Evidence supporting the use of: Ashoka
For the health condition: Menopause
Synopsis
Source of validity: Traditional
Rating (out of 5): 2
Saraca asoca, commonly known as Ashoka, has a longstanding history of use in Ayurvedic medicine for various gynecological conditions, including those related to menopause. Traditional Ayurvedic texts describe Ashoka bark as "Stree Rogahara" (alleviates women's diseases), and it is frequently used in herbal formulations aimed at balancing female hormones and alleviating symptoms such as abnormal uterine bleeding, hot flashes, and mood swings associated with menopause. The traditional rationale is based on Ashoka's purported effects on the endometrium and its ability to support reproductive health and hormonal balance.
However, scientific validation for these uses is limited. A few preclinical studies suggest possible estrogenic and uterine tonic effects, but robust clinical trials in menopausal women are lacking. Most of the support for Ashoka’s use during menopause is thus rooted in traditional practice rather than modern scientific evidence. Systematic reviews highlight a lack of high-quality, placebo-controlled studies to substantiate its efficacy and safety specifically for menopausal symptoms. In summary, while Ashoka is widely used in Ayurvedic medicine for menopausal complaints, the evidence supporting its effectiveness is primarily traditional, with minimal scientific corroboration to date.
Other ingredients used for Menopause
7-hydroxymatairesinol (HMR)alfalfa
aloe vera
ashwagandha
asparagus
astragalus
black cohosh
black currant
Indian frankincense
bupleurum falcatum
burdock
calcium
chaste tree
cordyceps
damiana
DHEA (dehydroepiandrosterone)
DIM (diindolylmethane)
dog rose
dong quai root
eleuthero
evening primrose oil
fenugreek
fish oil
flaxseed
genistein
genistin
hibiscus
HMR lignan
hops
knotweed
jujube
kudzu
licorice root
lignans
maca
marine lipid
melatonin
moringa
motherwort
nettle
okra
omega-3 fatty acids
ophiopogon root
pollen
pomegranate
rehmannia glutinosa
reishi mushroom
rose oil
saffron
sage
soybean
valerian root
vitamin B6
vitamin D
vitamin D3
vitamin E
seaweed
wild yam
red clover
atractylodes
smilax
rubia cordifolia
bee pollen
lingzhi
root tuber
dioscorea
royal jelly
Equol (proprietary)
anemarrhena asphodeloides
barrenwort
goji berry
amaranth
soy isoflavones
27-deoxyactein
8-Prenylnaringenin
akebia
Antler
Achyranthes
Alchemilla
Agrimonia pilosa
Agnuside
Ashoka
Anemarrhena
Atractylone
Black Seed
Banyan
Bioflavonoids
Black root
Chinese Silkvine
Cohosh
Clary sage
Cnidium
Cynomorium
Crinum latifolium
DHEA
Danshen
Daidzein
Durian
Dong Quai
Elk antler
Evening Primrose
Estrogen
Isoflavones
Lotus
Prickly Pear Cactus
Rose
Rhubarb
Soy Protein
Vervain
Other health conditions supported by Ashoka
Afterbirth PainAmenorrhea
Bleeding (external)
Cramps (menstrual)
Dysmenorrhea
Fibroids (uterine)
Infertility
Leucorrhea
Menopause
Menstrual Irregularity
Menstruation (scant)
Ovarian Pain
Pain (general remedies for)
PMS (general)
Post Partum Depression
Post Partum Weakness
Pregnancy (herbs and supplements for)
Wounds and Sores