopausal symptoms.

Limits

Cannot separate Ashoka from the other two products. The ashwagandha alone has its own studies.

Why researchers looked

Ayurvedic practice uses Ashokarishta in women's hormone-linked complaints.

Traditional use

Ashokarishta is used as a women's tonic in classical Ayurveda.

Proposed mechanism Traditional use

Not tested.

A proposed mechanism does not show that the effect happens in people.

Ashokarishta contains alcohol. Postmenopausal bleeding needs a doctor.

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Hormone effects (estrogen, PCOS-type changes)

Not enough evidence

Animal studies point in different directions. A bark extract and Asokarishta lowered estrogen-driven womb-lining thickening in young rats, a flower extract acted estrogen-like in rats with their ovaries removed, and an ethanol extract changed several hormones in a rat model of PCOS. None was done in women. Do not read this as a hormone treatment.

4 studiesRat doses are not human doses. Ask a doctor or pharmacist about amoun…

Studies, doses and limits

What the trials found

None found. No human trial measured a hormone level after Ashoka alone. The open-label heavy periods study did not report hormone levels in its abstract.

Results

Rats given estradiol: Asokarishta lowered serum estrogen (156.5 to 102.6 pg/mL) and lining thickness (75.2 to 42.5 micrometres). A methanol bark extract lowered estrogen to 82.9 pg/mL against 111.2 pg/mL. In rats with ovaries removed, a flower extract at the high dose had estrogen-like effects. In letrozole-treated rats, an ethanol extract lowered testosterone, LH and insulin and raised FSH, estradiol and progesterone.

Effect sizes as reported

Rat values as listed above; no human effect sizes.

Why this rating

Animal and lab only, different plant parts and extracts, results that go in different directions, none in women.

Form and dose studied

Rat doses are not human doses. Ask a doctor or pharmacist about amounts.

Who was studied

Immature, ovariectomised and drug-induced PCOS-model female rats.

Limits

Different parts (bark, flower, unspecified), different models, small groups. Hormone-model rats do not predict human hormone effects.

Why researchers looked

Ashoka is a women's herb, so researchers have asked whether it acts on estrogen.

Traditional use

Used as a uterine tonic; Ayurveda does not describe it in hormone terms.

Proposed mechanism Animal research

Unclear and inconsistent. The bark/Asokarishta results look anti-estrogen-like and anti-inflammatory; the flower result looks estrogen-like. The flower extract contained quercetin, kaempferol, luteolin and beta-sitosterol, plant compounds that some studies call phytoestrogens.

A proposed mechanism does not show that the effect happens in people.

Avoid in hormone-sensitive conditions unless a doctor agrees, because the human effect is unknown. Cancer-cell results are lab-only and are not a treatment claim.

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Mood and stress (flower extract in mice)

Not enough evidence

A flower extract made mice less 'depressed' in swim and tail tests and lowered a stress hormone. This is a mouse study of the flower, not the bark, and no human study exists.

1 studiesMouse doses only.

Studies, doses and limits

What the trials found

None found.

Results

Doses of 50, 100 and 250 mg/kg for 7 days cut immobility time (P<0.05). The 250 mg/kg dose lowered plasma corticosterone, comparable to imipramine.

Effect sizes as reported

Not given beyond P<0.05 in the abstract.

Why this rating

One mouse study, flower extract, 7 days.

Form and dose studied

Mouse doses only.

Who was studied

Mice under restraint stress.

Limits

Mouse behavioural tests are a rough guide to human mood.

Why researchers looked

Researchers tested the antioxidant flavonoids of the flower for brain effects.

Traditional use

Ashoka flowers are used in India as a women's tonic (juice); mood use is not a documented tradition in our sources.

Proposed mechanism Animal research

The authors suggest lower corticosterone (the mouse stress hormone) and higher antioxidant enzymes in the hippocampus. Not shown in people.

A proposed mechanism does not show that the effect happens in people.

Do not replace antidepressants or mental health care with it.

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Antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and cell-lab claims

Not enough evidence

In test tubes and animals, bark and flower extracts showed antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activity and some activity against breast cancer cells. These are lab results; no human trial tested any of them.

3 studiesLab extracts. No human dose.

Studies, doses and limits

What the trials found

None found.

Results

Bark extract: antioxidant and anti-breast-cancer-cell activity in the lab, with toxicology tests the authors call safer (no numbers in the abstract). Bark extract also lowered paw swelling in mice. The epicatechin level differed seven-fold between two marketed Ashokarishta brands, and neither showed antimicrobial activity.

Effect sizes as reported

None in humans.

Why this rating

Cells and animals only.

Form and dose studied

Lab extracts. No human dose.

Who was studied

Cells, mice and rats.

Limits

Lab results rarely carry over to people. Content varies a lot between products.

Why researchers looked

The bark is rich in polyphenols and catechins that show antioxidant effects in the lab.

Traditional use

Anti-inflammatory and anti-bacterial uses are listed in the raw-drug literature.

Proposed mechanism Laboratory research

Antioxidant polyphenols (catechin, epicatechin and others) and lowered COX-2 in rat uterus.

A proposed mechanism does not show that the effect happens in people.

Not a cancer treatment. Do not use in place of medical care.

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Effect on clots (test-tube clot dissolving)

Not enough evidence

Ashoka is used to reduce bleeding, yet in one test-tube study an extract of Saraca indica dissolved about half of a lab clot. The two ideas pull in opposite directions and neither is shown in people, so no one should assume it either stops bleeding or thins blood.

1 studiesLab extract only.

Studies, doses and limits

What the trials found

None found.

Results

The Saraca indica extract dissolved 49.70% of a clot (plus or minus 1.69) against 79.32% for streptokinase. Brine shrimp toxicity LC50 was 478.40 micrograms per mL.

Effect sizes as reported

49.70% clot lysis versus 79.32% for the reference drug, in a test tube.

Why this rating

One lab study; plant part and solvent not stated in the abstract.

Form and dose studied

Lab extract only.

Who was studied

None (in vitro).

Limits

Test-tube clot, not blood in a living body. Says nothing about bleeding risk or benefit.

Why researchers looked

Researchers screen traditional plants for clot-dissolving activity.

Traditional use

Traditionally used to reduce bleeding, not to dissolve clots.

Proposed mechanism Laboratory research

Unknown. Tannin-type plant compounds can affect proteins in many ways; this was not studied here.

A proposed mechanism does not show that the effect happens in people.

If you take warfarin, other blood thinners or antiplatelet medicine, or are about to have surgery, tell your doctor or pharmacist before using Ashoka products.

⁴

Connections to the rest of health

How Ashoka connects to the rest of our health knowledge graph. Every link says what kind of connection it is. A safety link (for example to the liver) is a warning, not a benefit. A study that merely mentions a topic never creates a benefit link.

Explore every connection: goals, body systems, organs, symptoms, genes

Kind of connection Connected to Search

A. Wellness goals

Connected to	Kind of connection	Evidence status	Context	Studies
Womens Wellness	Traditional use	Very low certainty	Heavy periods (heavy menstrual bleeding): Ashoka bark is best known in Ayurveda as a remedy for heavy periods. The only human result we found is one uncontrolled study of a branded syrup with Ashoka in it: bleeding fell, but with no comparison group we cannot say the syrup caused it. A proper trial is under way. Ashokarishta compared with tranexamic acid (trial under way): A randomised trial in India is comparing a package of Ashokarishta, a coral-based Ayurvedic preparation and iron against standard tranexamic acid and iron. No results have been published that we could find.	^{5 12 20 13 9 19}
Menopause Support	Traditional use	Very low certainty	Menopause symptoms (a three-product formula): A small open trial in India tested Ashokarishta together with ashwagandha root powder and a coral preparation in menopausal women. Symptom scores fell. We cannot say what Ashoka contributed.	¹¹
Hormone Balance	Preliminary mechanism	Not enough evidence	Hormone effects (estrogen, PCOS-type changes): Animal studies point in different directions. A bark extract and Asokarishta lowered estrogen-driven womb-lining thickening in young rats, a flower extract acted estrogen-like in rats with their ovaries removed, and an ethanol extract changed several hormones in a rat model of PCOS. None was done in women. Do not read this as a hormone treatment.	^{14 13 18 3}
Womens Wellness	Preliminary mechanism	Not enough evidence	Hormone effects (estrogen, PCOS-type changes): Animal studies point in different directions. A bark extract and Asokarishta lowered estrogen-driven womb-lining thickening in young rats, a flower extract acted estrogen-like in rats with their ovaries removed, and an ethanol extract changed several hormones in a rat model of PCOS. None was done in women. Do not read this as a hormone treatment.	^{14 13 18 3}
Mood Balance	Preliminary mechanism	Not enough evidence	Mood and stress (flower extract in mice): A flower extract made mice less 'depressed' in swim and tail tests and lowered a stress hormone. This is a mouse study of the flower, not the bark, and no human study exists.	¹⁵
Stress Reduction	Preliminary mechanism	Not enough evidence	Mood and stress (flower extract in mice): A flower extract made mice less 'depressed' in swim and tail tests and lowered a stress hormone. This is a mouse study of the flower, not the bark, and no human study exists.	¹⁵
Inflammation Balance	Preliminary mechanism	Not enough evidence	Antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and cell-lab claims: In test tubes and animals, bark and flower extracts showed antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activity and some activity against breast cancer cells. These are lab results; no human trial tested any of them.	^{21 16 13}
Heart Health	Preliminary mechanism	Not enough evidence	Effect on clots (test-tube clot dissolving): Ashoka is used to reduce bleeding, yet in one test-tube study an extract of Saraca indica dissolved about half of a lab clot. The two ideas pull in opposite directions and neither is shown in people, so no one should assume it either stops bleeding or thins blood.	⁴

B. Body systems

Connected to	Kind of connection	Evidence status	Context	Studies
Reproductive System	Biological association	Very low certainty	Studied for: Heavy periods (heavy menstrual bleeding) Studied for: Ashokarishta compared with tranexamic acid (trial under way)	^{5 12 20 13 9 19 11 14 18 3}
Endocrine System	Biological association	Very low certainty	Studied for: Menopause symptoms (a three-product formula) Studied for: Hormone effects (estrogen, PCOS-type changes)	^{11 14 13 18 3}
Nervous System	Biological association	Not enough evidence	Studied for: Mood and stress (flower extract in mice)	¹⁵
Immune System	Biological association	Not enough evidence	Studied for: Antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and cell-lab claims	^{21 16 13}
Cardiovascular System	Biological association	Not enough evidence	Studied for: Effect on clots (test-tube clot dissolving)	⁴

E. Health conditions

Connected to	Kind of connection	Evidence status	Context	Studies
Heavy menstrual bleeding	Traditional use	Very low certainty	One uncontrolled study of a branded syrup; a randomised trial protocol; no result for bark alone. One uncontrolled syrup study; trial protocol; no result for bark alone. Preparation or compound: Bark and Ashokarishta; one branded syrup	^{5 12}
Pregnancy	Contraindication	Not enough evidence	No safety data; womb-directed use; alcohol in liquids. No safety data; avoid. Preparation or compound: All forms	^{5 8}

G. Root causes and contributing factors

Connected to	Kind of connection	Evidence status	Context	Studies
Product adulteration or mislabeling	Adverse effect or risk	Market survey	More than 80% of 25 raw-drug samples were spurious. Over 80% of 25 raw bark samples were not genuine. Preparation or compound: Raw bark	^{19 9}

I. Biomarkers

Connected to	Kind of connection	Evidence status	Context	Studies
Menstrual blood loss (Pictorial Blood Assessment Chart and estimated millilitres)	Biological association	Very low certainty	Measured in trials: lowered. A lab change is not the same as a health benefit.	^{5 12}
Haemoglobin	Biological association	Very low certainty	Measured in trials: raised. A lab change is not the same as a health benefit.	⁵
Endometrial thickness (womb lining on ultrasound)	Biological association	Very low certainty	Measured in trials: no-change. A lab change is not the same as a health benefit.	⁵
Menopause symptom scores (MRS and MENQOL)	Biological association	Very low certainty	Measured in trials: lowered. A lab change is not the same as a health benefit.	¹¹
Serum estrogen (estradiol), in rats	Biological association	Not enough evidence	Measured in trials: mixed. A lab change is not the same as a health benefit.	^{14 13 3 18}
Corticosterone (the mouse stress hormone)	Biological association	Not enough evidence	Measured in trials: lowered. A lab change is not the same as a health benefit.	¹⁵
Clot lysis (percent of a lab clot dissolved)	Biological association	Not enough evidence	Measured in trials: raised. A lab change is not the same as a health benefit.	⁴

J. Genes, receptors and enzymes

Connected to	Kind of connection	Evidence status	Context	Studies
PTGS2 (COX-2)	Preliminary mechanism	Animal	Lower in rat uterus after a bark extract.	¹³

K. Biological pathways

Connected to	Kind of connection	Evidence status	Context	Studies
Estradiol	Preliminary mechanism	Animal	Lowered in estradiol-challenged immature rats by bark extract and Asokarishta; raised in a PCOS-model rat study.	^{14 13 3}

L. Active compounds

Connected to	Kind of connection	Evidence status	Context	Studies
Catechin ((+)-catechin)	Biological association	In vitro	Found in S. asoca extracts by MS/MS; linked in that paper to antimicrobial activity in the lab. Preparation or compound: Bark and leaf (regenerated bark highest)	^{16 25}
Epicatechin ((+)-epicatechin in one paper)	Biological association	In vitro	Seven-fold difference between two Ashokarishta brands; (-)-epicatechin also found in an ethanol extract by HPLC. Preparation or compound: Bark and leaf; also in marketed Ashokarishta	^{16 3 25}
Epigallocatechin	Biological association	In vitro	Higher in bark water extract; low antimicrobial activity. Preparation or compound: Bark water extract	¹⁶
Tannins (class, mostly condensed tannins and related polyphenols)	Biological association	In vitro	The 2025 gene study says the bark is used for women's complaints primarily due to its tannin content. Amounts were not measured in the abstract. Preparation or compound: Bark	¹
Gallic acid	Biological association	In vitro	Found by HPLC in the ethanol extract used in the PCOS rat study. Preparation or compound: Bark (ethanol extract)	^{3 25}
Quercetin	Biological association	Animal	Found in flower extracts by LC-MS and HPLC; the flower authors credit antioxidant flavonoids for the mouse result. Preparation or compound: Flower	^{15 18 25}
Kaempferol	Biological association	Animal	Found in the flower extract and the ethanol extract. Preparation or compound: Flower; bark ethanol extract	^{18 3 25}
Luteolin	Biological association	Animal	Found in the flower extract. Preparation or compound: Flower	^{18 25}
Myricetin	Biological association	Animal	Found in the flower extract. Preparation or compound: Flower	^{15 25}
Rutin	Biological association	In vitro	Found in the ethanol extract used in the PCOS rat study. Preparation or compound: Bark (ethanol extract)	^{3 25}
Beta-sitosterol	Biological association	Animal	Found in the flower extract. Preparation or compound: Flower	^{18 25}
Rhamnazin	Biological association	Animal	Named in the mouse paper; no CID verified. Preparation or compound: Flower	¹⁵

Each connection is stored with the ingredient, the connected record, the kind of connection, the evidence status, the supporting studies, the preparation or compound involved, and a review date (last reviewed October 25, 2026).

Evidence at a glance: what changed in 7 lab markers

Tap a number to show only those markers. Counts are markers, not people.

Hormonal11 Organ function1 Other211

The evidence

The research centre for Ashoka. Every record here was checked against PubMed or the publisher's page; we never list a study we have not verified.

Evidence by outcome

Heavy periods (heavy menstrual bleeding) 3 studies Very low certainty Ashokarishta compared with tranexamic acid (trial under way) 1 studies Not enough evidence Period pain (painful periods) 2 studies Very low certainty Traditional 'uterine tonic' use (leucorrhoea and women's complaints) 3 studies Not enough evidence Menopause symptoms (a three-product formula) 1 studies Very low certainty Hormone effects (estrogen, PCOS-type changes) 4 studies Not enough evidence Mood and stress (flower extract in mice) 1 studies Not enough evidence Antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and cell-lab claims 3 studies Not enough evidence Effect on clots (test-tube clot dissolving) 1 studies Not enough evidence

Bars show how many studies we found for each outcome, not how well it works. People are added up across trials only (reviews are not added, to avoid double counting).

How we rate evidence

High certainty

Several well-run trials or reviews agree; further research is unlikely to change the picture much.

Moderate certainty

Good trials point the same way, but some doubt remains.

Low certainty

Small, short or inconsistent trials. The finding could change with better research.

Very low certainty

Very little or very weak human data. Treat as a possibility only.

Mixed findings

Trials or reviews disagree with each other.

Not enough evidence

Not enough human research to say either way.

Evidence against

Good research found no benefit, or found harm.

We take the reviewers' own risk-of-bias and GRADE statements where they exist, and otherwise judge from study size, design, consistency, directness and whether a product matches what is sold. Many publications do not make evidence high. Method note: We searched PubMed, read the abstracts of every study cited, and checked names against GBIF, NCBI Taxonomy and PubChem. Pages that could not be found or opened are marked as not found. Where only a summary was available, we say so.

Study library: every study we checked 26

Design Research type Plant part Year from Search

Study	Design	People	Product, dose, length	Result
Arathi 2025 Transcriptome sequencing on different ages of Saraca asoca bark: Insights from tannin biosynthetic pathways and EST-SSR marker design. Fitoterapia · PMID 40023231 · DOI	Lab genetics in-vitro	Gene sequencing of young, middle-aged and old bark	S. asoca bark of three ages bark	The authors state that the bark is used for women's complaints 'primarily due to its tannin content' and that the flavonoid pathway was most active in middle-aged bark. They call the tree a vulnerable species. Not applicable Methods, limits and funding Outcomes: Genes in the tannin pathway Limitations: Gene study; it does not measure tannin amounts or any effect on people. Funding and conflicts: No competing interest declared Read: abstract
Bhalla 2022 Are Ayurvedic medications store house of heavy metals? Toxicol Res (Camb) · PMID 35237422 · DOI	Product analysis product-sample	42 42 over-the-counter Ayurvedic preparations bought from licensed shops in Chandigarh in 2017	Mixed Ayurvedic products (Ashokarishta not named in the abstract)	Heavy metals were found in all 42. Levels above the FAO/WHO limit were found for zinc in 35, mercury in 29, arsenic in 6 and lead in 2 products. Cadmium was not found in any. Metal contamination was common in the products tested Methods, limits and funding Outcomes: Eight metals by ICP-MS compared with FAO/WHO limits Limitations: General Ayurvedic products, not Ashoka specifically. Many classical products add metals on purpose, so this does not describe a bark-only product or a plant-only syrup. Funding and conflicts: Not stated in the abstract Read: abstract
Bu 2023 Phytochemical-Based Study of Ethanolic Extract of Saraca asoca in Letrozole-Induced Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome in Female Adult Rats. ACS Omega · PMID 38024692 · DOI	Animal research animal	30 30 adult female rats; 25 given letrozole to induce a PCOS-like state	Ethanol extract of S. asoca (plant part not stated in the abstract) not stated 200, 400 and 600 mg/kg body weight by mouth 5 weeks · vs Untreated PCOS rats; metformin	The authors report fewer cystic follicles and lower testosterone, LH and insulin, with higher FSH, estradiol and progesterone, in a dose-dependent way. HPLC found kaempferol, rutin, (-)-epicatechin, salicylic acid and gallic acid. Hormone changes in a rat model Methods, limits and funding Outcomes: Body weight, cystic follicles, testosterone, LH, insulin, estradiol, progesterone Limitations: Animal only, five rats per group, drug-induced model. Does not show an effect in women. Funding and conflicts: No competing interest declared Read: abstract
Dash 2016 Effects of Five Bangladeshi Plant Extracts on In vitro Thrombolysis and Cytotoxicity. Pharmacognosy Res · PMID 27365985 · DOI	Laboratory research in-vitro	Lab clot-dissolving test (in vitro thrombolytic model) and a brine shrimp toxicity test	Organic extracts of five plants, including Saraca indica (part not stated in the abstract) not stated · vs Streptokinase (positive control), water (negative)	The Saraca indica extract dissolved 49.70% of clot (plus or minus 1.69) against 79.32% for streptokinase. Its brine shrimp LC50 was 478.40 micrograms per mL, the least toxic of the five. Clot lysis in a test tube Methods, limits and funding Outcomes: Percent clot lysis; brine shrimp lethality Limitations: Test-tube and shrimp test only. Plant part and extract solvent not stated in the abstract. Does not show a blood-thinning effect in people. Funding and conflicts: Not stated in the abstract Read: abstract
Dhiman 2026 Efficacy and safety of an Ayurvedic Menohelp syrup in the management of heavy menstrual bleeding (menorrhagia): an open-label clinical study. Drugs Context · PMID 42741735 · DOI	Open label single arm trial	228 228 non-pregnant women aged 18-45 with heavy menstrual bleeding (217 finished); India	Menohelp Syrup, a branded Ayurvedic syrup described as 'Ashoka (Saraca asoca)-based', containing 'ingredients like' Saraca asoca; full ingredient list not given in the abstract not stated 15 mL twice daily after meals 90 days · vs None (single arm)	Authors report a 54% fall in estimated blood loss and a 58% fall in chart score from baseline to day 90. The plain-language summary gives average blood loss falling from 123.6 mL to 56.9 mL and haemoglobin rising from 10.64 to 11.38 g/dL. Endometrial thickness stayed stable. 68.06% reported complete relief of period pain. No clinically significant adverse events were reported. Large before-and-after change, but with no comparison group it cannot be credited to the syrup Methods, limits and funding Outcomes: Menstrual blood loss by Pictorial Blood Assessment Chart; bleeding days, pain, haemoglobin, endometrial thickness, quality of life Limitations: Single arm, open label, no placebo. Blood loss was self-reported on charts. Only 90 days. Multi-ingredient product, so the result is not for Ashoka bark alone. Two authors are from Mankind Pharma; the paper states no relevant conflicts. Funding and conflicts: Two authors are employed by Mankind Pharma (affiliation in the paper); conflict statement says none relevant Read: abstract
Fernando 2020 Screening for performance enhancing substances and quantification of ethanol in different Arishta manufactured in Sri Lanka. Ceylon Med J · PMID 34825559 · DOI	Product analysis product-sample	12 12 samples of three arishta types from four makers in Sri Lanka	Ashwagandharishta, Balarishta and Dashamoolarishta (not Ashokarishta)	No banned stimulants or anabolic steroids were found. Ethanol was between 5.80% and 8.35% by volume (plus or minus 0.5) in all samples. About 6 to 8% alcohol in the three arishta types tested Methods, limits and funding Outcomes: Banned stimulants and steroids; ethanol percent Limitations: Ashokarishta was not tested. Sri Lankan products. It shows that arishtas as a class can hold a beer-like level of alcohol. Funding and conflicts: Not stated in the abstract Read: abstract
Hegde 2018 Molecular identification of Saraca asoca from its substituents and adulterants. 3 Biotech · PMID 29527448 · DOI	Lab analysis plant-material	46 41 S. asoca samples and 5 each of 5 common substitute or adulterant plants	Bark and plant material of S. asoca and five substitutes plant material	The method separated genuine S. asoca from its common substitutes and adulterants. The authors call the plant endangered because of demand and falling numbers. A working DNA test exists Methods, limits and funding Outcomes: DNA fingerprinting (ISSR) and rbcL barcodes to separate real from substitute Limitations: Lab method paper. Does not say which substitutes were found in products. Funding and conflicts: Indian Council of Medical Research grant; no conflicts declared Read: abstract
Maithani 2019 Ethanol content in traditionally fermented ayurvedic formulations: Compromised Good Manufacturing Practice regulations - compromised health. Am J Drug Alcohol Abuse · PMID 30427752 · DOI	Product analysis product-sample	20 20 over-the-counter fermented Ayurvedic formulations (asava and arishta) from 3 manufacturers	Marketed asavas and arishtas	Ethanol content differed significantly between formulations. The authors say asava and arishta make ethanol as they ferment, that it could lead to misuse, and that poor manufacturing compliance is a safety hazard. The abstract does not name which products were tested or give percentages. Alcohol content varies by product Methods, limits and funding Outcomes: Ethanol content by gas chromatography Limitations: Abstract does not list products; Ashokarishta is not named. Funding and conflicts: Not stated in the abstract Read: abstract
Mathew 2005 Differentiation of saraca asoca crude drug from its adulterant. Anc Sci Life · PMID 22557174	Lab analysis plant-material	Bark samples of S. asoca and Polyalthia longifolia	Stem bark of S. asoca and its commonest adulterant, Polyalthia longifolia bark	The abstract says the stem bark is the main part used in Ayurvedic preparations for leucorrhoea, haematuria, menorrhagia and other female complaints, that supply is falling, and that the commonly used adulterant is the bark of Polyalthia longifolia. The abstract does not give the test results. Not applicable Methods, limits and funding Outcomes: Methods to tell the genuine bark from the adulterant Limitations: Only the introduction was in the abstract; the differentiation results were not read. Funding and conflicts: Not stated Read: abstract
Milman 2020 A Review of Nutrients and Compounds, Which Promote or Inhibit Intestinal Iron Absorption: Making a Platform for Dietary Measures That Can Reduce Iron Uptake in Patients with Genetic Haemochromatosis. J Nutr Metab · PMID 33005455 · DOI	Narrative review	Review of foods and iron absorption	Dietary polyphenols and tannins (general, not Ashoka)	The review lists polyphenols and tannins, with phytates, soya protein, milk, eggs and calcium, among the most important blockers of intestinal iron uptake, and alcohol among promoters. General food finding Methods, limits and funding Outcomes: Which food compounds promote or block iron absorption Limitations: Review of foods. No study of Ashoka and iron. It is the basis for a theoretical caution only. Funding and conflicts: No conflicts declared Read: abstract
Modi 2012 Clinical evaluation of Ashokarishta, Ashwagandha Churna and Praval Pishti in the management of menopausal syndrome. Ayu · PMID 23723668 · DOI	Open label trial	52 52 women registered, 51 finished, menopausal syndrome, mild to moderate symptoms; India	Ashokarishta plus Ashwagandha churna (root powder) plus Praval pishti (coral preparation) bark (as Ashokarishta) plus ashwagandha root Not given in the abstract Not given in the abstract · vs None described	The abstract reports a 'highly significant' fall (P < 0.01) in Menopause Rating Scale and MENQOL scores. No averages are given. Scores fell, but the formula is three products and there is no placebo Methods, limits and funding Outcomes: Menopause Rating Scale, MENQOL questionnaire Limitations: Combination of three products. Described as a randomized open trial but the abstract shows no placebo or separate comparison group. No numbers in the abstract. Funding and conflicts: Not stated in the abstract Read: abstract
Rajput 2025 Ayurveda Management of Menorrhagia (Raktapradara): Protocol for a Randomized Controlled Trial. JMIR Res Protoc · PMID 40163851 · DOI	Trial protocol	140 Planned: women with heavy menstrual bleeding in India; 79 enrolled as of December 2024	Ashokarishta (fermented Ayurvedic liquid) plus Trinakantamani pishti plus an iron and folic acid tablet bark (as Ashokarishta) 20 mL Ashokarishta twice a day 3 months · vs Tranexamic acid 500 mg three times a day for 7 days from the first day of the period for 3 cycles, plus iron and folic acid	No results. The paper describes the plan only; data analysis was due by February 2026. No results to report Methods, limits and funding Outcomes: Planned: Pictorial Blood Loss Assessment Chart, bleeding duration, quality of life Limitations: Protocol only. Open label. Combination treatment, not Ashokarishta alone. Funding and conflicts: Public research council (Central Council for Research in Ayurvedic Sciences authors) Registration: CTRI/2023/05/052929 Read: abstract
Shahid 2015 Effect of Saraca asoca (Asoka) on estradiol-induced keratinizing metaplasia in rat uterus. J Basic Clin Physiol Pharmacol · PMID 25915082 · DOI	Animal research animal	Immature female rats given estradiol; mice for paw swelling	Methanol extract of S. asoca bark bark 200 mg/kg body weight by mouth 5 alternate days · vs Estradiol alone	With the extract the stratified layers fell from seven or eight to two to four, and serum estrogen was 82.9 pg/mL against 111.2 pg/mL with estradiol alone. The extract also reduced paw swelling in mice and lowered COX-2 in rat uterus. Anti-estrogen-like and anti-inflammatory effects in rats Methods, limits and funding Outcomes: Uterine lining layers, serum estrogen, COX-2, paw swelling Limitations: Animal only. Immature rats, estradiol-driven model. Funding and conflicts: Not stated in the abstract Read: abstract
Shahid 2018 Kingiodendron pinnatum, a pharmacologically effective alternative for Saraca asoca in an Ayurvedic preparation, Asokarishta. J Tradit Complement Med · PMID 29322015 · DOI	Animal research animal	Immature female rats given estradiol; mice for inflammation tests	Asokarishta made with Saraca asoca bark, and one made with the substitute Kingiodendron pinnatum bark bark 400 microlitres per kg body weight by mouth alternate days over about 16 days · vs Estradiol alone	Estradiol raised serum estrogen to 156.5 pg/mL and endometrial thickness to 75.2 micrometres. With Asokarishta the thickness fell to 42.5 micrometres and estrogen to 102.6 pg/mL; the substitute-bark version gave 47.1 micrometres and 97.3 pg/mL. No toxic signs were seen in the animals. Animal result only Methods, limits and funding Outcomes: Endometrial thickness, serum estrogen, inflammation, antioxidant status Limitations: Rats and mice, not people. Estradiol-driven model. The test of a substitute bark also shows substitution is common. Funding and conflicts: Not stated in the abstract Read: abstract
Shashikumara 2022 Characterization of antidepressant activity of Saraca asoca flower (Roxb.) Wilde in mice subjected to acute restraint stress. Am J Transl Res · PMID 35958453	Animal research animal	Mice under restraint stress	Fresh ethanol extract of S. asoca flower flower 50, 100 and 250 mg/kg by mouth 7 days · vs Untreated stressed mice; imipramine	Immobility time fell (P<0.05) and plasma corticosterone fell with 250 mg/kg, comparable to imipramine. Antioxidant enzyme activity in the hippocampus rose. Mouse behaviour and stress-hormone change Methods, limits and funding Outcomes: Forced swim and tail suspension immobility, corticosterone, antioxidant enzymes Limitations: Mice, flower extract, 7 days. No human data. Funding and conflicts: No conflicts declared Read: abstract
Shirolkar 2013 Quantitative analysis of catechins in Saraca asoca and correlation with antimicrobial activity. J Pharm Anal · PMID 29403849 · DOI	Laboratory research in-vitro	Lab analysis of cold and hot water extracts of four plant parts and two marketed Ashokarishta products	S. asoca bark, leaf and other organs; two marketed Ashokarishta brands bark, leaf, other	(+)-Catechin and (+)-epicatechin were found in regenerated bark and leaf extracts. (-)-Epigallocatechin was higher in bark water extract. The epicatechin level in one Ashokarishta brand (Baidyanath) was seven times that of another (Dabur), and neither product showed antimicrobial activity. Content differs a lot between products Methods, limits and funding Outcomes: Catechin content by mass spectrometry; antimicrobial activity Limitations: Lab analysis only. Shows content varies between brands; says nothing about benefit in people. Funding and conflicts: Not stated in the abstract Read: abstract
Sumangala 2025 Genetic diversity and population structure of the vulnerable medicinal tree Saraca asoca in the Western Ghats India. Sci Rep · PMID 41173934 · DOI	Field genetics in-vitro	Twelve wild populations in the Western Ghats	Saraca asoca trees (leaf DNA) leaf for DNA	The authors report a severe decline of wild populations, mainly from unregulated extraction of the wood for the herbal market, and critically low population sizes in the Western Ghats. Genetic variation was mostly within populations (91.38%) with six genetic clusters. Not applicable Methods, limits and funding Outcomes: Genetic diversity; conservation planning Limitations: Genetic study of trees; not about health effects. Funding and conflicts: No competing interests declared Read: abstract
Swar 2017 Activity based evaluation of a traditional Ayurvedic medicinal plant: Saraca asoca (Roxb.) de Wilde flowers as estrogenic agents using ovariectomized rat model. J Ethnopharmacol · PMID 27884717 · DOI	Animal research animal	Female rats with ovaries removed	Standardised ethanol extract of S. asoca flowers flower 100, 200 and 400 mg/kg body weight by mouth 2 weeks · vs Untreated ovariectomised rats; estradiol valerate as reference	The extract held quercetin, kaempferol, beta-sitosterol and luteolin (1.543, 0.924, 4.481 and 2.349 mg/g). It was safe at 2000 mg/kg in rats. The high dose was more effective than no treatment, and the authors conclude it has estrogen-like action. Estrogen-like effect in rats (the opposite direction from the bark studies) Methods, limits and funding Outcomes: Estrogen-like markers, uterine weight and tissue, safety at 2000 mg/kg Limitations: Animal only. Flower, not bark. No numbers for the hormone results in the abstract. Funding and conflicts: Not stated in the abstract Read: abstract
Urumarudappa 2016 DNA barcoding and NMR spectroscopy-based assessment of species adulteration in the raw herbal trade of Saraca asoca (Roxb.) Willd, an important medicinal plant. Int J Legal Med · PMID 27627901 · DOI	Market survey market-sample	25 Raw herbal material from 25 shops, mostly in peninsular India	Market samples sold as S. asoca bark bark	More than 80% of the samples were spurious, from at least 7 different plant families. The authors say adulteration reduces efficacy and is a health risk, and note the IUCN 'vulnerable' classification. Over 80% of 25 market samples were not genuine Methods, limits and funding Outcomes: Species identity by DNA barcoding checked by NMR Limitations: Market sampling of raw drug, not of finished capsules or syrups. Abstract text ends part-way in our copy. An erratum was published in 2021. Funding and conflicts: Not stated in the abstract Read: abstract
Urumarudappa 2023 A comprehensive review on Saraca asoca (Fabaceae) - Historical perspective, traditional uses, biological activities, and conservation. J Ethnopharmacol · PMID 37390875 · DOI	Narrative review	Literature review of traditional texts, ethnobotany, chemistry and pharmacology	Saraca asoca bark and other parts bark, flower, other	The authors say the tree has long been used in Indian medicine for women's complaints. They call for more work on chemistry, pharmacology and clinical effects, and for safety, pharmacology and toxicology reports on traditional formulas. They also stress conservation. Not applicable Methods, limits and funding Outcomes: Traditional uses, chemistry, pharmacology, conservation Limitations: Narrative review; abstract only read. It does not rate evidence. Funding and conflicts: No competing interests declared Read: abstract
Yadav 2015 Saraca indica bark extract shows in vitro antioxidant, antibreast cancer activity and does not exhibit toxicological effects. Oxid Med Cell Longev · PMID 25861411 · DOI	Laboratory research in-vitro	Lab tests on cells; toxicology tests (species and numbers not given in the abstract)	Saraca indica bark extract (SIE) bark Not given in the abstract Not given in the abstract	The authors say the extract showed antioxidant and anti-breast-cancer-cell activity in the lab and that toxicology studies suggest it is safer to use. The abstract has no numbers. Not quantified in the abstract Methods, limits and funding Outcomes: Antioxidant activity, breast cancer cell effects, toxicology Limitations: Lab and animal work. Abstract has no numbers. 'Safer' is the authors' wording, not a safety guarantee. Cell results do not show benefit in women. Funding and conflicts: Not stated in the abstract Read: abstract
s-gbif-iucn-category 2026 GBIF record of the IUCN Red List category for Saraca asoca (iucnTaxonID 34623) · Source	Database record			GBIF's link to the IUCN Red List shows the category NEAR_THREATENED (code NT) for Saraca asoca. Journal papers (2016, 2018, 2025) describe the tree as vulnerable or endangered. Not applicable Methods, limits and funding Outcomes: Record read Limitations: The IUCN Red List site itself returned a block (HTTP 403) and was not read, so the current category, the year of assessment and the population trend are not confirmed. The sources disagree and are reported as they are. Funding and conflicts: Public body Read: full-text
s-gbif-saraca-asoca 2026 GBIF species match and record: Saraca asoca (Roxb.) W.J.de Wilde (usageKey 7458904) · Source	Database record			Exact match, status ACCEPTED, confidence 97. Plantae, Tracheophyta, Magnoliopsida, Fabales, Fabaceae, genus Saraca. Synonyms listed include Jonesia asoca Roxb., Saraca asoca (Roxb.) Willd. and Saraca indica Bedd. Separately, GBIF lists Saraca indica L. (key 5359538) as its own accepted name. Not applicable Methods, limits and funding Outcomes: Record read Limitations: Name and family only. Funding and conflicts: Public body Read: full-text
s-ncbi-taxonomy-saraca-asoca 2026 NCBI Taxonomy: Saraca asoca (taxid 1073321) · Source	Database record			Search of the NCBI taxonomy database returned taxid 1073321, name Saraca asoca, rank species. Not applicable Methods, limits and funding Outcomes: Record read Limitations: Name and rank only. Funding and conflicts: Public body Read: full-text
s-pubchem-cids 2026 PubChem compound records for catechin, epicatechin, gallic acid, quercetin, kaempferol, luteolin, rutin, myricetin and beta-sitosterol · Source	Database record			CIDs confirmed by name lookup: catechin 9064; epicatechin 72276; gallic acid 370; quercetin 5280343; kaempferol 5280863; luteolin 5280445; rutin 5280805; myricetin 5281672; beta-sitosterol 222284. Not applicable Methods, limits and funding Outcomes: Record read Limitations: Identity of the molecules only. Whether each is in the bark comes from the papers cited next to it. Funding and conflicts: Public body Read: full-text
s-regulators-not-found 2026 Regulator checks for Ashoka: EMA/HMPC, NCCIH, LiverTox, LactMed (2026-10-25) · Source	Authoritative guidance			EMA's site search returned an access error (HTTP 401), so no HMPC monograph could be confirmed; none is known to us. NCCIH's Herbs at a Glance page opened and a text search found no Ashoka entry. LiverTox and LactMed pages sat behind a browser check and could not be read by script. Not applicable Methods, limits and funding Outcomes: Record read Limitations: Absence of a page is not evidence of safety. Marked verified: false. A person should check these four sites by hand. Funding and conflicts: Public body Read: not-found

What we do not know yet

No controlled human trial of Ashoka bark alone for any use.
The only heavy-periods result is uncontrolled, for a multi-ingredient syrup, with industry-linked authors; the randomised trial has no results.
No pregnancy, breastfeeding, children, liver or interaction data.
Tannin content, alcohol content and metal content of Ashokarishta specifically were not found.
EMA, NCCIH, LiverTox, LactMed, FDA and WHO status could not be confirmed.
The formal IUCN Red List category could not be read; GBIF and journals disagree.

How new research is added

New studies are found by a saved PubMed search and placed in a review queue. A person reads each one before it changes any rating or safety wording.

Lab markers

What changed in blood or saliva tests during trials. A changed number is not the same as feeling or being healthier, and we give no "normal ranges".

Hormonal 2

↕

Serum estrogen (estradiol), in rats

Mixed results in trials

The level of the main female sex hormone in the blood.

Not enough evidence

Results and what it means

Why it was measured

Used to ask whether Ashoka lowers or mimics estrogen.

Statistical vs. clinical meaning

Animal numbers only, in different models and in different directions. No human hormone measurement was found.

Safety implication

Because the human hormone effect is unknown, hormone-sensitive conditions and hormone medicines call for medical advice.

Study	Result	People	Product
¹⁴	Estradiol-raised estrogen of 156.5 pg/mL fell to 102.6 pg/mL with Asokarishta (97.3 with the substitute-bark version).	Immature female rats	Asokarishta, 400 microlitres/kg
¹³	82.9 pg/mL with bark extract against 111.2 pg/mL with estradiol alone.	Immature female rats	Methanol bark extract 200 mg/kg
³	The authors report raised estradiol, progesterone and FSH, and lower testosterone and LH, in PCOS-model rats.	Letrozole-treated adult female rats	Ethanol extract, 200 to 600 mg/kg

^{14 13 3 18}

▼

Corticosterone (the mouse stress hormone)

Lowered in trials

The main stress hormone in mice, like cortisol in people.

Not enough evidence

Results and what it means

Why it was measured

A marker of stress response in the mouse study.

Statistical vs. clinical meaning

Mouse result only.

Safety implication

None established.

Study	Result	People	Product
¹⁵	Plasma corticosterone fell with the 250 mg/kg flower extract, comparable to imipramine.	Mice under restraint stress	Flower ethanol extract

¹⁵

Organ function 1

▲

Haemoglobin

Raised in trials

The oxygen-carrying protein in red blood cells. Low levels mean anaemia.

Very low certainty

Results and what it means

Why it was measured

Heavy periods can cause iron-deficiency anaemia.

Statistical vs. clinical meaning

A modest rise in an uncontrolled study. Iron treatment or less bleeding alone could explain it; the abstract does not say whether iron was given.

Safety implication

Anaemia needs its own medical work-up; tannins in herbs can reduce iron absorption (see the Safety tab).

Study	Result	People	Product
⁵	Average rose from 10.64 to 11.38 g/dL over 90 days (plain-language summary); the abstract calls it modest.	Women with heavy periods	Menohelp Syrup

⁵

Other 4

▼

Menstrual blood loss (Pictorial Blood Assessment Chart and estimated millilitres)

Lowered in trials

A chart where women mark how soaked each pad or tampon is, turned into a score and an estimate of millilitres lost per cycle.

Very low certainty

Results and what it means

Why it was measured

It is the usual way to measure period bleeding in trials without lab collection.

Statistical vs. clinical meaning

Self-reported chart, no control group. A big drop in an uncontrolled group can partly reflect regression to the mean (very heavy months tend to be followed by lighter ones).

Safety implication

A lower score does not show the cause was treated. Fibroids, polyps, thyroid disease, clotting problems and cancer need to be checked.

Study	Result	People	Product
⁵	Estimated blood loss 54% lower and chart score 58% lower at day 90. Average 123.6 mL down to 56.9 mL (plain-language summary).	228 women, 217 completers	Menohelp Syrup, Ashoka-based branded syrup, 15 mL twice daily

^{5 12}

●

Endometrial thickness (womb lining on ultrasound)

No clear change in trials

How thick the lining of the womb looks on an ultrasound scan.

Very low certainty

Results and what it means

Why it was measured

Used here as a safety check, because the product acts on a hormone-sensitive tissue.

Statistical vs. clinical meaning

A safety observation over 90 days only, with no control group. It says nothing about longer use.

Safety implication

Long-term effect on the womb lining is unknown.

Study	Result	People	Product
⁵	Remained stable throughout the 90 days.	Women with heavy periods	Menohelp Syrup

⁵

▼

Menopause symptom scores (MRS and MENQOL)

Lowered in trials

Questionnaires where women rate hot flushes, mood, sleep, sexual and other symptoms and their effect on daily life.

Very low certainty

Results and what it means

Why it was measured

These are the usual self-rated measures of menopause symptoms.

Statistical vs. clinical meaning

Statistical significance in an open study of a three-product formula. Placebo effects are large in menopause trials.

Safety implication

None established.

Study	Result	People	Product
¹¹	Highly significant (P < 0.01) reduction in MRS and MENQOL; no numbers in the abstract.	52 women registered, 51 completed	Ashokarishta plus Ashwagandha churna plus Praval pishti

¹¹

▲

Clot lysis (percent of a lab clot dissolved)

Raised in trials

The share of a clot made in a test tube that an extract dissolves.

Not enough evidence

Results and what it means

Why it was measured

A first screen for clot-dissolving plants.

Statistical vs. clinical meaning

Test-tube result with no meaning for bleeding risk yet.

Safety implication

Reason for caution with blood thinners, as theory only.

Study	Result	People	Product
⁴	49.70% plus or minus 1.69 for the Saraca indica extract; 79.32% plus or minus 1.629 for streptokinase.	Test tube	Saraca indica extract (part not stated)

⁴

Safety

What studies and official sources say about side effects, medicines and who should check first. Each point shows what kind of evidence it comes from.

Main points to know 6

Heavy bleeding needs a medical check first. Heavy periods can be caused by fibroids, polyps, thyroid problems, clotting disorders or cancer, and can lead to anaemia. Ashoka is a traditional remedy with no controlled trial of the bark alone. It should not delay a check. The one human study excluded women with large fibroids, cancer and major disease. General medical knowledge ⁵
Pregnancy and breastfeeding: avoid. No safety data in pregnancy or breastfeeding were found. Ashoka is used on the womb in tradition, and the Ashokarishta liquid contains alcohol. The one human study included only non-pregnant women. A 1970 study of uterine activity of Saraca indica exists but its abstract is not available, so we cannot say what it found. Pharmacological theory ^{5 8}
The label may not match the bark. In a survey of raw Ashoka bark from 25 shops, more than 80% of samples were spurious, from at least 7 plant families. The usual adulterant is Polyalthia longifolia (false ashoka), a different tree. Substitution is driven by the scarcity of the wild tree. Market survey ^{19 9 7}
Fermented Ashoka liquids contain alcohol and may contain metals. Arishtas make their own alcohol as they ferment. Three arishta types tested in Sri Lanka held 5.80 to 8.35% alcohol by volume; Ashokarishta itself was not measured. A Chandigarh survey of 42 Ayurvedic products found heavy metals in all of them and levels above WHO/FAO limits for zinc, mercury, arsenic or lead in many. Those were mixed products, not Ashokarishta specifically. Product analysis ^{6 8 2}
Tannins can upset the stomach and block iron. Ashoka bark is described as tannin-rich. Tannins are known to be astringent and can irritate the gut in some people, and the review of food compounds lists tannins among the main blockers of iron absorption. That matters for women with heavy periods who take iron. Neither effect has been measured for Ashoka itself. Pharmacological theory ^{1 10}
Unknown effect on hormones and clotting. Animal studies disagree on whether Ashoka acts like or against estrogen, and a test-tube study found a clot-dissolving effect. None of this is shown in people. Treat these as reasons to ask a doctor before using it with hormone medicines, blood thinners or hormone-sensitive conditions. Animal research ^{14 18 4}

Side effects 3

Effect	How often	Severity and recovery	Evidence
No clinically significant adverse events in the one open-label study 228 women, 90 days, a branded syrup, no control group and industry-linked authors. A small uncontrolled study cannot rule out uncommon effects.	Not established	Not applicable Not applicable	Open label trial ⁵
No toxic signs in animals at the doses tested No toxic symptom was seen with Asokarishta in rats and mice; a flower extract was safe at 2000 mg/kg in rats. Animal safety does not prove human safety.	Not established	Not applicable Not applicable	Animal research ^{14 18}
Stomach upset, constipation or nausea from tannins (theoretical) A property of tannin-rich plants in general. No Ashoka study measured it, and we found no Ashoka case report.	Not established	Unknown Unknown	Pharmacological theory ¹

Liver

No liver injury case report or LiverTox entry for Ashoka was found. A PubMed search for Saraca with liver, hepatotoxicity or toxicity terms returned animal and lab papers, with no human liver case. The LiverTox page could not be read by script (browser check), so this is not a statement that it is safe for the liver. Contaminated Ayurvedic products (metals) have their own liver and organ risks. ^{26 2}

How often. No frequency of liver injury is available.

Monitoring. No monitoring advice was found. Stop and seek care for yellow skin or eyes, dark urine, pale stools or severe tiredness.

This is a safety connection. It is not evidence that Ashoka supports liver health.

Medicines and supplements 5

With	Why it matters	Importance	Evidence	What to do
Warfarin, other blood thinners and antiplatelet medicines prescription	Not studied in people. Ashoka is used traditionally to reduce bleeding, while a test-tube extract dissolved clots; the two give no clear direction.	Unknown. No case report or study was found.	Laboratory research Not enough evidence ⁴	Ask a pharmacist or doctor first. Mention it before surgery.
Iron and folic acid tablets supplement	Tannins and polyphenols bind iron in the gut and can lower its absorption (food-compound review). Not tested for Ashoka.	Possible, not measured. Matters for women treated for anaemia after heavy periods.	Pharmacological theory Not enough evidence ¹⁰	Ask a pharmacist whether to space the two apart. Do not stop iron prescribed for anaemia.
Hormonal medicines: the pill, hormone replacement, tamoxifen or aromatase inhibitors prescription	Animal studies show both estrogen-like (flower) and anti-estrogen-like (bark, Asokarishta) effects. The human effect is unknown.	Unknown. No interaction study.	Animal research Not enough evidence ^{14 13 18}	Avoid combining unless your doctor agrees.
Tranexamic acid and other medicines for heavy periods prescription	Unknown. A trial protocol compares Ashokarishta with tranexamic acid rather than combining them.	Unknown.	Trial protocol Not enough evidence ¹²	Tell the prescriber about every herbal product.
Alcohol-sensitive medicines (for example metronidazole, disulfiram) and sedatives prescription	Fermented liquids such as Ashokarishta contain alcohol (5.80 to 8.35% in three other arishta types).	Possible, from the alcohol and not from the plant. Not tested with Ashokarishta.	Pharmacological theory Not enough evidence ^{6 8}	Ask a pharmacist before using an alcohol-containing herbal liquid with these medicines. People avoiding alcohol, or with liver disease, should choose non-fermented forms or avoid it.

Who should check first 5

Situation	Advice	Evidence
Pregnancy, trying to conceive, or breastfeeding	Avoid. No safety data, womb-directed use in tradition, and alcohol in the liquid.	Pharmacological theory ^{5 8}
Children	No data found. Avoid unless a doctor advises.	No data
Hormone-sensitive conditions (breast, womb or ovarian cancer, fibroids, endometriosis)	Avoid unless your specialist agrees; the hormone effect in people is unknown.	Animal research ^{14 18}
Bleeding disorders, blood-thinner use, or planned surgery	Ask first; effect on clotting in people is unknown.	Laboratory research ⁴
Alcohol avoidance, alcohol-use disorder, liver disease (for fermented liquids)	Fermented liquids contain alcohol; avoid or use only on medical advice.	Product analysis ^{6 8}

Overdose, product quality and regulators

Summary. No human toxicity data were found for Ashoka bark alone. Animal tests reported no toxic signs at the doses used.

Animal. Asokarishta caused no toxic symptoms in mice and rats (2018 study). A flower extract was safe at 2000 mg/kg in rats under OECD guidelines (2017). A bark extract was described as safer in toxicology tests, with no numbers in the abstract (2015).

Human doses studied. One study used 15 mL of a branded syrup twice a day for 90 days. Ask a doctor or pharmacist about amounts.

High dose or long term signals. None found, and no long-term safety study exists.

Overdose response. No overdose report found.

Genotoxicity. Not found.

Toxic plant parts. No toxic part of Saraca asoca is named in the sources we read. The risks that matter are mislabelled material and contaminated formulas.

Three separate problems: the bark may be the wrong tree, the liquid contains alcohol, and some Ayurvedic products contain metals.

Adulteration with false ashoka and other plants. Over 80% of 25 shop samples of raw bark were spurious, from at least 7 plant families. Polyalthia longifolia is the commonly used adulterant. Kingiodendron pinnatum bark is a recognised substitute in Asokarishta and was tested in rats. DNA tests (barcodes, ISSR fingerprints) can tell the real bark from the substitutes. ^{19 9 7 14}

Alcohol from fermentation. Alcohol content varied significantly among 20 fermented formulations from three makers, and Sri Lankan arishtas held 5.80 to 8.35% by volume. Ashokarishta was not named in either abstract. ^{8 6}

Heavy metals. All 42 Ayurvedic products tested held detectable metals. Above-limit levels were found for zinc (35), mercury (29), arsenic (6) and lead (2). Not specific to Ashoka. ²

Variable content between brands. The epicatechin level in one Ashokarishta brand was seven times that of another. ¹⁶

Body	Action	Date

When to get medical help

Bleeding that soaks a pad or tampon every hour for several hours, or large clots, or dizziness and fainting.
Any vaginal bleeding in pregnancy or after menopause.
Yellow skin or eyes, dark urine or severe stomach pain.
Signs of metal poisoning from a contaminated product: severe stomach pain, numb or tingling limbs, unusual tiredness.
Bruising or bleeding that will not stop while taking a blood thinner.

Stop the supplement and contact a clinician or emergency service. In the US, Poison Control is 1-800-222-1222.

General information only, not medical advice. Ask a clinician or pharmacist before use, especially with medicines, in pregnancy or with a health condition. See the Natural Remedy Safety guide.

Frequently asked questions

What is Ashoka used for?

Mainly in Ayurveda, for women's complaints: heavy periods, period pain and vaginal discharge. The part used is the stem bark, often as the fermented liquid Ashokarishta. Human research is very small.

^{20 9}

Does Ashoka stop heavy periods?

It may help, but this is not proven. One uncontrolled study of a branded Ashoka-based syrup found estimated blood loss fell by 54% in 90 days, with no comparison group. A randomised trial against tranexamic acid is registered but has no results. Heavy periods need a doctor's check first.

^{5 12}

Is Ashoka the same as Ashokarishta?

No. Ashokarishta is a fermented liquid made with Ashoka bark and other ingredients, and it contains alcohol. Results for one do not apply to the other.

^{12 6}

Is Ashoka safe in pregnancy or breastfeeding?

Avoid it. We found no safety data, it is used on the womb in tradition, and the liquid contains alcohol. The one human study included only non-pregnant women.

^{5 8}

What is false ashoka and why does it matter?

False ashoka is Polyalthia longifolia, a different tree whose bark is the commonly used adulterant. In a survey of raw bark from 25 shops, more than 80% of samples were not genuine Ashoka and came from at least 7 plant families.

^{19 9 7}

Is the Ashoka tree endangered?

It is under pressure. Papers describe wild populations as declining sharply because the bark and wood are harvested for the herbal market, and call the tree vulnerable (one calls it endangered). GBIF's link to the IUCN list shows Near Threatened, and the IUCN site itself could not be read, so the formal status is unconfirmed. Choose cultivated, traceable material and do not harvest wild trees.

^{17 19 20 22}

Does it affect hormones or estrogen?

In rats, yes, but in different directions: bark and Asokarishta lowered estrogen-driven womb-lining growth, while a flower extract acted estrogen-like. No human hormone result exists. Avoid it with hormone medicines or hormone-sensitive conditions unless your doctor agrees.

^{14 13 18}

Can it interfere with blood thinners?

Unknown. No interaction study exists. A test-tube study found a clot-dissolving effect while the herb is used traditionally to reduce bleeding, so the direction is unclear. Ask a pharmacist, and tell the surgeon before an operation.

⁴

Do the tannins affect iron or the stomach?

Possibly. Ashoka bark is described as tannin-rich, and tannins are listed among the main blockers of iron absorption in a review of foods. This matters if you take iron for anaemia after heavy periods. It has not been measured for Ashoka. Tannins can also upset the stomach in some people.

^{1 10}

Do Ashokarishta products contain alcohol or heavy metals?

Fermented arishtas make their own alcohol: three types tested in Sri Lanka held 5.80 to 8.35% by volume (Ashokarishta was not tested). A survey of 42 Ayurvedic products found metals in all and above-limit mercury, arsenic or lead in many. Those were other products, but the risk shows why a tested brand matters.

^{6 8 2}

Are there liver or side-effect reports?

We found no liver injury report and no side effects in the one open-label study, but that study was small, uncontrolled and the product was not bark alone. The NIH liver database could not be read.

^{5 26}

Has a regulator approved it?

We found no European (EMA) monograph and no NCCIH page for Ashoka. These checks were limited by blocked access and are marked unverified. A person should confirm them. Ask a doctor or pharmacist about amounts.

²⁶

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Editorial transparency

Written by: AlternativeMed editorial team. Research compiled with AI assistance, then checked against PubMed records.
Medical review: None. This page has not been reviewed by a physician or pharmacist.
First published: 2026-10-25
Last substantive update: 2026-10-25
How we research: We searched PubMed, read the abstracts of every study cited, and checked names against GBIF, NCBI Taxonomy and PubChem. Pages that could not be found or opened are marked as not found. Where only a summary was available, we say so.
How we rate evidence: See "How we rate evidence" in the Evidence tab.
Independence: No product is promoted on this page. No affiliate links are shown.

Sources 26

Each source was opened and checked. Where we read only the abstract, it says so. The small numbers in the text point here.

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Bhalla A, Pannu AK. Are Ayurvedic medications store house of heavy metals?. Toxicol Res (Camb). 2022. PMID 35237422. DOI 10.1093/toxres/tfab124. (abstract)
Bu N, Jamil A, Hussain L, et al.. Phytochemical-Based Study of Ethanolic Extract of Saraca asoca in Letrozole-Induced Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome in Female Adult Rats.. ACS Omega. 2023. PMID 38024692. DOI 10.1021/acsomega.3c05274. (abstract)
Dash R, Emran TB, Paul A, et al.. Effects of Five Bangladeshi Plant Extracts on In vitro Thrombolysis and Cytotoxicity.. Pharmacognosy Res. 2016. PMID 27365985. DOI 10.4103/0974-8490.181403. (abstract)
Dhiman K, Prajapati PK, Gopal D, 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. PMID 42741735. DOI 10.7573/dic.2026-3-1. (abstract)
Fernando NF, Pigera SP, Rashani NR, et al.. Screening for performance enhancing substances and quantification of ethanol in different Arishta manufactured in Sri Lanka.. Ceylon Med J. 2020. PMID 34825559. DOI 10.4038/cmj.v65i4.9282. (abstract)
Hegde S, Saini A, Hegde HV, et al.. Molecular identification of Saraca asoca from its substituents and adulterants.. 3 Biotech. 2018. PMID 29527448. DOI 10.1007/s13205-018-1175-5. (abstract)
Maithani M, Grover H, Raturi R, et al.. Ethanol content in traditionally fermented ayurvedic formulations: Compromised Good Manufacturing Practice regulations - compromised health.. Am J Drug Alcohol Abuse. 2019. PMID 30427752. DOI 10.1080/00952990.2018.1529181. (abstract)
Mathew S, Mathew G, Joy PP, et al.. Differentiation of saraca asoca crude drug from its adulterant.. Anc Sci Life. 2005. PMID 22557174. (abstract)
Milman NT. A Review of Nutrients and Compounds, Which Promote or Inhibit Intestinal Iron Absorption: Making a Platform for Dietary Measures That Can Reduce Iron Uptake in Patients with Genetic Haemochromatosis.. J Nutr Metab. 2020. PMID 33005455. DOI 10.1155/2020/7373498. (abstract)
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Rajput S, Mata S, Saxena U, et al.. Ayurveda Management of Menorrhagia (Raktapradara): Protocol for a Randomized Controlled Trial.. JMIR Res Protoc. 2025. PMID 40163851. DOI 10.2196/60801. (abstract)
Shahid AP, Salini S, Sasidharan N, et al.. Effect of Saraca asoca (Asoka) on estradiol-induced keratinizing metaplasia in rat uterus.. J Basic Clin Physiol Pharmacol. 2015. PMID 25915082. DOI 10.1515/jbcpp-2014-0124. (abstract)
Shahid AP, Sasidharan N, Salini S, et al.. Kingiodendron pinnatum, a pharmacologically effective alternative for Saraca asoca in an Ayurvedic preparation, Asokarishta.. J Tradit Complement Med. 2018. PMID 29322015. DOI 10.1016/j.jtcme.2017.06.005. (abstract)
Shashikumara S, Purushotham K, Darshan CL, et al.. Characterization of antidepressant activity of Saraca asoca flower (Roxb.) Wilde in mice subjected to acute restraint stress.. Am J Transl Res. 2022. PMID 35958453. (abstract)
Shirolkar A, Gahlaut A, Chhillar AK, et al.. Quantitative analysis of catechins in Saraca asoca and correlation with antimicrobial activity.. J Pharm Anal. 2013. PMID 29403849. DOI 10.1016/j.jpha.2013.01.007. (abstract)
Sumangala RC, Rosario S, Ravikanth G, et al.. Genetic diversity and population structure of the vulnerable medicinal tree Saraca asoca in the Western Ghats India.. Sci Rep. 2025. PMID 41173934. DOI 10.1038/s41598-025-16652-8. (abstract)
Swar G, Shailajan S, Menon S. Activity based evaluation of a traditional Ayurvedic medicinal plant: Saraca asoca (Roxb.) de Wilde flowers as estrogenic agents using ovariectomized rat model.. J Ethnopharmacol. 2017. PMID 27884717. DOI 10.1016/j.jep.2016.11.038. (abstract)
Urumarudappa SK, Gogna N, Newmaster SG, et al.. DNA barcoding and NMR spectroscopy-based assessment of species adulteration in the raw herbal trade of Saraca asoca (Roxb.) Willd, an important medicinal plant.. Int J Legal Med. 2016. PMID 27627901. DOI 10.1007/s00414-016-1436-y. (abstract)
Urumarudappa SKJ, Rosario S, G R, et al.. A comprehensive review on Saraca asoca (Fabaceae) - Historical perspective, traditional uses, biological activities, and conservation.. J Ethnopharmacol. 2023. PMID 37390875. DOI 10.1016/j.jep.2023.116861. (abstract)
Yadav NK, Saini KS, Hossain Z, et al.. Saraca indica bark extract shows in vitro antioxidant, antibreast cancer activity and does not exhibit toxicological effects.. Oxid Med Cell Longev. 2015. PMID 25861411. DOI 10.1155/2015/205360. (abstract)
. GBIF record of the IUCN Red List category for Saraca asoca (iucnTaxonID 34623). . 2026. (full-text)
. GBIF species match and record: Saraca asoca (Roxb.) W.J.de Wilde (usageKey 7458904). . 2026. (full-text)
. NCBI Taxonomy: Saraca asoca (taxid 1073321). . 2026. (full-text)
. PubChem compound records for catechin, epicatechin, gallic acid, quercetin, kaempferol, luteolin, rutin, myricetin and beta-sitosterol. . 2026. (full-text)
. Regulator checks for Ashoka: EMA/HMPC, NCCIH, LiverTox, LactMed (2026-10-25). . 2026. (not-found)

Education, not medical advice. This page is for general information. It does not diagnose or treat any condition and is not a substitute for care from a qualified health professional. Natural does not automatically mean safe. Ask a clinician or pharmacist before changing your care, especially if you take medication, are pregnant or breastfeeding, or have a health condition.