Evidence supporting the use of: Asoka Tree
For the health condition: Menopause
Synopsis
Source of validity: Traditional
Rating (out of 5): 2
The use of the Asoka tree (Saraca asoca) for supporting or treating menopausal symptoms is primarily rooted in traditional Ayurvedic medicine. In Ayurveda, the bark of the Asoka tree has long been valued for its effects on female reproductive health, particularly for conditions like menorrhagia (excessive menstrual bleeding), dysmenorrhea (painful menstruation), and other gynecological disorders. Its use for menopause is based on the broader application of Asoka in balancing hormonal disturbances and supporting uterine health, as described in classical Ayurvedic texts such as the Charaka Samhita and Sushruta Samhita. However, direct references to its use specifically for menopausal symptoms are rare; its application is more extrapolated from its general benefits for female reproductive health.
Scientifically, there is limited evidence to validate these traditional uses. While some preclinical studies suggest that extracts of Asoka bark possess phytoestrogenic, anti-inflammatory, and antioxidant properties, robust clinical trials in humans assessing its efficacy for menopausal symptoms are lacking. Most available research focuses on its effects for menstrual disorders rather than menopause per se. Therefore, while traditional use is well-documented and the herb is commonly included in polyherbal formulations for women's health, scientific validation for menopause-specific benefits remains minimal.
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
Euryale seed
Elk antler
Evening Primrose Oil
Estrogen
Fo-Ti
Ficus religiosa
Glycetein
Isoflavones
Lotus
Prickly Pear Cactus
Rose
Rhubarb
Soy Protein
Vervain
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