PART USED : Bark, Seeds and Flowers.
HISTORICAL ASPECTS :
In the Ramayana, one of the books of Hindu mythology,
there is mention of Ashoka tree.
Ashoka means "without sorrow", a reference to this bark's reputation
for keeping women healthy and youthful.
Buddha was said to be born under this tree.

BOTANICAL DESCRIPTION:
Leaves are narrowly lanceolate 15.25 cms long cork like at the base and with a short petiole.
Stipules are intra-petiolar and completely united.
Flowers are fragrant. They are 7.5-10 cms across.
Calyx is yellow to orange and finally red.
Its stamens are 7 to 8. The filaments are filiform.
The bark of saraca indica is distinguished by presence of wartyprotuberances on its outer surface.

PHYTOCHEMISTRY:
The bark contains tannin, catechol, sterol, and organic calciumcompounds.

PHARMACOLOGY:
Oxytocic activity of the plant was seen in rat and human isolateduterine preparations. Estrogen-primed or gravid uterus was more sensitive to the action of the alcoholic extract.

SAFETY: In the commonly used doses side effects are rare.

CLINICAL USAGE: Its use in treatment of excessive uterine bleeding is extensive in India. The plant is used also in dysmenorrhoea and for depression in women.

TRADITIONAL AYURVEDIC USES : menorrhagia (scant menses), dysmenorrhea (painful menses, menstrual cramps),
depression, bleeding hemorrhoids, uterine fibroids, considered a uterine sedative and tonic.