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Withania somnifera
'''Ashwagandha''' ({{lang-sa|अश्वगंधा}} ''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
|title = Ashwagandha
|title = Ashwagandha
Line 20: Line 21:
==Synonyms in Charak Samhita==
==Synonyms in Charak Samhita==
Ashwagandha
Ashwagandha
== Ayurvedic pharmacological properties ==
* '''Rasa''' (taste): Madhura (sweet), tikta (bitter)
* '''Guna''' (properties): Snigdha (unctuous), guru (heavy)
* '''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 ==
==Reference in Charak Samhita and its actions ==
Line 30: Line 51:
|-
|-
|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
|Ca.Sa. Chikitsa Sthana 27/43
|As an ingredient  of Kusthadi Taila
|As an ingredient  of Kushthadi Taila
|-
|-
|15
|15
|Ca.Sa. Chi.22/50
|Ca.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
|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 ==
===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)
Properties
|'''Sr.no.'''
|'''Pharmacological criteria'''
|'''Properties'''
|-
|-
|1
|Churna (powder)||3–6 g BID||Warm milk/ghee
|Taste (rasa)
|Bitter (tikta), Pungent (katu) and Sweet (madhura)
|-
|2
|Potency (veerya)
|Hot (ushna)
|-
|3
|Post digestion effect (vipaka)
|Sweet (madhura)
|-
|-
|4
|Ghrita||5–10 g/day||As prescribed
|Qualities (guna)
|Light (laghu), Unctous (snigdha)
|-
|-
|5
|Extract capsules||300–600 mg/day||Water
|Actions (karma)
|Pacify Kapha and Pitta
|}
|}
==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>
==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>
==References==
{{reflist}}
[[Category:Ayurvedic medicines]]
[[Category:Adaptogens]]
[[Category:Withania]]
[[Category:Medicinal plants of Asia]]


==Current availability ==
==Current availability ==
Available
Available
==Current researches ==
==Current researches ==
[[Category: Database of herbs and minerals | Herbs]]
[[Category: Database of herbs and minerals | Herbs]]
   This article is under development ..
   This article is under development ..

Revision as of 06:15, 16 March 2026

Ashwagandha (Template:Lang-sa 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
Contributors --
Year of publication 2023
Publisher Charak Samhita Research, Training and Skill Development Centre
DOI Awaited

English name

--

Synonyms in Charak Samhita

Ashwagandha


Ayurvedic pharmacological properties

  • Rasa (taste): Madhura (sweet), tikta (bitter)
  • Guna (properties): Snigdha (unctuous), guru (heavy)
  • 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 Ca.Sa. Chikitsa Sthana 27/43 As an ingredient of Kushthadi Taila
15 Ca.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

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), nightshade allergy. LD50 >2 g/kg in rodents.[9]

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).[10]


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. 

Current availability

Available

Current researches

 This article is under development ..
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