Ashwagandha
Withania somnifera
Key Facts
- Scientific Name
- Withania somnifera
- Plant Family
- Solanaceae (Nightshade family)
- Origin
- Native to India, North Africa, and the Mediterranean
- Primary Use
- Stress & Adaptogen
Overview
Ashwagandha, also known as Indian ginseng or winter cherry, is an evergreen shrub in the Solanaceae family. It is a cornerstone of Ayurvedic medicine, classified as a Rasayana herb for promoting health and longevity.
Traditional Uses
A key Rasayana herb in Ayurveda for over 3,000 years, traditionally used for rejuvenation, vitality, longevity, and to calm the nerves (Vataroga). The name 'somnifera' reflects its traditional use for sleep.
Active Compounds
Steroidal lactones known as withanolides (withaferin A, withanolide A), alkaloids (withanine, somniferine), saponins, and flavonoids.
Potential Benefits — Unverified Summary
Proven to reduce stress, anxiety, and cortisol levels. Research also supports improvements in sleep quality, cognitive function, physical performance, and male fertility/sperm quality.
Safety & Side Effects
Generally safe for up to 3 months. Avoid during pregnancy (potential abortifacient). May interact with thyroid (increases hormones), blood pressure, diabetes, and sedative medications. Use caution with liver disease or stomach ulcers. Stop 2 weeks before surgery.
When to See a Doctor
Seek immediate medical attention if you experience:
- Severe allergic reactions (difficulty breathing, swelling of face or throat, severe rash)
- Chest pain or irregular heartbeat
- Severe digestive issues (persistent vomiting, bloody stools)
- Severe headache or dizziness
- Any symptoms that worsen or do not improve
Always consult a healthcare professional before using herbal supplements if you:
- Are pregnant, nursing, or planning to become pregnant
- Are taking prescription medications
- Have a chronic health condition
- Are scheduled for surgery
- Are giving herbs to children
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Ashwagandha used for?
Proven to reduce stress, anxiety, and cortisol levels. Research also supports improvements in sleep quality, cognitive function, physical performance, and male fertility/sperm quality.
Is Ashwagandha safe?
Generally safe for up to 3 months. Avoid during pregnancy (potential abortifacient). May interact with thyroid (increases hormones), blood pressure, diabetes, and sedative medications. Use caution with liver disease or stomach ulcers. Stop 2 weeks before surgery.
What are the active compounds in Ashwagandha?
Steroidal lactones known as withanolides (withaferin A, withanolide A), alkaloids (withanine, somniferine), saponins, and flavonoids.
What is the scientific name of Ashwagandha?
The scientific name of Ashwagandha is Withania somnifera.
What are the traditional uses of Ashwagandha?
A key Rasayana herb in Ayurveda for over 3,000 years, traditionally used for rejuvenation, vitality, longevity, and to calm the nerves (Vataroga). The name 'somnifera' reflects its traditional use for sleep.
When should I see a doctor when using Ashwagandha?
Always consult a qualified healthcare professional before using Ashwagandha or any herbal supplement, especially if you are pregnant, nursing, taking prescription medications, have a chronic health condition, or are scheduled for surgery. Seek immediate medical attention if you experience severe allergic reactions, chest pain, irregular heartbeat, severe digestive issues, or any symptoms that worsen or do not improve. This information is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice.
Source Records — Verification Pending
These identifiers were recorded in the original dataset. They are not complete citations or evidence that the claims above have been checked.
- ANSES-2024
- Frontiers-2024
- NCCIH-Ashwagandha-2025
- Wikipedia-Withania-somnifera