Ashwagandha: Difference between revisions
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'''Ashwagandha''' ( | '''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.<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 | ||
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|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 = | |data4 = 2026 | ||
|label5 = Publisher | |label5 = Publisher | ||
|data5 = [[Charak Samhita Research, Training and Skill Development Centre]] | |data5 = [[Charak Samhita Research, Training and Skill Development Centre]] | ||
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}} | }} | ||
==English name== | ==English name== | ||
'''Indian ginseng''' or '''winter cherry''' | |||
==Synonyms | ==Synonyms == | ||
Ashwagandha, Wajigandha, Varahakarni | |||
== Ayurvedic pharmacological properties == | == Ayurvedic pharmacological properties == | ||
* '''Rasa''' (taste): Madhura (sweet), tikta (bitter) | * '''Rasa''' (taste): Madhura (sweet), tikta (bitter) | ||
* '''Guna''' (properties): Snigdha (unctuous), guru (heavy) | * '''Guna''' (properties): Snigdha (unctuous), guru (heavy to digest) | ||
* '''Virya''' (potency): Ushna (hot) | * '''Virya''' (potency): Ushna (hot) | ||
* '''Vipaka''' (post-digestive effect): Madhura | * '''Vipaka''' (post-digestive effect): Madhura | ||
* '''Dosha Effect''': Primarily balances [[Vata dosha|vata]], secondarily kapha; aggravates pitta in excess. | * '''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> | * '''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== | ==Description== | ||
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==Safety== | ==Safety== | ||
Generally safe (GRAS status); rare GI upset, drowsiness. Contraindicated in hyperthyroidism, pregnancy (uterine stimulant), 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> | 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== | ==Research== | ||
Over 100 clinical trials support adaptogenic effects; NIH-funded studies 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> | 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 == | |||
Available | |||
== Exzternal links == | |||
[https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Withania_somnifera Withania Somnifera] | |||
==References== | ==References== | ||
{{reflist}} | {{reflist}} | ||
[[Category: Database of herbs and minerals | Herbs]] | |||
[[Category:Ayurvedic medicines]] | [[Category:Ayurvedic medicines]] | ||
[[Category:Adaptogens]] | [[Category:Adaptogens]] | ||
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[[Category:Medicinal plants of Asia]] | [[Category:Medicinal plants of Asia]] | ||
This article is under development .. | This article is under development .. | ||