Saraca asoca: From Traditional Herb to Modern Drug as a Cure for Various Diseases

Abstract

Background: Saraca asoca (Ashoka, family; Caesalpiniaceae) is an indigenous sacred tree, native to India. It has been used in various traditional medicinal systems and is one such plant that is highly therapeutic but its use in disease management is underrated in today’s era and has lost its importance. Objective: This narrative review is written to provide the information on medicinal importance of S. asoca and the significance of S. asoca in various traditional medicinal systems. Methods: Different databases were searched to gather information. Research articles, abstracts, and reviews are included in this review. Results: Saraca asoca is known for its unique pharmacological role in treating various uterine complications, menstrual disorders, and bacterial infections, bleeding hemorrhoids, urinary and dermatological problems. The stem bark of the tree is the principal constituent for treating menorrhagia and genito-urinary disorders. The stem bark, leaves, and seeds of S. asoca are known to contain flavonoids, tannins, alkaloids, glycosides, polyphenolics, fatty acids, and saponins. The reported major phytoconstituents responsible for its therapeutic uses are epicatechin, procyanidin B2, lyoniside, nudiposide, catechin, leucocyanidin, and leucopelargonidin. Various pharmacological activities of this plant are discussed in this review. Conclusion: It has been proved that Saraca asoca possesses several pharmacological properties and is useful in treating various diseases. More studies on quality control, standardization, and clinical trials on S. asoca should be performed, so that this plant could be utilized as an effective anti-cancer drug which could be a promising source for the herbal and pharmaceutical industry.