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Withania somnifera
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|description='''Ashwagandha''' (अश्वगंधा) or ''Ashvagandha''; [[Withania somnifera]]), also known as '''Indian ginseng''' or '''winter cherry''', is a [[Rasayana|rasayana]] (rejuvenator) herb in [[Ayurveda]], valued for its adaptogenic, balya (strength-promoting), and nervine properties. Primarily, the root is used for stress management, vitality, immunity, and musculoskeletal health as documented in classical texts like ''[[Charaka Samhita]]'' and modern clinical studies.
|image=http://www.carakasamhitaonline.com/resources/assets/ogimgs.jpg
|image_alt=charak samhita
|type=article
}}
'''Ashwagandha''' (अश्वगंधा) or ''Ashvagandha''; [[Withania somnifera]]), also known as '''Indian ginseng''' or '''winter cherry''', is a [[rasayana]] (rejuvenator) herb in [[Ayurveda]], valued for its adaptogenic, balya (strength-promoting), and nervine properties. Primarily, the root is used for stress management, vitality, immunity, and musculoskeletal health as documented in classical texts like ''[[Charaka Samhita]]'' and modern clinical studies.<ref>{{cite journal |last1=Singh |first1=Narendra |last2=Bhalla |first2=M. |last3=de Jager |first3=P. |last4=Gilca |first4=M. |title=Rational use of Ashwagandha in Ayurveda (Traditional Indian Medicine) – A systematic analysis of the scientific evidence for its pharmacological activities |journal=Journal of Ethnopharmacology |volume=273 |pages=113907 |doi=10.1016/j.jep.2021.113907 |pmc=PMC8274455 |pmid=33831467 |year=2021}}</ref><ref>{{cite journal |last1=Mishra |first1=Laxmi C. |last2=Singh |first2=Betilda B. |last3=Dagenais |first3=Simon |title=Scientific basis for the therapeutic use of Withania somnifera (Ashwagandha): a review |journal=Alternative Medicine Review |volume=14 |issue=5 |pages=348–357 |pmid=19803596 |year=2000}}</ref>
 
{{Infobox
{{Infobox
|title = Ashwagandha
|title = Ashwagandha
Line 5: Line 15:
|data1 = Herb database/Ashwagandha
|data1 = Herb database/Ashwagandha
|label2 = Botanical name(s)
|label2 = Botanical name(s)
|data2 = Withania somnifera
|data2 = Withania somnifera (Linn.)
|label3 = Family
|data3 =  Solanaceae
|label3 = Contributors
|label3 = Contributors
|data3 = --
|data3 = Dr.Yogesh S. Deole
|label4 = Year of publication  
|label4 = Year of publication  
|data4 =  2023
|data4 =  2026
|label5 = Publisher  
|label5 = Publisher  
|data5 =  [[Charak Samhita Research, Training and Skill Development Centre]]
|data5 =  [[Charak Samhita Research, Training and Skill Development Centre]]
Line 16: Line 28:
}}
}}
==English name==
==English name==
==Synonyms in Charak Samhita==
'''Indian ginseng''' or '''winter cherry'''
==Reference in Charak Samhita and its actions ==
 
Herbs and their activities
==Synonyms ==
 
Ashwagandha, Wajigandha, Varahakarni
 
== Ayurvedic pharmacological properties ==
 
* '''Rasa''' (taste): Madhura (sweet), tikta (bitter)
* '''Guna''' (properties): Snigdha (unctuous), guru (heavy to digest)
* '''Virya''' (potency): Ushna (hot)
* '''Vipaka''' (post-digestive effect): Madhura
* '''Dosha Effect''': Primarily balances [[Vata dosha|vata]], secondarily kapha; aggravates pitta in excess.
* '''Classical Actions''': Medhya (intellect promoter), balya (strength), vajikarana (aphrodisiac), rasayana (rejuvenative).<ref name=":0">{{cite book |last1=Sharma |first1=P.V.|title=Charaka Samhita |publisher=Chaukhamba Orientalia |location=Varanasi |year=2014 |isbn=978-8176371432}}</ref>
 
==Description==
 
A perennial shrub from the [[Solanaceae]] family, native to India, the Middle East, and Africa. It grows 35–75 cm tall with oval leaves, small greenish-yellow flowers, and red-orange berry-like fruits. The name "Ashwagandha" derives from Sanskrit ''ashva'' (horse) and ''gandha'' (smell), referring to the root's horse-like odor and vigor-promoting effects.<ref>{{cite journal |last1=Mirjalili |first1=Mohammad Hossein |last2=Moharramipour |first2=Saman |last3=Hadian |first3=Javad |title=A review on the production of Withania somnifera (Ashwagandha) active principles: Methods and current status |journal=Journal of Medicinal Plants Research |volume=8 |issue=37 |pages=882–900 |doi=10.5897/JMPR2014.5629 |year=2014}}</ref>
 
==Pharmacognosy==
 
Key phytoconstituents include withanolides (e.g., withaferin A, withanolide D), sitoindosides, withanosides, alkaloids (withanine, somniferine), and steroidal lactones. Roots contain highest concentrations (1.5–5% withanolides).<ref>{{cite journal |last1=Kaushik |first1=M.K. |last2=Kaushik |first2=V.K. |last3=Kumar |first3=A. |title=Withania somnifera (L.) Dunal (Ashwagandha): A comprehensive review on ethnopharmacology, pharmacotherapeutics, biomarkers, and pharmacokinetics |journal=Journal of Ethnopharmacology |volume=267 |pages=113451 |doi=10.1016/j.jep.2020.113451 |pmid=33157267 |year=2021}}</ref>
 
==Clinical Uses==
 
===Reference in Charak Samhita and its actions ===
{| class="wikitable"
{| class="wikitable"
|+
|+
Herbs and their activities
|'''Sr.no.'''
|'''Sr.no.'''
|'''Reference in Charak Samhita'''
|'''Reference in Charak Samhita'''
Line 26: Line 62:
|-
|-
|1
|1
|Sutra sthana  4/9(2)
|Cha. Sa. Sutra sthana  4/9(2)
|Bruhaniya mahakashaya
|Brumhaniya mahakashaya
|-
|-
|2
|2
|Sutra sthana  4/9(7)
|Cha. Sa. Sutra sthana  4/9(7)
|Balya mahakashay
|Balya mahakashaya
|-
|-
|3
|3
|Ch.Vi.8/136
|Cha. Sa. Vimana Sthana 8/136
|Virechana  Dravyani
|Virechana  Dravyani
|-
|-
|4
|4
|Ch Vi 8/139
|Cha. Sa. Vimana Sthana 8/139
|Madhur skanda
|Madhur skandha
|-
|-
|5
|5
|Cha. Sa. Chikitsa Sthana  2/1/34
|Cha. Sa. Chikitsa Sthana  2/1/34
|Ingredient in Vajikaran Ghrit
|Ingredient in Vajikarana Ghrita
|-
|-
|6
|6
|Cha. Sa. Chikitsa Sthan13/109
|Cha. Sa. Chikitsa Sthana 13/109
|In treatment  of Udara roga  (for lepa)
|In the treatment  of Udara roga  (for lepa)
|-
|-
|7
|7
|Cha. Sa. Chikitsa Sthan14/50
|Cha. Sa. Chikitsa Sthana 14/50
|Dhupan yoga  in arsha roga
|Dhupan yoga  in arsha roga
|-
|-
|8
|8
|Cha. Sa.  Chikitsa Sthana17/117
|Cha. Sa.  Chikitsa Sthana 17/117
|Kshara mixed with madhuk ghrit used in hikka svasa.
|Kshara mixed with madhuk ghrit is used in hikka shwasa
|-
|-
|9
|9
|Cha.sa.chi.18/75
|Cha.Sa.Chikitsa Sthana 18/75
|As an ingredient of dhumapan yoga.
|As an ingredient of Dhumapana yoga
|-
|-
|10
|10
|Cha.Sa.Chi.21/123
|Cha.Sa.Chikitsa Sthana 21/123
|For pradeha  prayoga in granthi visarpa.
|For pradeha  prayoga in granthi visarpa
|-
|-
|11
|11
|Cha.Sa.Chi.23/70
|Cha.Sa.Chikitsa Sthana 23/70
|As an ingredient of Gandha hasti agada.
|As an ingredient of Gandha hasti agada
|-
|-
|12
|12
|Cha.Sa.Chi.23/80
|Cha.Sa.Chikitsa Sthana 23/80
|As an ingredient of Maha -Gandha hasti agada.
|As an ingredient of Maha -Gandha hasti agada.
|-
|-
|13
|13
|Cha.Sa.Chi.23/244
|Cha.Sa.Chikitsa Sthana 23/244
|As an ingredient of Amruta ghrita.
|As an ingredient of Amruta ghrita
|-
|-
|14
|14
|Ca.Sa. Chi.27/43
|Cha.Sa. Chikitsa Sthana 27/43
|As an ingredient  of Kusthadi Taila
|As an ingredient  of Kushthadi Taila
|-
|-
|15
|15
|Ca.Sa. Chi.22/50
|Cha.Sa. Chikitsa Sthana 22/50
|As an ingredient  of Utsadana Yoga
|As an ingredient  of Utsadana Yoga
|-
|-
|16
|16
|Cha.Sa.Chi.28/166
|Cha.Sa.Chikitsa Sthana 28/166
|
|As an ingredient of Ashwagandha Taila paka
|-
|-
|17
|17
|Cha.Sa.Chi.28/170  
|Cha.Sa.Chikitsa Sthana 28/170  
|As an ingredient of Vrushamuladi taila.
|As an ingredient of Vrushamuladi taila
|-
|-
|18
|18
|Cha.Sa.Chi.28/173
|Cha.Sa.Chikitsa Sthana 28/173
|As an ingredient of Mulaka taila.
|As an ingredient of Mulaka taila
|-
|-
|19
|19
|Cha.Sa.chi.29/73
|Cha.Sa.Chikitsa Sthana 29/73
|As an ingredient of Jeevakadi mahasneha.
|As an ingredient of Jeevakadi mahasneha
|-
|-
|20
|20
|Cha.Sa.Chi.30/260
|Cha.Sa.Chikitsa Sthana 30/260
|As a paniya yoga, in the treatment of Stanya dosha.
|As a paniya yoga, in the treatment of Stanya dosha
|}
|}


== Ayurvedic pharmacological properties ==
=== Bhavaprakasha ===
Properties
 
* Pacifies [[Vata]]-[[Kapha]] dosha
* Alleviates Shwitra (vitiligo)
* Shotha (oedema)
* Kshaya (depletion of tissues)
* Balya (promotes strength)
* Rasayani (rejuvenating)
* Atishukrala (increases semen and sperm count)
 
===Neurological===
Reduces stress and cortisol levels (300–600 mg root extract daily); improves sleep quality and cognitive function in trials.<ref>{{cite journal |last1=Chandrasekhar |first1=K. |last2=Kapoor |first2=J. |last3=Anishetty |first3=S. |title=A prospective, randomized double-blind, placebo-controlled study of safety and efficacy of a high-concentration full-spectrum extract of Ashwagandha root in reducing stress and anxiety in adults |journal=Indian Journal of Psychological Medicine |volume=34 |issue=3 |pages=255–262 |doi=10.4103/0253-7176.106022 |pmc=3573577 |pmid=23439798 |year=2012}}</ref>
 
===Reproductive===
Enhances testosterone, semen quality, and libido in men (675 mg root powder daily).<ref>{{cite journal |last1=Ambiye |first1=V.R. |last2=Langade |first2=D. |last3=Dongre |first3=S. |last4=Apte |first4=S. |last5=Joshi |first5=K. |title=Clinical evaluation of the spermatogenic activity of the root extract of Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera) in oligospermic males: a pilot study |journal=Evidence-Based Complementary and Alternative Medicine |volume=2013 |pages=571420 |doi=10.1155/2013/571420 |pmc=3863556 |pmid=24284701 |year=2013}}</ref>
 
===Musculoskeletal===
Increases muscle mass and strength (500 mg extract with resistance training).<ref>{{cite journal |last1=Wankhede |first1=S. |last2=Langade |first2=D. |last3=Joshi |first3=K. |last4=Thakurdesai |first4=P.A. |title=Examining the effect of Withania somnifera supplementation on muscle strength and recovery: a randomized controlled trial |journal=Journal of the International Society of Sports Nutrition |volume=12 |pages=23 |doi=10.1186/s12970-015-0104-9 |pmc=4658772 |pmid=26009251 |year=2015}}</ref>
 
==Formulations and Dosage==
 
Common preparations:
{| class="wikitable"
{| class="wikitable"
|+
!Formulation||Dose||Anupana (vehicle)
|'''Sr.no.'''
|'''Pharmacological criteria'''
|'''Properties'''
|-
|1
|Taste (rasa)
|
|-
|-
|2
|Churna (powder)||3–6 g BID||Warm milk/ghee
|Potency (veerya)
|
|-
|-
|3
|Ghrita||5–10 g/day||As prescribed
|Post digestion effect (vipaka)
|
|-
|-
|4
|Extract capsules||300–600 mg/day||Water
|Qualities (guna)
|
|-
|5
|Actions (karma)
|
|}
|}
==Safety==
Generally safe (GRAS status); rare GI upset, drowsiness. Contraindicated in hyperthyroidism, pregnancy (uterine stimulant), and nightshade allergy. LD<sub>50</sub> >2 g/kg in rodents.<ref>{{cite web |title=Withania somnifera (Ashwagandha) Monograph |url=https://www.herbrally.com/monographs/ashwagandha |publisher=HerbRally |access-date=2026-03-16}}</ref>
==Research==
Over 100 clinical trials support adaptogenic effects; NIH-funded studies are ongoing for anxiety and sleep disorders. Withanolides modulate HPA axis, GABA receptors, and inflammation pathways (NF-κB inhibition).<ref name=":1">{{cite journal |last1=Speers |first1=A.B. |last2=Cabey |first2=K.A. |last3=Souza |first3=M.J. |last4=Spencer |first4=E.A. |title=Effects of Withania somnifera (Ashwagandha) on stress and the stress-related neuropsychiatric disorders anxiety, depression, and insomnia |journal=Current Neuropharmacology |volume=20 |issue=7 |pages=1–17 |doi=10.2174/1570159X19666210813150419 |year=2021}}</ref>


==Current availability ==
==Current availability ==
Available
Available
==Current researches ==
 
[[Category: Database of herbs and minerals | Herbs]]
== External links ==
   This article is under development ..
 
[https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Withania_somnifera Withania Somnifera]
 
[https://cb.imsc.res.in/imppat/phytochemical/Withania%20somnifera IMPPAT Database link]
 
==References==
{{reflist}}
 
   This article is under development...

Latest revision as of 05:06, 17 March 2026

Ashwagandha (अश्वगंधा) or Ashvagandha; Withania somnifera), also known as Indian ginseng or winter cherry, is a rasayana (rejuvenator) herb in Ayurveda, valued for its adaptogenic, balya (strength-promoting), and nervine properties. Primarily, the root is used for stress management, vitality, immunity, and musculoskeletal health as documented in classical texts like Charaka Samhita and modern clinical studies.[1][2]

Ashwagandha
Section/Chapter Herb database/Ashwagandha
Botanical name(s) Withania somnifera (Linn.)
Contributors Dr.Yogesh S. Deole
Year of publication 2026
Publisher Charak Samhita Research, Training and Skill Development Centre
DOI Awaited

English name

Indian ginseng or winter cherry

Synonyms

Ashwagandha, Wajigandha, Varahakarni

Ayurvedic pharmacological properties

  • Rasa (taste): Madhura (sweet), tikta (bitter)
  • Guna (properties): Snigdha (unctuous), guru (heavy to digest)
  • Virya (potency): Ushna (hot)
  • Vipaka (post-digestive effect): Madhura
  • Dosha Effect: Primarily balances vata, secondarily kapha; aggravates pitta in excess.
  • Classical Actions: Medhya (intellect promoter), balya (strength), vajikarana (aphrodisiac), rasayana (rejuvenative).[3]

Description

A perennial shrub from the Solanaceae family, native to India, the Middle East, and Africa. It grows 35–75 cm tall with oval leaves, small greenish-yellow flowers, and red-orange berry-like fruits. The name "Ashwagandha" derives from Sanskrit ashva (horse) and gandha (smell), referring to the root's horse-like odor and vigor-promoting effects.[4]

Pharmacognosy

Key phytoconstituents include withanolides (e.g., withaferin A, withanolide D), sitoindosides, withanosides, alkaloids (withanine, somniferine), and steroidal lactones. Roots contain highest concentrations (1.5–5% withanolides).[5]

Clinical Uses

Reference in Charak Samhita and its actions

Herbs and their activities
Sr.no. Reference in Charak Samhita Activity
1 Cha. Sa. Sutra sthana 4/9(2) Brumhaniya mahakashaya
2 Cha. Sa. Sutra sthana 4/9(7) Balya mahakashaya
3 Cha. Sa. Vimana Sthana 8/136 Virechana Dravyani
4 Cha. Sa. Vimana Sthana 8/139 Madhur skandha
5 Cha. Sa. Chikitsa Sthana 2/1/34 Ingredient in Vajikarana Ghrita
6 Cha. Sa. Chikitsa Sthana 13/109 In the treatment of Udara roga (for lepa)
7 Cha. Sa. Chikitsa Sthana 14/50 Dhupan yoga in arsha roga
8 Cha. Sa. Chikitsa Sthana 17/117 Kshara mixed with madhuk ghrit is used in hikka shwasa
9 Cha.Sa.Chikitsa Sthana 18/75 As an ingredient of Dhumapana yoga
10 Cha.Sa.Chikitsa Sthana 21/123 For pradeha prayoga in granthi visarpa
11 Cha.Sa.Chikitsa Sthana 23/70 As an ingredient of Gandha hasti agada
12 Cha.Sa.Chikitsa Sthana 23/80 As an ingredient of Maha -Gandha hasti agada.
13 Cha.Sa.Chikitsa Sthana 23/244 As an ingredient of Amruta ghrita
14 Cha.Sa. Chikitsa Sthana 27/43 As an ingredient of Kushthadi Taila
15 Cha.Sa. Chikitsa Sthana 22/50 As an ingredient of Utsadana Yoga
16 Cha.Sa.Chikitsa Sthana 28/166 As an ingredient of Ashwagandha Taila paka
17 Cha.Sa.Chikitsa Sthana 28/170 As an ingredient of Vrushamuladi taila
18 Cha.Sa.Chikitsa Sthana 28/173 As an ingredient of Mulaka taila
19 Cha.Sa.Chikitsa Sthana 29/73 As an ingredient of Jeevakadi mahasneha
20 Cha.Sa.Chikitsa Sthana 30/260 As a paniya yoga, in the treatment of Stanya dosha

Bhavaprakasha

  • Pacifies Vata-Kapha dosha
  • Alleviates Shwitra (vitiligo)
  • Shotha (oedema)
  • Kshaya (depletion of tissues)
  • Balya (promotes strength)
  • Rasayani (rejuvenating)
  • Atishukrala (increases semen and sperm count)

Neurological

Reduces stress and cortisol levels (300–600 mg root extract daily); improves sleep quality and cognitive function in trials.[6]

Reproductive

Enhances testosterone, semen quality, and libido in men (675 mg root powder daily).[7]

Musculoskeletal

Increases muscle mass and strength (500 mg extract with resistance training).[8]

Formulations and Dosage

Common preparations:

Formulation Dose Anupana (vehicle)
Churna (powder) 3–6 g BID Warm milk/ghee
Ghrita 5–10 g/day As prescribed
Extract capsules 300–600 mg/day Water

Safety

Generally safe (GRAS status); rare GI upset, drowsiness. Contraindicated in hyperthyroidism, pregnancy (uterine stimulant), and nightshade allergy. LD50 >2 g/kg in rodents.[9]

Research

Over 100 clinical trials support adaptogenic effects; NIH-funded studies are ongoing for anxiety and sleep disorders. Withanolides modulate HPA axis, GABA receptors, and inflammation pathways (NF-κB inhibition).[10]

Current availability

Available

External links

Withania Somnifera

IMPPAT Database link

References

  1. ↑ Singh, Narendra; Bhalla, M.; de Jager, P.; Gilca, M. (2021). "Rational use of Ashwagandha in Ayurveda (Traditional Indian Medicine) – A systematic analysis of the scientific evidence for its pharmacological activities". Journal of Ethnopharmacology. 273: 113907. PMC PMC8274455 Freely accessible Check |pmc= value (help). PMID 33831467 Check |pmid= value (help). doi:10.1016/j.jep.2021.113907. 
  2. ↑ Mishra, Laxmi C.; Singh, Betilda B.; Dagenais, Simon (2000). "Scientific basis for the therapeutic use of Withania somnifera (Ashwagandha): a review". Alternative Medicine Review. 14 (5): 348–357. PMID 19803596. 
  3. ↑ Sharma, P.V. (2014). Charaka Samhita. Varanasi: Chaukhamba Orientalia. ISBN 978-8176371432 Check |isbn= value: checksum (help). 
  4. ↑ Mirjalili, Mohammad Hossein; Moharramipour, Saman; Hadian, Javad (2014). "A review on the production of Withania somnifera (Ashwagandha) active principles: Methods and current status". Journal of Medicinal Plants Research. 8 (37): 882–900. doi:10.5897/JMPR2014.5629. 
  5. ↑ Kaushik, M.K.; Kaushik, V.K.; Kumar, A. (2021). "Withania somnifera (L.) Dunal (Ashwagandha): A comprehensive review on ethnopharmacology, pharmacotherapeutics, biomarkers, and pharmacokinetics". Journal of Ethnopharmacology. 267: 113451. PMID 33157267 Check |pmid= value (help). doi:10.1016/j.jep.2020.113451. 
  6. ↑ Chandrasekhar, K.; Kapoor, J.; Anishetty, S. (2012). "A prospective, randomized double-blind, placebo-controlled study of safety and efficacy of a high-concentration full-spectrum extract of Ashwagandha root in reducing stress and anxiety in adults". Indian Journal of Psychological Medicine. 34 (3): 255–262. PMC 3573577 Freely accessible. PMID 23439798. doi:10.4103/0253-7176.106022. 
  7. ↑ Ambiye, V.R.; Langade, D.; Dongre, S.; Apte, S.; Joshi, K. (2013). "Clinical evaluation of the spermatogenic activity of the root extract of Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera) in oligospermic males: a pilot study". Evidence-Based Complementary and Alternative Medicine. 2013: 571420. PMC 3863556 Freely accessible. PMID 24284701. doi:10.1155/2013/571420. 
  8. ↑ Wankhede, S.; Langade, D.; Joshi, K.; Thakurdesai, P.A. (2015). "Examining the effect of Withania somnifera supplementation on muscle strength and recovery: a randomized controlled trial". Journal of the International Society of Sports Nutrition. 12: 23. PMC 4658772 Freely accessible. PMID 26009251. doi:10.1186/s12970-015-0104-9. 
  9. ↑ "Withania somnifera (Ashwagandha) Monograph". HerbRally. Retrieved 2026-03-16. 
  10. ↑ Speers, A.B.; Cabey, K.A.; Souza, M.J.; Spencer, E.A. (2021). "Effects of Withania somnifera (Ashwagandha) on stress and the stress-related neuropsychiatric disorders anxiety, depression, and insomnia". Current Neuropharmacology. 20 (7): 1–17. doi:10.2174/1570159X19666210813150419.  
 This article is under development...
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