There seems to have been some confusion between this species and Saraca indica L., in the literature. Whilst this species is native to India and western Myanmar, Saraca indica (despite its name) is not found wild in India but is native further east in southeast Asia. Saraca asoca is the correct name for the plant, native to India, that is widely used in herbal medicine. It is quite likely that most of the uses mentioned under Saraca indica should instead apply here[].

Common Name: Asoka Tree

General Information

Saraca asoca is an evergreen shrub or small tree with a dense, spreading crown of horizontal branches; it can grow up to 10 metres tall. The bole can be 10cm in diameter[].
The tree is an important herbal medicine in Ayurveda, being used on its own and in a range of formulations, The bark is harvested from the wild in large quantities and sold in local markets[]. Saraca asoca is one of the most important sacred trees in India, both among Hindus and Buddhists, the handsome flowers being commonly used as temple decorations[]. The tree is commonly grown as an ornamental[].
This small tree has become threatened in some parts of its range mainly through the loss of its habitat and overexploitation for medicinal use. It is classified as 'Vulnerable' in the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species(2011)[].

Known Hazards

None known

Botanical References

,

Range

E. Asia - India, Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, Myanmar.

Habitat

Lowland evergreen forests; at elevations up to 750 metres[, ].

Properties

Conservation Status	Vulnerable
Medicinal Rating
Habit	Tree
Height	9.00 m
Pollinators	Insects
Cultivation Status	Cultivated, Ornamental, Wild

Cultivation Details

Saraca asoca is a plant of the moist tropical lowlands and requires an annual rainfall ranging from 2,000 - 4000 mm with a maximum temperature of 35 - 40°c[].
Succeeds in a moderately sunny position, but grows well in moderate shade[]. Prefers a moist, well-drained soil[].A deep, moist soil, especially near a body of water, favours good growth[].
Plants do not respond well to coppicing[].
Trees are usually cut for their bark when around 20 years old. This should be carried out in the rainy season in order to promote resprouting[].
Plants can flower and produce fruit throughout the year[].
The flowers are fragrant[].
Although many species within the family Fabaceae have a symbiotic relationship with soil bacteria, this species is said to be devoid of such a relationship and therefore does not fix atmospheric nitrogen[].

Edible Uses

None known

Medicinal

Ashoka is a very popular medicinal herb in Ayurveda, where it is said to be particularly useful for treating a range of conditions related to the female reproductive system[, ]. It is strongly astringent uterine sedative and is said to have a stimulating effect on uterine and ovarian tissue[, ].
The bark is antiabortive, antibacterial, antiinflammatory, antioxidant, astringent, demulcent, diuretic, strongly haemostatic, oxytocic, neural tonic, refrigerent, sedative, uterine tonic, vermicidal[]. It is used in the treatment of a range of conditions, especially those affecting the urinary system and is held to be a very effective treatment in all manner of conditions related to the female reproductive system. It has a strong effect upon the uterine muscles, and is especially useful in the treatment of uterine haemorrhages, menstrual cramps, menorrhagia and leucorrhoea[, , ]. It is also used to treat conditions such as haemorrhoids and internal bleeding[, ].

The flowers are diuretic[]. An extract of the flowers is useful in the treatment of haemorrhoids and dysentery. The flowers are also useful in the treatment of scabies in children and various other skin diseases[]..

The seeds are used in the treatment of urinary discharges[].

Various studies have been carried out on the medicinal actions of this plant.
The bark contains tannins and catechol[].
Both aqueous and alcoholic extracts of the bark have shown significant analgesic activity[].
Extracts of the plant, especially ethanolic extractions, have shown significant anthelmintic amd antiinflammatory activities[].
Alcohol extracts of both the flowers and the bark have shown antimicrobial activity[].
The plant has been shown to stimulate the endometrium and ovarian tissue, and to be useful in treating disorders such as menorrhagia, dysmenorrhoea, premenstrual syndrome, abnormal bleeding and threatened abortion[].

Other Uses

The reddish wood is soft. It is not used commercially[].

Propagation

Seed - if the seed is harvested when ripe and sown immediately, preferably after soaking in water for 12 hours, it will germinate within 3 weeks and will be ready to plant out within 6 - 12 months[].
Air layering[].

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