Ashwagandha
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]
| 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
| 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
References
- ↑ 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
Check |pmc=value (help). PMID 33831467 Check|pmid=value (help). doi:10.1016/j.jep.2021.113907. - ↑ 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.
- ↑ Sharma, P.V. (2014). Charaka Samhita. Varanasi: Chaukhamba Orientalia. ISBN 978-8176371432 Check
|isbn=value: checksum (help). - ↑ 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.
- ↑ 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. - ↑ 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 . PMID 23439798. doi:10.4103/0253-7176.106022.
- ↑ 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 . PMID 24284701. doi:10.1155/2013/571420.
- ↑ 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 . PMID 26009251. doi:10.1186/s12970-015-0104-9.
- ↑ "Withania somnifera (Ashwagandha) Monograph". HerbRally. Retrieved 2026-03-16.
- ↑ 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.
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