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General Information

Common Name:
Ashwagandha

Latin Name:

 Withania somnifera dunal
Other Names:

Ashwaganda

Indian Ginseng

Winter Cherry

Withania

Indications & Historical Uses
Ashwaganda is often referred to as Ayurvedic Ginseng. It has been used for more than two thousand years in the Eastern systems of healing, especially in India in Ayurvedic medicine. Historically, Ashwaganda has been used for the following:

1.

As an adaptogen and antistress remedy.

2.

For improving sexual energy.

3.

As a diuretic.

4.

Treatment of specific ailments like bronchitis, arthritis, tuberculosis.

5.

As topical formulation in treatment of skin ulceration and swelling Western herbalists refer to Ashwaganda as Indian ginseng. In today's herbal medicine it is commonly used as an adaptogen, a relaxant and to improve sexual energy.
Contraindications & Precautions

None Known (See Caution).
Dosage Information

How Supplied:

 Capsules: 100-150mg

Dosage:

 100-300mg daily
Pharmacology

Ashwaganha contains, amongst other substances, an essential oil (Ipuranol) and a crystalline alkaloid (Withania) and a number of steroidal lactones commonly known as Withanolides.

In addition to its adaptogenic and sedative properties ,it has also been used as an anti-inflammatory and its properties are comparable to the anti-inflammatory properties of hydrocortisone.

The plant's cancer fighting potential has been a subject of intense research. Selected doses of withaferin A have inhibited tumour growth and increased survival in laboratory mice. Rodent studies have also shown that extracts of Ashwaganda can counter inflammation.

Active Ingredients:

Ipuranol

Withania

Steroidal lactones (withanolides)

Enhancing Agents:

Gingko

Tribulus Terrestris

Origin

It is a small evergreen undershrub found in drier parts of India, Mediterranean and the Middle East. It bears showy greenish or yellow flowers. Dried roots, fruits (berries) and oval leaves are used medicinally.
Processing

Extract is prepared from the root, leaves and berries. Standardized extract should contain 2-5mg of withanolides.
Scientific References

A.C. Sharad et al., Acta Oncologica, 35(1) (1996): 95-100.

P.U. Devi et al., Cancer Letters, 95(1-2) (1995): 189-193.

P.V. Devi et al., Indian Journal of Experimental Biology, 30(3) (1992): 169-172.

· S.K. Chakraborti et al., Experentia, 30(8) (1974): 852-53.

R.Fontaine and A.Erdoes ,Planta Medica, 30 (1976) :242.

S.K. Bhattacharya ,Phytotherapy Research ,1(1)(198732-37. H.Wagner et al Zeitschrift fur Phytotherapie ,13(1992):42-45.

S.Sudhir et al, Planta Medica,1 (1986):61-63.

S.N.Arseculeratne et al ,Journal of Ethnopharmacology,13(3) (1985) :323-35.
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