Therapeutic Use Of Indian Winter Cherry (Ashwagandha)

Ashwagandha is one of the most important herbs in Ayurveda, which is a traditional form of alternative medicine based on Indian principles of natural healing. Ashwagandha is a small, woody shrub in the Solanaceae family that grows about two feet in height.

- J. Selvi, T. Umamaheswari, E. Subramanian, S. Saravanan and S.Krishnakumars

It can be found growing in Africa, the Mediterranean, and India. As a result of this wide growing range, there are considerable morphological and chemotypical variations in terms of local species. However, the primary alkaloids of both the wild and the cultivated species appear to be the same. The roots are the main portion of the plant used therapeutically. The bright red fruit is harvested in the late fall and seeds are dried for planting in the following spring. The berries have been shown to have an emetic effect.

Classification of the Plant

• Scientific Name: Withania Somnifera (Dunal)

• Family: Solanaceae (Nightshade family)

• Genus: Withania

• Species: Somnifera

• Indian names: Ashwagandha ("horse smell" in Sanskrit)

• Hindi Name: Kanaje

• Tamil Name: Amukkara

• English name: Winter Cherry; Indian Ginseng.

Withania somnifera, also known as ashwagandha, Indian ginseng, and winter cherry, has been an important herb in the Ayurvedic and indigenous medical systems for over 3000 years. Historically, the plant has been used as an aphrodisiac, liver tonic, anti-inflammatory agent, astringent, and more recently to treat bronchitis, asthma, ulcers, emaciation, insomnia, and senile dementia.

Clinical trials and animal research support the use of ashwaganda for anxiety, cognitive and neurological disorders, inflammation, and Parkinson's disease. Ashwaganda's chemopreventive properties make it a potentially useful adjunct for patients undergoing radiation and chemotherapy. Ashwaganda is also used therapeutically as an adaptogen for patients with nervous exhaustion, insomnia, and debility due to stress, and as an immune stimulant in patients with low white blood cell counts.

Active Constituents