Evidence supporting the use of: Asoka Tree
For the health condition: Dysmenorrhea
Synopsis
Source of validity: Traditional
Rating (out of 5): 2
The use of the Asoka Tree (Saraca asoca) to support or treat dysmenorrhea is primarily justified by traditional medicine, particularly within the Ayurvedic system. In Ayurveda, various preparations of the Asoka Tree bark are used for managing gynecological disorders, including dysmenorrhea (painful menstruation), menorrhagia (heavy menstrual bleeding), and other menstrual irregularities. Classical Ayurvedic texts such as the Charaka Samhita and Sushruta Samhita reference Asoka bark as a uterine tonic and recommend it for alleviating menstrual pain and regulating menstrual flow.
Scientific studies on Asoka Tree are limited and mostly preclinical. Some in vitro and animal studies suggest potential anti-inflammatory and spasmolytic (muscle-relaxing) effects, which could theoretically relieve menstrual cramps. However, robust clinical trials in humans are lacking. Reviews of ethnobotanical literature confirm traditional use for dysmenorrhea, but systematic evidence supporting efficacy and safety in well-conducted, large-scale human studies is insufficient. Therefore, while the traditional use is well-documented, scientific validation is weak, and the evidence rating is moderate at best.
In summary, Asoka Tree’s use for dysmenorrhea is primarily rooted in Ayurvedic tradition, with some preliminary pharmacological support but a lack of strong clinical evidence.
Other ingredients used for Dysmenorrhea
alpha-linolenic acid (ALA)black cohosh
calcium
chamomile
chaste tree
dong quai root
EPA (eicosapentaenoic acid)
evening primrose oil
fennel
fish oil
ginger
magnesium
motherwort
omega-3 fatty acids
parsley
passionflower
peppermint oil
phytocannabinoids
vitamin B6
vitamin E
wild yam
gastrodia
anise
peony
dioscorea
trichosanthes
shepherd's purse
Avens
Ambergris
Angelica
Achyranthes
Anamu
Albizia
Alchemilla
Aletris
Anserina
Aerva lanata
Anemone
Actaea spicata
Agrimonia pilosa
Agnuside
Ashoka
Abuta
Arisaema
Blue Cohosh
Blepharis
Boswellia
Bethroot
Boerhavia diffusa
Cohosh
Calendula
Calotropis gigantea
Cyathula
Corydalis
Didymocarpus
Dong Quai
Erythropalum scandens
Eupolyphaga sinensis
Euphorbia
Pennyroyal
Poppy
Other health conditions supported by Asoka Tree
Abdominal PainAbrasions
Abscesses
Afterbirth Pain
Amenorrhea
Anal Fistula or Fissure
Anemia
Antibiotics (alternatives to)
Anxiety
Arthritis
Asthma
Backache
Bladder Infection
Bleeding (external)
Bleeding (internal)
Boils
Bruises (healing)
Cancer (natural therapy for)
Canker Sores
Chest Pain
Colic (adults)
Colic (children)
Cuts
Depression
Diarrhea
Dysmenorrhea
Dyspepsia
Eczema
Edema
Emotional Sensitivity
Eye Infections
Fever
Gas and Bloating
Gastritis
Headache (general)
Hemorrhoids
Inflammation
Injuries
Irritability
Jaundice (adults)
Labor and Delivery
Leucorrhea
Menopause
Menorrhagia
Menstrual Irregularity
Nausea and Vomiting