Kingiodendron pinnatum , a pharmacologically effective alternative for Saraca asoca in an Ayurvedic preparation, Asokarishta

Abstract

Saraca asoca (Fabaceae) is a prime ingredient in Asokarishta, a well-known Ayurvedic preparation for gynecological ailments. Due to scarcity, adulteration or substitution of related raw drugs is a common practice in its preparation. The bark of Kingiodendron pinnatum (Roxb. ex DC.) Harms, morphologically similar to S. asoca (Asoka) is a widely used substitute. The present study aimed to evaluate the pharmacological effectiveness of K. pinnatum as an alternative for S. asoca in Asokarishta by determining the inhibitory effect of estrogen induced uterus endometrial thickening in immature female rats. Arishta was prepared using S. asoca and with the substitute, K. pinnatum as per Ayurvedic Pharmacopeia. Uterus endometrial thickening was induced by the administration of estradiol (20 μg/kg b. wt, i.p) to 8-day-old rats for 5 alternate days. On day 16, following estradiol administration, the serum estrogen level was found elevated to 156.5 ± 8 pg/ml from the normal value 32.4 ± 5 pg/ml and consequently increased the thickness of uterus endometrium from 16.7 ± 1.4 to 75.2 ± 15.3 μm. Upon oral administration of 400 μl/kg b. wt Asokarishta (ASA) and Arishta made with K. pinnatum (AKP), the thickening was reduced to 42.5 ± 12.7 and 47.1 ± 10.5 μm and the estrogen level diminished to 102.6 ± 10 and 97.3 ± 8 pg/ml, respectively. Arishta also reduced the chronic/acute inflammations in mice and improved the antioxidant status of rats. No toxic symptom was observed in the animals by the treatment of Arishta. The study supports the use of K. pinnatum as an alternative to S. asoca in Asokarishta and gives a scientific validation for Asokarishta in gynecological ailments.

Threatened Ayurvedic Herb (Seeta Ashoka) Substitution Options for Menorrhagia-based on Bioactive Principle’s Molecular Docking Study

“…Others also described its pharmacological action. [27][28][29] We just focus here on menorrhagia, the commoner condition, not other related gynecological conditions. Some other potential substitutes mentioned for Seeta Ashoka are too rare and hence, unviable for industry e.g.…”

“…Some other potential substitutes mentioned for Seeta Ashoka are too rare and hence, unviable for industry e.g. Nagkesar-Mesua ferrea L. 29,6 a large, rare tree in the Western Ghats forest. Similarly, another tree found effective on mice trial is Kingiodendron pinnatum 29 is a rare tree, endemic to the Western Ghats, 6 and slow growing, so is commercially unviable.…”

“…Nagkesar-Mesua ferrea L. 29,6 a large, rare tree in the Western Ghats forest. Similarly, another tree found effective on mice trial is Kingiodendron pinnatum 29 is a rare tree, endemic to the Western Ghats, 6 and slow growing, so is commercially unviable. Also, tree or bark is harvest prohibited by southern Indian forest departments and can't be traded (openly).…”

“…Parker and Caesalpinia pulcherrima ] but these are rare too. 6,29 Arya Vaidya Shala, Kotakkal found experimentally that Sal (Shorea robusta L.) is the best option for Seeta Ashoka pharmacologically. 15 It also belongs to the same "gana" of 10 herbs with similar properties and can be used interchangeably (named "Kashayaskanda, vedanastahpana" cf Charakasamhita) as per Ayurvedic pharmacopeia 30 with properties such as "Grahi-Styptic, Shoshahara-avoids wasting/ depletion of tissues, Shotajit-relieves inflammation, Asrajit-checks excessive menstrual bleeding".…”

Analysis of anticancer potential of Kingiodendron pinnatum (DC.) Harms

“…K. pinnatum is occasionally used as a substitute for Saraca asoca (Asoka), which is the prime raw material in the preparation of Asokarishta, a fermented formulation, commonly used to treat gynaecological ailments especially abnormal uterine bleeding (menorrhagia). The population of the tree is less in wild but is generally used as a substitute due to its massive size and the chance of getting a good amount of bark compared to the Asoka tree [8]. A previous study revealed the pharmacological efficacy of K. pinnatum as an alternative for S. asoca in Asokarishta by demonstrating the inhibitory effect of estrogen-induced uterus endometrial thickening in immature female rats, giving scientific validation for its use in polyherbal formulations [8].…”