The Asoka tree (Saraca asoca) has been used extensively in traditional Indian medicine, especially Ayurveda, for the treatment of various gynecological disorders, including menorrhagia (excessive menstrual bleeding). The bark of the Asoka tree is the primary part used, often prepared as a decoction or included in classical formulations such as Ashokarishta. Ancient Ayurvedic texts such as the Charaka Samhita and Sushruta Samhita describe its use for regulating menstrual flow and alleviating symptoms associated with excessive bleeding.

The rationale in traditional practice is based on the astringent and uterine tonic properties attributed to the bark. These properties are thought to help contract uterine tissues and reduce bleeding. While there are some preliminary pharmacological studies and animal experiments suggesting potential uterotonic and hemostatic effects of Asoka bark extracts, robust clinical evidence in humans remains limited. A few small-scale human studies from India have reported positive outcomes, but these are generally of low methodological quality and lack rigorous controls. Thus, while the traditional use of Asoka tree bark for menorrhagia is well established and widely practiced, strong scientific validation through high-quality clinical trials is still lacking.