Oroxylum

botanical

At a glance

Best for
adults curious about a flavonoid-rich nootropic, accepting thin evidence
Typical dose
About 500 mg/day of standardized bark extract
Time to effect
Weeks
Main caution
Limited human safety data; quality and standardization vary
Evidence strength: Low; preliminary human data only

What is it

Oroxylum (Oroxylum indicum), the Indian trumpet tree, is an Ayurvedic botanical whose bark and seeds are rich in flavonoids such as baicalein, chrysin and oroxylin A. It is sold as standardized extracts (e.g. Sabroxy) marketed for mood and cognition. Human evidence is early and limited to a small number of trials.

Is it worth it for you?

Worth considering if…

  • You want to experiment with a flavonoid nootropic and track your own response
  • You can source a standardized, third-party-tested extract

Probably skip if…

  • You want established cognitive benefits
  • You are pregnant, breastfeeding, or on multiple medications
  • You expect a clear, reliable effect

Evidence at a glance

GoalEvidenceEffectBest fitTime
cognition and mood supportLimitedSmall/uncertainhealthy adults seeking mild cognitive or mood supportWeeks

Evidence for 1 use

AI-assisted evidence assessment — talk to your doctor before relying on any single supplement.

cognition and mood support

Supplement benefit
Limited

Standardized Oroxylum bark extract has been tested in a small number of human trials for memory and mood, with flavonoids like baicalein and oroxylin A showing neuroactive effects in preclinical models. The clinical data are preliminary, with few participants and limited replication. Any benefit appears modest and is not yet well established.

Effect size: Small/uncertain
Time to effect: Weeks
Best fit: healthy adults seeking mild cognitive or mood support
Less likely: people with diagnosed cognitive impairment or mood disorders

Bottom line: Early human data hint at mild cognitive support, but evidence is too thin to rely on.

Evidence is mixed

Only a handful of small trials exist and most supporting data are preclinical, so confidence is low.

How to take it

Typical dose
~500 mg/day standardized bark extract
Timing
Morning or with a meal
With food
With food
How long to try
Trial 8–12 weeks and reassess

What to track

  • Subjective focus and mood
  • Sleep quality
  • Any GI upset or headache

Safety

Common side effects

Mild GI upset, Headache

Who should avoid it

  • Pregnant or breastfeeding people
  • People on sedatives or psychiatric medication without medical advice

Pregnancy & breastfeeding

Avoid in pregnancy and breastfeeding; safety has not been established.

Interactions

CNS sedativesMinor

Flavonoids may have additive central effects; data are limited

Choosing a product

Look for

  • Species Oroxylum indicum identified
  • Standardized flavonoid content (e.g. baicalein)
  • Stated plant part (bark) and third-party testing

Be skeptical of

  • Boosts IQ
  • Treats depression or anxiety
  • Clinically proven brain booster

References by claim

cognition and mood support

  • Lopresti et al., 2021PMC (2021) link

Track Oroxylum with Pilora

Set up dose reminders, check interactions, and join the community in the Pilora iPhone app.

Coming to App Store
Evidence-based·Last reviewed May 30, 2026·Evidence current as of May 30, 2026·How we grade evidence

Disclaimer: These statements have not been evaluated by the FDA. This page is educational, not a substitute for personalized medical advice. Evidence grades are AI-assisted assessments — talk to your doctor before starting any new supplement, especially if you’re pregnant, breastfeeding, on medications, or managing a chronic condition.