Evidence supporting the use of: Asoka
For the health condition: PMS Type A
Synopsis
Source of validity: Traditional
Rating (out of 5): 2
Asoka (Saraca asoca) has a well-established history of use in traditional Ayurvedic medicine, particularly for gynecological disorders. In Ayurveda, Asoka bark is frequently prescribed for various menstrual disorders, including menorrhagia, dysmenorrhea, and symptoms resembling modern-day premenstrual syndrome (PMS), especially those characterized by mood swings, irritability, and emotional disturbances (symptoms similar to PMS Type A, which is dominated by anxiety and affective symptoms). The classical Ayurvedic texts such as Charaka Samhita and Ashtanga Hridaya mention Asoka as a "yoni shoolahara" (reliever of uterine pain) and "raja pravartini" (promoter of menstruation). However, modern scientific studies directly evaluating Asoka's effects on PMS Type A are limited. A few preclinical and small-scale clinical studies suggest that Asoka may exert estrogenic and anti-inflammatory effects, which could theoretically alleviate some menstrual and premenstrual symptoms. Nevertheless, there is a lack of rigorous, large-scale clinical trials specifically targeting PMS Type A with Asoka. Therefore, the use of Asoka for PMS is primarily justified by its long-standing traditional application rather than robust scientific validation. The evidence rating reflects the strong historical foundation but limited modern clinical confirmation for this indication.
Other ingredients used for PMS Type A
black cohoshcalcium
chamomile
chaste tree
DIM (diindolylmethane)
dong quai root
magnesium
motherwort
vitamin B6
wild yam
zinc
Agnuside
Cohosh
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