Withania somnifera (of the family Solanaceae) is a highly esteemed medicinal herb in Ayurveda and is most popularly known as ashwagandha, although other common names include the King of Ayurveda,[1][2] Indian ginseng (not related to Panax ginseng), and wintercherry.[3] The herb is classified as rasayana in Ayurvedic medicine, which suggests it has the ability to affect health, wellness, and vitality. It is also classified as bhalya (increases strength) and vajikara (aphrodisiac).[4] In modern terms, it is called an adaptogen for similar reasons.[5]
Beyond those uses, it has been traditionally used as an analgesic, astringent, antispasmodic, and immunostimulant while being used to treat inflammation, cancer, stress, fatigue, diabetes, and cardiovascular complications.[6][7] The adaptogenic properties of ashwagandha have been emphasized for treating people with stress-related insomnia, debility, and nervous exhaustion.[8] Ashwagandha has also been reported to have immunostimulant properties that may help to mitigate the negative effects of stress on the immune system.[8]
References
- ^Widodo N, Priyandoko D, Shah N, Wadhwa R, Kaul SCSelective killing of cancer cells by Ashwagandha leaf extract and its component Withanone involves ROS signaling.PLoS One.(2010-Oct-21)
- ^Widodo N, Takagi Y, Shrestha BG, Ishii T, Kaul SC, Wadhwa RSelective killing of cancer cells by leaf extract of Ashwagandha: components, activity and pathway analyses.Cancer Lett.(2008-Apr-08)
- ^Dhuley JNAdaptogenic and cardioprotective action of ashwagandha in rats and frogs.J Ethnopharmacol.(2000-Apr)
- ^Baliga MS, Meera S, Vaishnav LK, Rao S, Palatty PLRasayana drugs from the Ayurvedic system of medicine as possible radioprotective agents in cancer treatment.Integr Cancer Ther.(2013-Nov)
- ^Kulkarni SK, Dhir AWithania somnifera: an Indian ginseng.Prog Neuropsychopharmacol Biol Psychiatry.(2008-Jul-01)
- ^Deocaris CC, Widodo N, Wadhwa R, Kaul SCMerger of ayurveda and tissue culture-based functional genomics: inspirations from systems biology.J Transl Med.(2008-Mar-18)
- ^Modak M, Dixit P, Londhe J, Ghaskadbi S, Devasagayam TPIndian herbs and herbal drugs used for the treatment of diabetes.J Clin Biochem Nutr.(2007-May)
- ^Monograph. Withania somnifera.Altern Med Rev.(2004 Jun)