Withania somnifera (L.) Dunal General information: Query NCU-3e Common Name: Family: Solanaceae Juss. Country of Origin: Australia, E. Asia, Africa. Habitat: Open places, disturbed areas etc.shrub grows in stony places.OTHER LIST LOCATIONS, Distributional range:Native: Africa: Algeria; Angola; Botswana; Cape Verde; Chad; Egypt; Eritrea; Ethiopia; Kenya; Lesotho; Liberia; Libya; Malawi; Mali; Mauritius; Morocco; Namibia; Nigeria; Somalia; South Africa - Cape Province, Natal, Orange Free State, Transvaal; Spain - Canary Islands; Sudan; Tanzania; Tunisia; Uganda; Zimbabwe Asia-Temperate: Afghanistan; Arabia; Iran [s.]; Iraq; Israel; Jordan; Lebanon; Syria; Turkey Asia-Tropical: India; Pakistan; Sri Lanka Europe: Greece [incl. Crete]; Italy - Sardinia, Sicily; Spain [incl. Baleares] Description: Additional Common Names: Ajagandha, Kanaje Hindi, Samm Al Ferakh USES COMMON TO VARIOUS SOCIETIES, Abortifacient; Adaptogen; Antibiotic; Aphrodisiac; Astringent; Deobstruent; Diuretic; Narcotic; Sedative; Tonic. Ashwagandha is one of the most widespread tranquilisers used in India, where it holds a position of importance similar to ginseng in China[238]. It acts mainly on the reproductive and nervous systems, having a rejunative effect on the body, and is used to improve vitality and aid recovery after chronic illness[238, 254]. The plant is little known in the West[192]. The whole plant, but especially the leaves and the root bark, are abortifacient, adaptogen, antibiotic, aphrodisiac, deobstruent, diuretic, narcotic, strongly sedative and tonic[169, 192, 238, 240]. Internally, it is used to tone the uterus after a miscarriage and also in treating post-partum difficulties[192]. It is also used to treat nervous exhaustion, debility, insomnia, wasting diseases, failure to thrive in children, impotence, infertility, multiple sclerosis etc[238]. Externally it has been applied as a poultice to boils, swellings and other painful parts[192, 240]. The root is harvested in the autumn and dried for later use[238]. Some caution is advised in the use of this plant since it is toxic[K]. The fruit is diuretic[240]. The seed is diuretic and hypnotic[240]. Other Uses Repellent; Soap. The fruit is rich in saponins and can be used as a soap substitute[169, 192]. The leaves are an insect repellent[169].
MORE MEDICINAL INFO Edible Uses Curdling agent. The seeds are used to curdle plant milks in order to make vegetarian cheeses[183, 240]. Medicinal Uses Disclaimer Abortifacient; Adaptogen; Antibiotic; Aphrodisiac; Astringent; Deobstruent; Diuretic; Narcotic; Sedative; Tonic. Ashwagandha is one of the most widespread tranquilisers used in India, where it holds a position of importance similar to ginseng in China[238]. It acts mainly on the reproductive and nervous systems, having a rejunative effect on the body, and is used to improve vitality and aid recovery after chronic illness[238, 254]. The plant is little known in the West[192]. The whole plant, but especially the leaves and the root bark, are abortifacient, adaptogen, antibiotic, aphrodisiac, deobstruent, diuretic, narcotic, strongly sedative and tonic[169, 192, 238, 240]. Internally, it is used to tone the uterus after a miscarriage and also in treating post-partum difficulties[192]. It is also used to treat nervous exhaustion, debility, insomnia, wasting diseases, failure to thrive in children, impotence, infertility, multiple sclerosis etc[238]. Externally it has been applied as a poultice to boils, swellings and other painful parts[192, 240]. The root is harvested in the autumn and dried for later use[238]. Some caution is advised in the use of this plant since it is toxic[K]. The fruit is diuretic[240]. The seed is diuretic and hypnotic[240].
sTIL MORE HEALTH DATA ONWithania somnifera (Ashwagandha) Therapeutic Actions: Anemia with emaciation Anti-inflammatory Antitumor activity, in animal studies Ayurvedic superior rejuvenative herb for the muscles, bone marrow and semen Catalyzes the anabolic processes of the body Free-radical scavenging activity Hypotensive Immunomodulating Increases phagocytosis and intracellular killing of peritoneal macrophages Inhibits aging Nervous exhaustion Nurtures and clarifies the mind promoting dreamless sleep Promotes the healing of tissue Regenerates the hormonal system Sedative Stimulates the immune system Stress-induced health conditions Clinical Indications: Aging prevention Alzheimer's Chronic fatigue syndrome Hypertension Impotence due to aging or stress Insomnia Memory loss Multiple sclerosis Anemia Aspergillus infection Chronic inflammation Cognitive function deficits Depressed white blood cell count due to cytotoxic drugs Glandular swelling Infertility Problems of old age Contraindications: Pregnancy Drug/Nutrient Interaction: No interactions have been reported Chemical Constituents: Ashwagandholine, an alkaloid Withaferin A, has significant antitumor and radiosensitizing effects in experimental tumors of animals in vivo, without any noticeable systemic toxicity Withanolides, steroidal compounds whose action and appearance resemble the active constituents of Asian ginseng (Panax ginseng) known as ginsenosides
Plants For A Future: Database SEARCH ResultsMORE FINE DATA AND LINKS

AND
Ashwagandha

OTHER INFORMATION Pictures & Distribution Maps No Records Cultivation, Conservation & Ecology "Trial cultivation of Withania somnifera Dunal " (Japanese, no abstract) Kawatani 1965 Related Links Taxon information at GRIN Withania at HortiPlex Withania at Plants for the Future DYNAMIC UPDATES Live PubMed Searches Withania somnifera and Analytical Chemistry Withania somnifera and Animal Studies Withania somnifera and Case Reports Withania somnifera and Clinical Trials Withania somnifera and Drug Interactions Withania somnifera and Ethnobotanical Use Withania somnifera and Genetics Withania somnifera and In Vitro Studies Withania somnifera and Pharmacokinetics Withania somnifera and Reference Standards Withania somnifera and Therapeutic Activity Withania somnifera and Tissue Culture Withania somnifera and Toxicology Withania somnifera Preparations and Formulary HISTORY OF RECORD RESEARCHED BY: Soaring Bear, Ph. D. 1998 RESEARCH UPDATED BY: Michael C. Tims, Ph. D. cand. 2001 Thanks Soaring Bear , Ph.D.
File name: ASHWAGANDA.doc File type: application/msword Save to my Yahoo! Briefcase - Download File - Need Help? http://www.wrc.net/phyto/Ashvagandha.html Education Amalaki, Ashvagandha, Bala, Bhringaraja, Chandana, Gokshura, Haritaki, Mandukaparni, Vacha, Vibhitaka Ashvagandha, 'smelling like a horse' Botanical Name: Withania somnifera, Solanaceae Common Name: Asgandh (H), Amukkira (T), Winter Cherry (E) Part Used: root, leaves, fruit Dravyguna: root. ·Rasa: tikta, kashaya ·Vipaka: katu ·Virya: ushna ·Karma: Vatapittahara, Kaphakopa, balyam, vajikarana, tonic, adaptogen, relaxing nervine, post-partum tonic, immunomodulant, astringent, galactagogue, diuretic, thermogenic (Dash 1991, 59; Dash and Junius 1983, 155; Frawley and Lad 1986, 160; Varier 1996, 409) Indications: ·Root: asthma, bronchitis, edema, leucoderma, anorexia, consumption, asthenia, anemia, exhaustion, aging, insomnia, ADD/ADHD, neurasthenia, infertility, impotence, repeated miscarriage, paralysis, memory loss, multiple sclerosis, immune-dysfunction, carcinoma, rheumatism, arthritis, lumbago (Dash 1991 59; Dash and Junius 1987, 155; Kirtikar and Basu 1993, 1775-76; Frawley and Lad 1986, 160; Nadkarni 1976, 1293-94; Varier 1996, 409) ·Leaves: used internally for fever and hemorrhoids; externally for wounds, hemorrhoids, tumors, tuberculous glands, anthrax pustules, syphylitic sores, erysipelas, and in ophthalmitis (Kirtikar and Basu 1993 1775-76; Varier 1996, 409) ·Fruit: used externally in ringworm (Kirtikar and Basu 1993 1775-76) Contraindications: Caution should be used with clients on anticonvulsants, barbituates and benzodiazepines. Ashvagandha is traditionally avoided in lymphatic congestion, during colds and flu, or symptoms of ama (Frawley and Lad 1986, 160). Toxicity: None reported (Aphale et al 1998). Dosage: root ·Churna: 3 5 g b.i.d. - t.i.d. ·Kashaya: 100 mL t.i.d. ·Tincture: fresh root, 95%, 1:2; dried root, 50%, 1:4; 1 10 mL t.i.d. Medical research: ·Adaptogen: The traditional use of Ashvagandha as a rasayana has been validated by scientific investigation. Wistar rats treated with an extract of Withania somnifera showed better stress tolerance in cold water swimming tests (Archana and Namasivayam 1999). ·Antiinflammatory: A methanolic extract of the aerial parts of Withania somnifera had antiinflammatory activities comparable to that of hydrocortisone sodium succinate (al-Hindawi et al 1992). An 80% ethanolic extract of Withania somnifera displayed significant antiinflammatory activity on carrageenan-induced paw edema (al-Hindawi 1989). ·Antioxidant: An aqueous suspension of root extract of Ashvagandha prevented the rise of experimentally induced lipid peroxidation in rabbits and mice (Dhuley 1998a). An extract of Withania somnifera, consisting of equimolar concentrations of sitoindosides VII-X and withaferin A, induced an increase in the levels of superoxide dismutase, catalase and glutathione peroxidase in rat brain, consistent with other research that reports an antioxidant, immunomodulant and antiinflammatory activity (Bhattacharya et al 1997). ·Cancer: The administration of Ashvagandha rasayana (an Ayurvedic polyherbal formulation containing Ashvagandha) significantly reduced the lung tumor nodule formation by 55.6% in experimental animals (Menon et al. 1997). An alcoholic extract of the dried roots as well as withaferin A isolated from the extract showed significant antitumor and radiosensitizing effects in experimental tumors in Chinese hamster cells, without any noticeable systemic toxicity (Devi 1996). The steroidal lactone withaferin A displayed significant antitumor and radiosensitizing effects, inhibiting tumor growth and increasing survival in Swiss mice inoculated with Ehrlich ascites carcinoma (Devi et al 1995; Sharad et al 1996). The administration of an extract of Withania somnifera was found to significantly reduce leucopenia induced by cyclophosphamide treated experimental animals, indicating its usefulness in cancer therapy (Davis and Kuttan 1998). The administration of methanolic extract of Ashvagandha was found to significantly increase the WBC count in normal Balb/c mice and reduce leucopenia induced by a sublethal dose of gamma radiation. Withania increased bone marrow cellularity and normalised the ratio of normochromatic erythrocytes and polychromatic erythrocytes. This observed activity was thought to be due to stem cell proliferation (Kuttan 1996). ·Central Nervous system: Isolated constituents of Withania somnifera (sitoindosides VII-X and withaferin-A) increased cortical muscarinic acetylcholine receptor capacity, partly explaining the cognition-enhancing and memory-improving effects traditionally attributed to Ashvagandha (Schliebs et al 1997). A methanolic extract of Withania somnifera inhibited the specific binding of [3H]GABA and [35S]TBPS, and enhanced the binding of [3H]flunitrazepam to their putative receptor sites, suggesting a GABA-mimetic activity (Mehta et al 1991). A commercial root extract of Withania somnifera used repeatedly over 9 days attenuated the development of tolerance to the analgesic effect of morphine and suppressed morphine-withdrawal jumps (Kulkarni and Ninan 1997). ·Immunity: Myelosuppressed mice treated with an extract of Ashvagandha displayed a significant increase in hemoglobin concentration, red blood cell count, white blood cell count, platelet count and body weight as compared to controls, as well as increased hemolytic antibody responses towards human erythrocytes (Ziauddin et al 1996). Researchers at the Amala Cancer Research Centre in Kerala, India, found that the administration of an extract from the powdered root of Withania somnifera enhanced the levels of interferon gamma, interleukin-2 and granulocyte macrophage colony stimulating factor in normal and cyclophosphamide-treated mice, suggesting an immunopotentiating and myeloprotective effect (Davis and Kuttan 1999). Mice infected intravenously with Aspergillus fumigatus and treated for 7 consecutive days with an oral preparation of an extract of Withania somnifera at a dose of 100mg/kg displayed increased phagocytic activity and prolonged survival time (Dhuley 1998). The antifungal activity of Withania has been confirmed elsewhere, attributed to the withanolides (Choudhary et al 1995). ·Musculo-skeletal: A herbomineral formulation containing roots of Withania somnifera, the stem of Boswellia serrata, rhizomes of Curcuma longa and a zinc complex (Articulin-F), was evaluated in a randomized, double-blind, placebo controlled, cross-over study in clients with osteoarthritis. The results produced a significant drop in severity of pain and disability, although radiological assessment did not show any significant changes. Sideeffects were minimal and did not necessitate the withdrawal of treatment. (Kulkarni et al 1991) Comments: Ashvagandha is the Indian equivalent to Ginseng (Panax ginseng)., but unlike Ginseng, Ashvagandha has a sedative rather than stimulant action on the central nervous system, making it a superior medicine for exhaustion with nervous irritability. A rejuvenating preparation can be made by mixing Ashvagandha with 10-15% Pippali, taken with one half part ghrita and 1 part honey on an empty stomach, morning and evening. Ashvagandha is a useful nervine, taken before bed to relax and nourish the body in deficiency diseases, but is only seen to be efficacious when taken on a sustained basis- it is not a sufficient sedative to treat acute insomnia. For poor memory, lack of concentration and in the treatment of ADD/ADHD Ashvagandha may be used in equal proportions with Brahmi and Ling zhi (Ganoderma lucidum). Ashvagandha is widely used in any debility, emaciation or consumptive condition, in both adults and children (Kirtikar and Basu 1993, 1775; Nadkarni 1976, 1294). As its name ‘smelling like a horse’ suggests, Ashvagandha is an important vajikarana rasayana, indicating the sexual potency of a stallion, and is used in the treatment of infertility, impotence and “seminal depletion” (Nadkarni 1976, 1293). When mixed with equal parts Shatavari (Asparagus racemosa), it is an appropriate treatment for female infertility and frigidity and is useful in threatened miscarriage. For poor eyesight Ashvagandha powder is mixed with equal proportions of Licorice (Glycyrrhiza glabra root) powder and the fresh juice of Amalaki (Emblica officinalis fruit) (Nadkarni, 1294). An infusion of the leaves may be used in in the treatment of ophthalmia (Kirtikar and Basu 1993, 1776). In the form of Narayana taila, Ashvagandha may be taken internally, 3 10 gtt. b.i.d. for consumption and emaciation in children, and as an enema for anal fistula (Nadkarni 1976, 1294). Narayana taila may also be taken as nasya (2-3 gtt.) in cases of hearing loss and in abhyanga in cases of paralysis, tetanus, rheumatism and lumbago (Nadkarni 1976, 1294). Nadkarni mentions that Ashvagandha is used in the treatment of antiinflammatory joint disease (1976, 1293), but as Lad and Frawley suggest, Ashvagandha can facilitate the production of ama (1986, 160), and thus an eliminative regimen is best utilized prior to using this botanical. Likewise, Ashvagandha is an appropriate remedy in the treatment of asthma and bronchitis (Kirtikar and Basu 1993, 1775-6), but should be used concurrently with dravyas that have a dipana-pacana property to avoid the production of ama. Varrier mentions that a paste made of the roots and bruised leaves may be applied to carbuncles, ulcers and painful swellings (1996, 409). References: al-Hindawi, M.K., I.H. Al-Deen, M.H. Nabi, and M.H. Ismail. 1989. Anti-inflammatory activity of some Iraqi plants using intact rats. J Ethnopharmacol. Sep; 26(2):163-8 Aphale A.A., A.D. Chhibba, N.R. Kumbhakarna, M. Mateenuddin and S.H. Dahat. 1998. Subacute toxicity study of the combination of ginseng (Panax ginseng) and ashwagandha (Withania somnifera) in rats: a safety assessment. Indian J Physiol Pharmacol Apr; 42(2):299-302 Archana, R. and A. Namasivayam. 1999. Antistressor effect of Withania somnifera. J Ethnopharmacol. Jan; 64(1):91-3 Bhattacharya, S.K., K.S. Satyan and S. Ghosal. 1997. Antioxidant activity of glycowithanolides from Withania somnifera. Indian J Exp Biol. Mar; 35(3):236-9 Choudhary, M.I., Dur-e-Shahwar, Z. Parveen, A. Jabbar , I. Ali, Atta-ur-Rahman. 1995. Antifungal steroidal lactones from Withania coagulance. Phytochemistry Nov; 40(4):1243-6 Dash, Bhagwan. 1991. Materia Medica of Ayurveda. New Delhi: B. Jain Publishers. ----------- and Manfred Junius. 1983. A Handbook of Ayurveda. New Delhi: Concept Publishing. Davis, L. and G. Kuttan. 1999. Effect of Withania somnifera on cytokine production in normal and cyclophosphamide treated mice. Immunopharmacol Immunotoxicol Nov; 21(4):695-703 Davis L. and G. Kuttan. 1998. Suppressive effect of cyclophosphamide-induced toxicity by Withania somnifera extract in mice. J Ethnopharmacol. Oct; 62(3):209-14 Devi, P.U. 1996. Withania somnifera Dunal (Ashwagandha): potential plant source of a promising drug for cancer chemotherapy and radiosensitization. Indian J Exp Biol. Oct; 34(10):927-32 Devi, P.U., A.C. Sharada, and F.E. Solomon. 1995. In vivo growth inhibitory and radiosensitizing effects of withaferin A on mouse Ehrlich ascites carcinoma. Cancer Lett. Aug 16; 95(1-2):189-93 Dhuley, J.N. 1998a. Effect of Ashwagandha on lipid peroxidation in stress-induced animals. J Ethnopharmacol. Mar; 60(2):173-8 Dhuley, J.N. 1998b. Therapeutic efficacy of Ashwagandha against experimental aspergillosis in mice. Immunopharmacol Immunotoxicol. Feb; 20(1):191-8 Frawley, David and Vasant Lad. 1986. The Yoga Of Herbs: An Ayurvedic Guide to Herbal Medicine. Santa Fe: Lotus Press. Kirtikar KR and BD Basu. 1993. Indian Medicinal Plants. 2nd ed. Vol. 1-4. 1935. Reprint. Delhi: Periodical Experts. Kulkarni, S.K. and I. Ninan. 1997. Inhibition of morphine tolerance and dependence by Withania somnifera in mice. J Ethnopharmacol. Aug; 57(3):213-7 Kulkarni, R.R., P.S. Patki, V.P. Jog, S.G. Gandage and B. Patwardhan. 1991. Treatment of osteoarthritis with a herbomineral formulation: a double-blind, placebo-controlled, cross-over study. J Ethnopharmacol. May-Jun; 33(1-2):91-5 Kuttan, G. 1996. Use of Withania somnifera Dunal as an adjuvant during radiation therapy. Indian J Exp Biol. Sep; 34(9):854-6 Mehta, A.K., P. Binkley, S.S. Gandhi, and M.K. Ticku. 1991. Pharmacological effects of Withania somnifera root extract on GABAA receptor complex. Indian J Med Res. Aug; 94:312-5 Menon L.G., R. Kuttan, and G. Kuttan. 1997. Effect of rasayanas in the inhibition of lung metastasis induced by B16F-10 melanoma cells. J Exp Clin Cancer Res. Dec; 16(4):365-8 Nadkarni, Dr. K.M. 1976. The Indian Materia Medica, with Ayurvedic, Unani and Home Remedies. Revised and enlarged by A.K. Nadkarni. 1954. Reprint. Bombay: Bombay Popular Prakashan PVP. Schliebs, R., A. Liebmann , S.K. Bhattacharya, A. Kumar, S. Ghosal, and V. Bigl. 1997. Systemic administration of defined extracts from Withania somnifera (Indian Ginseng) and Shilajit differentially affects cholinergic but not glutamatergic and GABAergic markers in rat brain. Neurochem Int. Feb; 30(2):181-90 Sharad, A.C., F.E. Solomon, P.U. Devi, N. Udupa, and K.K. Srinivasan. 1996. Antitumor and radiosensitizing effects of withaferin A on mouse Ehrlich ascites carcinoma in vivo. Acta Oncol. 35(1):95-100 Varrier, P.S. 1996. Indian Medicinal Plants: A Compendium of 500 species. Edited by PK Warrier, VPK Nambiar and C Ramankutty. vol 5. Hyderabad: Orient Longman. Ziauddin, M., N. Phansalkar, P. Patki , S. Diwanay, B. Patwardhan. 1996. Studies on the immunomodulatory effects of Ashwagandha. J Ethnopharmacol. Feb; 50(2):69-76