Evidence supporting the use of: Ashoka
For the body system: Uterus
Synopsis
Source of validity: Traditional
Rating (out of 5): 3
Ashoka (Saraca asoca) has a long-standing history of use in traditional Ayurvedic medicine, especially for supporting female reproductive health and the uterus. Ayurvedic texts describe Ashoka bark as a key ingredient in formulations intended to manage various gynecological disorders, particularly menorrhagia (heavy menstrual bleeding), dysmenorrhea (painful menstruation), and leucorrhea (vaginal discharge). The traditional rationale is that Ashoka has “stambhana” (astringent) and “rakta shodhana” (blood purifying) actions, which are believed to help tone the uterine muscles, reduce excessive menstrual bleeding, and promote overall uterine health.
Modern scientific studies on Ashoka are limited but suggest possible mechanisms that align with traditional beliefs. Preliminary in vitro and animal studies indicate that Ashoka bark extracts may possess anti-inflammatory, estrogenic, and uterine muscle-contracting properties. Some small human clinical studies, almost all from India, report reductions in symptoms of abnormal uterine bleeding and pain, but these studies are generally of low methodological quality and have not been widely replicated. As such, while the traditional use of Ashoka for uterine support is well established and widely recognized in South Asian systems of medicine, strong scientific validation is lacking. Therefore, the evidence rating reflects robust traditional use with modest preliminary scientific support, but not enough rigorous clinical evidence for a higher score.
Other ingredients that support Uterus
astragalusblack cohosh
chamomile
chaste tree
damiana
dong quai root
fennel
fenugreek
folate
genistein
ginger
ginseng
gotu kola
licorice root
lignans
maca
magnesium
motherwort
parsley
protein
raspberry
rose oil
wild yam
zinc
red clover
squawvine
chickweed
mugwort
anise
blessed thistle
peony
yarrow
root tuber
dioscorea
guelder rose
shepherd's purse
soy isoflavones
Angelica
Alchemilla
Aletris
Anserina
Agnuside
Ashoka
Abuta
Blue Cohosh
Bugbane
Bethroot
Barbasco
Cohosh
Clary sage
Cramp Bark
Casticin
Crinum latifolium
Carthamus
Daidzein
Dong Quai
Diosgenin
Evening Primrose Oil
Estrogen
Folic Acid
Fo-Ti
False Unicorn Root
Giant Trillium
Golden Ragwort
Isoflavones
jasmine
Pennyroyal
Rose
Other body systems supported by Ashoka
BloodCirculatory System
Digestive System
Female Reproductive System
Gastrointestinal Tract
Glandular System
Heart
Ovaries
Reproductive System
Skin
Uterus