Evidence supporting the use of: Ashoka
For the body system: Female Reproductive System
Synopsis
Source of validity: Traditional
Rating (out of 5): 3
Ashoka (Saraca asoca) has a long-standing history of use in traditional Ayurvedic medicine for supporting the female reproductive system, particularly for managing menstrual disorders such as menorrhagia (excessive menstruation), dysmenorrhea (painful periods), and leucorrhea (vaginal discharge). The bark of the Ashoka tree is most commonly used in classical formulations like Ashokarishta, which is prescribed for gynecological conditions. The traditional use is well-documented in ancient Ayurvedic texts such as the Charaka Samhita and Sushruta Samhita, which describe Ashoka as a uterine tonic and a remedy for various female reproductive concerns.
Modern scientific studies on Ashoka are limited but suggest potential mechanisms that may justify its traditional use. Some in vitro and animal studies indicate that Ashoka bark extracts may have estrogenic, anti-inflammatory, and spasmolytic effects, which could theoretically help alleviate menstrual pain and regulate cycles. However, robust clinical trials in humans are lacking, and the existing evidence is not sufficient to firmly establish efficacy or safety for these uses. Therefore, while the use of Ashoka to support the female reproductive system is strongly rooted in tradition, it has only modest support from preliminary scientific studies, warranting a rating of 3 out of 5 for evidence.
Other ingredients that support Female Reproductive System
7-hydroxymatairesinol (HMR)amino acids
ashwagandha
basil
black cohosh
borage oil
broccoli
chaste tree
turmeric
d-alpha tocopherol
damiana
dandelion
DHEA (dehydroepiandrosterone)
DIM (diindolylmethane)
dong quai root
eleuthero
evening primrose oil
fennel
fenugreek
flaxseed
folate
gamma linolenic acid (GLA)
genistein
ginger
goldenseal
hibiscus
HMR lignan
Indian tinospora
indole-3-carbinol
inositol
jujube
lactobacillus acidophilus
lactobacillus crispatus
lactobacillus fermentum
lactobacillus gasseri
lactobacillus jensenii
lactobacillus reuteri
lactobacillus rhamnosus
lactobacillus salivarius
lignans
linoleic acid (LA)
maca
marine lipid
motherwort
nettle
omega-3 fatty acids
raspberry
rose oil
saffron
selenium
soybean
spearmint leaf
tribulus
vitamin B
vitamin B6
vitamin E
wild yam
red clover
squawvine
mugwort
anise
caesalpinia crista
rubia cordifolia
blessed thistle
peony
lingzhi
lingusticum wallichii
yarrow
yarrow
dioscorea
dodder
royal jelly
Equol (proprietary)
guelder rose
trace minerals
anemarrhena asphodeloides
shepherd's purse
wood betony
herbal blend (proprietary)
soy isoflavones
27-deoxyactein
25-d-spirosta-3, 5-diene
8-Prenylnaringenin
Angelica
Anamu
AHCC
Alchemilla
Aletris
Anserina
Anemone
Agnuside
Ashoka
Abuta
Animal protein
Betony
Blue Cohosh
Bugbane
Bethroot
Barbasco
Belamcanda
Bird's nest
Calochortus
Cohosh
Clary sage
Cnidium
Cynomorium
Cramp Bark
Chinese Pond Turtle
Chlorophytum
Casticin
Ceylon Leadwort
Crinum latifolium
DHEA
Daidzein
Dong Quai
Diosgenin
Date
Egg
Erythrina
Evening Primrose Oil
Estrogen
Folic Acid
Fo-Ti
Furostanols
formononetin
Fatty acids
False Unicorn Root
Ginsenosides
Goat's rue
Giant Trillium
Golden Ragwort
Isoflavones
jasmine
Pennyroyal
Rose
Soy Protein
Vervain
Other body systems supported by Ashoka
BloodCirculatory System
Digestive System
Female Reproductive System
Gastrointestinal Tract
Glandular System
Heart
Ovaries
Reproductive System
Skin
Uterus