False Ashoka

(False Ashoka)
Sanskrit: अशोक • Botanical: Polyalthia longifolia Benth. & Hook. f.

Polyalthia longifolia is commonly but incorrectly used as 'Ashoka'. It is a tall columnar tree with drooping branches and wavy-edged leaves. Unlike the true Ashoka (Saraca indica), this tree does not have the same uterine tonic properties. The tree is widely planted as an ornamental along roads. The leaves are long and undulating. The flowers are small, green, and inconspicuous. It is important to distinguish this from Saraca indica for medicinal purposes. Verse: 25 (commentary note).

Ayurvedic Properties

Taste (Rasa)
Bitter (Tikta)
Quality (Guna)
Light (Laghu)
Potency (Virya)
Cold (Sheeta)
Post-digestive (Vipaka)
Pungent (Katu)
Key Constituents
Clerodane diterpenes, Alkaloids
Also Known As
English: False Ashoka, Mast Tree
Sanskrit: अशोक (देवदारु similar)
Hindi: अशोक

What is False Ashoka (Ashoka variety 2 / अशोक प्रभेद)?

Polyalthia longifolia is commonly but incorrectly used as 'Ashoka'. It is a tall columnar tree with drooping branches and wavy-edged leaves. Unlike the true Ashoka (Saraca indica), this tree does not have the same uterine tonic properties. The tree is widely planted as an ornamental along roads. The leaves are long and undulating. The flowers are small, green, and inconspicuous. It is important to distinguish this from Saraca indica for medicinal purposes. Verse: 25 (commentary note).

Source: Bhavaprakash Nighantu, Varga 4

Therapeutic Actions (Karma)

  • Jwaraghna (antipyretic)

Source: Bhavaprakash Nighantu, Varga 4

False Ashoka by Condition

Explore how False Ashoka is used for specific health concerns — with dosage, preparation methods, and classical references for each.

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False Ashoka for Menstrual Health

Medical Disclaimer: The information on this page is for educational purposes only and is not intended as medical advice. Ayurvedic treatments should be pursued under the guidance of a qualified practitioner (BAMS/MD Ayurveda). Always consult your healthcare provider before starting any new treatment. Content is sourced from classical Ayurvedic texts and may not reflect the latest medical research.