Saraca indica, also known as Saraca asoca, belonging to the family Caesalpiniaceae, is one of the most ancient sacred plants widely distributed throughout the Indian subcontinent. Ashoka is an evergreen tree reaching to a height of 25-30 feet. The bark is smooth & dark green to greenish grey in color. Ashoka leaves are dark green, alternate, compound, stipulate. It bears leguminous fruits that are smooth, leathery, flat pods tapering at both ends. Ashoka is widely used in Ayurveda. It is known to possesses various activities such as analgesic, antipyretic, fungitoxic, antihelminthic, anti-diabetic, larvicidal activity, antimicrobial activity, CNS depressant activity, antiulcer activity, anti-inflammatory activity etc. It is used as spasmogenic, oxytocic, uterotonic, and antibacterial, anti-implantation, anti progestational, anti-estrogenic activity against menorrhagia. It is commonly used in females to regularize hormones & menstrual cycle.
 
Ayurvedic significance:
	
Rasa (taste): Kashay, Tikata (Astringent, Bitter)
	
Veerya (nature):Sheeta (Cold)
	
Vipaka (taste developed through digestion): Katu (Pungent)
	
Guna (qualities):Laghu, Ruksha (Light,Dry)
	
Doshas (effect on humors): Pacifies Pitta & Kapha