Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera)

Usage and Class of Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera)

For centuries Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera) was known as a natural remedy. An evergreen shrub was widely grown in India and other Eastern countries. The name somnifera means "sleep-inducing" and indicates its sedating properties. All the parts of the plant are extremely useful and have anaesthetic, emetic, anti-pediculosis and other properties. Some experts refer to Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera) as Indian ginseng, since ayurvedic medicine treats it similar to ginseng in Chinese traditional medicine. The main constituents of Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera) are alkaloids and steroidal lactones.

From its root Ayurvedic healers have leant to make Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera) with numerous beneficial functions (for example, it is considered to be a very effective adaptogen). Ayurvedic system also uses Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera) as aphrodisiacs, diuretics and for treating memory loss. Africans and Native Americans and Africans value the plant highly due to its possibility to stimulate our immune system, to normalize physiological function, to struggle inflammation and fever.

Modern medicine has studied numerous effects of Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera) in animals reporting of its anti-carcinogenic property and confirming some other properties that are attributed to it. Nevertheless, no clinical data are available by now as for treating any condition with Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera) in people.

Dosage and Taking of Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera)

Numerous studies and tests that have been conducted contain no conclusions as for correct dosage of Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera).

Safety Info for Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera)

There are no listed side effects for Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera) in people. In case of pregnancy and pbreast-feeding Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera) should be avoided because of its abortive effect. A study on its effects on rats found abnormal increases in catecholamine content in their hearts and adrenal glands.