Ashoka, Sokanasa, Vishoka, Vanjula-druma, Madhu-puspa, Apsoka, Kankeli, Kelika, Rakta-pallavaka, Citra, Vichitra, Karna-puraka, Subhaga, Smaradhivasa, Dosa-hari, Prapallava, Ragitaru, Hemapushpa, Rama- vamanghrighataka, Pindipuspa, Nata and Pallavadru

Properties

Uterine sedative, astringent, oxytocic, anti-implantation, anti-bacterial

Dosage

Kwatha: 40-80ml; Beeja Churna: 1-3gm; Pushpa Churna: 1-3gm; Powder: 3-6gm

Classical attributes

• Rasa: Kashaya (astringent), Tikta (bitter)
• Virya: Sheeta (cooling)
• Vipaka: Katu (pungent)

Benefits

• Saraca asoca, also known as Ashoka, has been investigated for its potential health benefits in several studies
• These studies suggest that Saraca asoca may have therapeutic applications for gynecological disorders and arthritis
• Analgesic
• Anthelmintic
• Anti-dyspeptic

Traditional uses

• Menorrhagia
• Dysmenorrhea
• Leucorrhea
• Internal bleeding (especially piles)
• Blood disorders

Dosha effects

• vata: neutral
• kapha: balancing
• pitta: balancing

Preparation methods

• Kwath (decoction): Standard preparation as per API.
• Churna (powder): Standard preparation as per API.
• Arishta: Standard preparation as per API.
• Ghrita: Standard preparation as per API.
• Asokaghrtam: Standard preparation as per API.
• Ashokarishta: Standard preparation as per API.
• Ashoka ksheerapaka: Standard preparation as per API.
• Chandanadi taila: Standard preparation as per API.

Contraindications

• Pregnancy (especially first trimester)
• Severe hypotension
• Concurrent anticoagulant therapy
• History of gastric ulcers
• Chronic Constipation

Side effects

• May cause mild gastrointestinal discomfort. High doses can aggravate Vata, leading to dryness or constipation. Rarely, allergic skin rashes have been reported in those with tannin sensitivity. Use cautiously in individuals with dehydration or low blood sugar. Stop using at least two weeks before surgery.

Interactions

• Hormonal medications
• Anticoagulants
• Iron supplements

Clinical evidence

Saraca asoca, also known as Ashoka, has been investigated for its potential health benefits in several studies. One study (PMID: 27884717) explored the estrogenic potential of Saraca asoca flowers in ovariectomized rats, finding that the ethanolic extract exhibited estrogenic activity and was safe at a specific dose. Another study (PMID: 31295342) focused on the anti-arthritic effects of Saraca asoca methanol extract in adjuvant-induced arthritic rats, demonstrating its ability to reduce inflammation and improve arthritis conditions. These studies suggest that Saraca asoca may have therapeutic applications for gynecological disorders and arthritis.

Ayurvedic karmas

• Analgesic
• Anthelmintic
• Anti-dyspeptic
• Anti-inflammatory
• Antilithic
• Anti-oestrogenic
• Anti-pyretic
• Astringent
• Blood purifier
• Cardiac tonic
• Constipating
• Diuretic
• Haemostatic
• Muscle relaxant
• Promotes fertility
• Sedative
• Strong uterine tonic
• Varnya
• Grãhi

Classical clinical indications

• Menorrhagia
• Dysmenorrhea
• Leucorrhea
• Internal bleeding (especially piles)
• Blood disorders
• Oedema
• Burning sensation
• Fever
• Visceromegaly
• Colic
• Mutraghata
• Asmari
• Gulma
• Udavartha
• Apaci
• Trishna
• Daha
• Krimi
• Visaroga
• Hrdroga

Frequently asked questions