Evidence supporting the use of: Asoka
For the health condition: PMS (general)
Synopsis
Source of validity: Traditional
Rating (out of 5): 2
Asoka (Saraca asoca), also known as the Ashoka tree, is traditionally used in Ayurvedic medicine for various gynecological conditions, including the management of premenstrual syndrome (PMS). Its bark, in particular, has been referenced in classical Ayurvedic texts such as the Charaka Samhita and Sushruta Samhita for its reputed benefits in regulating menstrual cycles, reducing excessive menstrual bleeding, and alleviating menstrual discomfort. The use of Asoka for PMS is primarily based on its described effects of balancing the "doshas" and supporting female reproductive health. While a few preliminary laboratory studies indicate Asoka bark may have estrogenic and anti-inflammatory properties, there is a lack of robust clinical trials specifically investigating its efficacy for PMS symptoms. Most contemporary herbal formulations for women's health in India include Asoka bark due to this long-standing traditional use, rather than due to strong scientific validation. Therefore, current support for Asoka’s use in PMS is grounded in centuries of Ayurvedic practice and anecdotal reports, with limited high-quality scientific evidence to confirm its effectiveness for this particular condition.
Other ingredients used for PMS (general)
ashwagandhabeet
black cohosh
borage oil
bupleurum falcatum
calcium
chamomile
chaste tree
DIM (diindolylmethane)
dong quai root
EPA (eicosapentaenoic acid)
evening primrose oil
fennel
flaxseed
gamma linolenic acid (GLA)
green tea
inositol
jujube
kudzu
licorice root
lignans
liquid liver fractions
maca
magnesium
motherwort
pollen
quail egg
relora® (proprietary)
sage
soybean
valerian root
vitamin B6
vitamin C
vitamin D
watermelon
wild yam
zinc
tangerine
bee pollen
lingusticum wallichii
royal jelly
Equol (proprietary)
peach
27-deoxyactein
Alchemilla
Aerva lanata
Agrimonia pilosa
Acetylsalicylic acid
Agnuside
Ashoka
Borage
banana
Cohosh
Calendula
Clary sage
Cnidium
Cyathula
Chocolate
Dong Quai
Evodia
Eicosapentaenoic Acid
Evening Primrose Oil
Estrogen
Gugglesterone
Lotus
Sweet Orange alcohol
Vervain
Other health conditions supported by Asoka
Abdominal PainAfterbirth Pain
Amenorrhea
Anal Fistula or Fissure
Anxiety
Bedwetting
Bleeding (external)
Boils
Bruises (healing)
Cancer (natural therapy for)
Diarrhea
Dysmenorrhea
Dyspepsia
Edema
Emotional Sensitivity
Fibroids (uterine)
Gastritis
Headache (general)
Inflammation
Jaundice (adults)
Leucorrhea
Menstrual Irregularity
Pain (general remedies for)
PMS (general)
PMS Type A
PMS Type C
PMS Type D
PMS Type H
PMS Type P
PMS Type S
Pregnancy (herbs and supplements for)
Rashes and Hives
Scratches and Abrasions
Ulcerations (external)
Ulcers
Wounds and Sores