Ashoka
- Botanical Name: Saraca asoca (Roxb.) Willd.
- Family: Fabaceae (Leguminosae)
- Synonyms: Sokanasa, Vishoka, Vanjula, Madhu-pushpa, Apsoka
- Vernacular Name: Commonly known as “Ashoka” in Hindi, “Sorrowless Tree” in
English, and “Asogam” in Tamil.
- Classification: A small, evergreen tree belonging to the Fabaceae family.
- Habitat: Native to the Indian subcontinent, including India, Sri Lanka, and Myanmar. It
thrives in tropical and subtropical regions, often found in rainforests and well-drained soils.
- Morphology: A handsome tree, growing up to 25–30 feet in height. It has dark green,
glossy leaves that are coppery-red when young. The flowers are fragrant, orange-yellow, and
turn red before wilting. The fruits are flat, leathery pods containing 4–8 seeds.
- Useful Parts: Bark, flowers, seeds, and leaves.
- Chemical Composition: Contains tannins, flavonoids, glycosides, saponins, and sterols.
The bark is rich in catechins and epicatechins.
- Pharmacological Action: Known for its astringent, anti-inflammatory, uterine tonic, and
analgesic properties. It is widely used in treating menstrual disorders, uterine bleeding, and
skin ailments.
- Formulation: Used in Ayurvedic preparations like Ashokarishta, Ashoka Ghrita, and
herbal tonics for female reproductive health.
Rasa: Kasaya, Tikta
Guna: Ruksha , Laghu
Virya: Sheeta
Vipaka: Katu