Evidence-based·Last reviewed May 30, 2026·How we grade evidence

Oroxylum

Botanical

Useful mainly for adults curious about a flavonoid-rich nootropic, accepting thin evidence.

Quick decision guide

May help most

adults curious about a flavonoid-rich nootropic, accepting thin evidence

Common dosing range

About 500 mg/day of standardized bark extract

When to expect effects

Weeks

Watch out for

Limited human safety data; quality and standardization vary

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?

Use this as a quick fit check, not a diagnosis.

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

cognition and mood support

Limited Evidence
Effect
Small/uncertain
Best fit
healthy adults seeking mild cognitive or mood support
Time
Weeks

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 Evidence

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.

SourceLopresti et al., 2021 — PMC· conflicting
SourceLopresti et al., 2021 — PMC

How to take it

1. Typical dose
~500 mg/day standardized bark extract
2. Timing
Morning or with a meal
3. With food
With food
4. 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

Know the common side effects, key cautions, and who should avoid it.

Common side effects

Mild GI upsetHeadache

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

What to look for on the label — and what to be skeptical of.

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., 2021 — PMC (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.