ASHOKA RASAYANA

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.

ashoka is a small, spreading, evergreen tree, with smooth brownish bark and compound leaves forming a dense crown. it has bright orange flowers in small dense branches and flat fruits with several smooth gray seeds. this tree has to be distinguished from the indian fir or mast tree, botanically known as polyalthia longifolia. ashoka is one of the sacred trees of the hindus. the dried bark of the tree constitutes the drug. the bark contains tannins and catechol. the powder of the bark contains silica, sodium, potassiom, phosphate, magnesium, iron, calcium, strontium and aluminium. a crystalline glycosidal substance has been isolated from the bark with galactose as the constituent sugar.

both the dried flowers of ashoka and the bark have been used in ayurveda for many centuries. the bark is prescribed in ayurvedic medicine for arresting bleeding or secretion and as a uterine sedative. it is said to have a stimulating effect on the endometrium that is, the mucuous membrance lining the uterus and on the ovarian tissues. it acts directly on the muscular fibers of the uterus.