E-ISSN:2456-3110

Review Article

Stree-Roga

Journal of Ayurveda and Integrated Medical Sciences

2025 Volume 10 Number 1 JANUARY
Publisherwww.maharshicharaka.in

Literary study of Ashoka in Stree-Roga

Shreevalli P1*, Suchethakumari2
DOI:10.21760/jaims.10.1.29

1* Shreevalli P, Post Graduate Scholar, Department of Pg and Phd Studies in Prasooti Tantra and Stree Roga, Sri Dharmasthala Manjunatheshwara College of Ayurvedaand Hospital Research Centre, Udupi, Karnataka, India.

2 Suchethakumari, Associate Professor, Department of Pg and Phd Studies in Prasooti Tantra and Stree Roga, Sri Dharmasthala Manjunatheshwara College of Ayurveda Hospital Research Centre, Udupi, Karnataka, India.

Ashoka, a revered herb in Ayurveda, has been extensively mentioned in ancient Indian texts for its medicinal properties particularly in the context of Stree-Roga. Streeroga and Prasutitantra is very important branch of Ayurveda which deals with health and diseases of women. In modern era women have to face many stressful situations, so it directly affects her physical and mental health leading to menstrual problems. To deal with this problem, Ayurveda has got a wonderful drug Ashoka which is so called popularly as Streepriya which is most commonly used by Ayurvedic Practitioners. Ashoka is one of the most auspicious and legendry trees of India. Its medicinal value seems to be recognized first in Charaka Samhitha. Its medicinal values are potentially used in field of Streeroga for betterment of women health. Hence Ashoka is selected for the present study. This review aims to provide in depth analysis of Ashoka’s therapeutic applications, pharmacological properties and its clinical efficacy in various Streeroga conditions.

Keywords: Ashoka, Streeroga, Saraca asoca, Ashoka tree, Ayurvedic medicine, Traditional medicine, Menorrhagia treatment, Female reproductive health

Corresponding Author How to Cite this Article To Browse
Shreevalli P, Post Graduate Scholar, Department of Pg and Phd Studies in Prasooti Tantra and Stree Roga, Sri Dharmasthala Manjunatheshwara College of Ayurvedaand Hospital Research Centre, Udupi, Karnataka, India.
Email: 		Shreevalli P, Suchethakumari, Literary study of Ashoka in Stree-Roga. J Ayu Int Med Sci. 2025;10(1):203-205.
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https://jaims.in/jaims/article/view/3902

Manuscript Received Review Round 1 Review Round 2 Review Round 3 Accepted
2024-12-10 2024-12-20 2024-12-30 2025-01-10 2025-02-22
Conflict of Interest Funding Ethical Approval Plagiarism X-checker Note
None Nil Not required 12.36

© 2025by Shreevalli P, Suchethakumariand Published by Maharshi Charaka Ayurveda Organization. This is an Open Access article licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/ unported [CC BY 4.0].

J Ayu Int Med Sci 2025;10(1)203
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DiscussionConclusionReferences
Shreevalli P et al. Literary study of Ashoka in Stree-Roga

Introduction

Ashoka (Saraca asoca), a deciduous tree native to the Indian sub-continent, has been an integral part of Ayurvedic medicine for centuries. The herb is renowned for its medicinal properties, particularly in the management of Stree-roga like Udavartini yoni Vyapad, Rakta Pradara, Asrigdhara etc. It is used internally in the form of Vati, Kashaya, Asava, Arista, Ghritha etc. and externally for Yoni Dhavana, Pichu, Uttarabasti etc.

Saraca asoca also carries deep symbolic meaning in Indian literature, particularly in Sanskrit texts. Its name Ashoka which translates to one without sorrow, has often been used metaphorically to represent relief from sorrow and pain, especially in women.

The study of Saraca asoca in the context of Streeroga in classical Indian literature highlights a harmonious integration of health and symbolism.

Its medicinal use in treating conditions related to women’s health is mirrored by its role in literary and mythological texts, where it represents purity, beauty and resilience.

Thus, it stands as a bridge between the practical aspects of Ayurvedic medicine and the spiritual or emotional symbolism in Indian literary traditions.

Materials and Methods

Materials

Literature of Saraca asoca is collected from Authentic Samhitha (Laghutrayi, Bruhatrayi) Ayurvedic textbooks and updated internet data.

Methods

The literature collected from different classical Ayurvedic texts and data presented as

RasaKashaya, Tiktha
GunaRuksha, Laghu
VeeryaSheetha
VipakaKatu
DoshaghnathaKapha-Pitta Shamaka
RogaghnathaRakta-Sthambaka, Rakta Shodhaka, Shothahara, Yoni-Doshahara, Raktapradarahara
Other KarmasVarnya, Vishaghna, Deepana, Bhedhana, Krumighna,
Shothaghna,Trushnahara, Dahahara, Grahi, Sravavranavinashini.

Therapeutic uses

Rajo VruddhiAshoka Churna with Jala
Rajo DustiAshoka Twak Kwatha
Yoni Shula, KastarthavaAshoka Ghritha with Sheetala Jala
Asrigdhara, RaktapradaraAshoka Valkala Kwatha with Dugdha
MutraghathaAshoka Beeja with Jala

Formulations

Ashoka Twak Churna
Ashoka Twak Kwatha
Ashokarista
Ashoka Ghritha

Biological and Pharmacological Activity

Anti-menorrhagic activity
Anti-microbial activity
Anti-helmenthic activity
Analgesic and anti-pyretic activity
Anti-preglycemic and antioxidant activity
Anti-oxytocic
Anti-cancer, CNS depressant

Results And Discussion

Saraca asoca is Kapha-Pitta Shamak. By Tikta Kashayrasa, Sheet Virya - Pitta Shamak, Rakta Prasadak, Rakta Stambhak. By Tikta Kashay Rasa, Katu Vipak - Kapha Shamak. Probable Mode of action of Saraca asoca as a “Raktasthambhak”. Definition of Asrugdar given as “रजः प्रदीर्यते यस्मात् प्रदरस्तेन स स्मृतः॥”. Because of Hetu Sevan, there is Rakta Dushti & quantitative increase in Rakta dhatu which with the help of aggravated Vayu, reaches to Raja carrying vessels of uterus. In other words, increase in amount of Raja due to its mixture with increased blood. This increases in menstrual blood due to relative more increase of rasa. Because of increase in the amount of blood, named as, Asrugdar. Asrugdar is treated like treatment of Raktatisar, Raktapitta and Raktarsha. Mainly Raktasthapak treatment should be done. Saraca asoca is Kashay Rasatmak and Sheeta Virya Dravya. Kashay Rasa is Ruksha, Sheet and Laghu Gunatmak Rasa. So probably it acts as Rakta Sthapak. It will probably directly help symptomatically control excessive bleeding. And also purify the blood, because Saraca ashoka is Raktaprasadaka.

Thus, due to its Rakta Stambak property, Saraca asoca may be indicated in Asrugdar, Rajovrudhi, Raktatisar, Raktarsha.


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Shreevalli P et al. Literary study of Ashoka in Stree-Roga

Saraca asoca is included in Vedanasthapak - Mahakashaya by Charak. So, it can be probably useful in Yonishul and Kashtartava (dysmenorrhea). Yonidoshahar is the property of Saraca asoca describe in Nighantu. Also, it is Pittashamak. So probably it can be useful in Pittaj Yonirog. Saraca asoca is also Kapha-Meda Har. So probably, it can be useful in Kapha-Pradoshaj Yoni Roga.

Saraca asoca is Kashay Rasatmak, Sughandhit drug. So, it can be useful in Shwetpradara externally. In shwetpradara, along with per vaginal white discharge it is associated with foul smell, itching and cervical erosion. As Saraca asoca is Sarva Vrana Vinashani, it can be helpful to decrease symptoms of Shwetpradara. As Saraca asoca is Dahahar, Shothaghna, it can be useful for Mutraghat.

Conclusion

By considering all the facts from different Ayurvedic classical texts, it proves that Saraca asoca can be useful in most of Streeroga like Asrudar, Shwetapradar, Mutraghat, Yonishul, Kashtartav, Rajavrudhi, Rajodushti etc.

Saraca asoca holds a prominent place in the treatment of female reproductive health disorders in Ayurvedic medicine. Its use in Streeroga is supported by both traditional knowledge and modern scientific research, which highlights its potential as a natural remedy for conditions such as menstrual disorders, uterine health, and infertility. However, further clinical studies, particularly human trials, are needed to fully establish its efficacy and safety profile in contemporary medicine.

Future research should aim at isolating and characterizing the active compounds responsible for its therapeutic effects and exploring its mechanisms of action in detail. The growing interest in integrative medicine, which combines traditional and modern approaches, presents an opportunity to further study Saraca asoca and its potential applications in women’s health.

References

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