Pharmacognosy of Ashoka Stem Bark and its Adulterants

Ashaka stem bark (Saraca asoca De Wilde) is one of the most important ingredients of many Ayurvedic preparations used in the indigenous system of medicine mostly for uterine problems. Due to the poor availability of true Ashoka, it is adulterated by other barks including Polyalthia longifolia which also bears the same common name. Pharmacognostic study has revealed some diagnostic features which facilitate detection of authentic and adulterated materials.