Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera) |
Withania somnifera, commonly known as
Ashwagandha, Winter Cherry, Indian Ginseng or Poison Gooseberry is a
member of the Solanaceae (nightshade) family. It is said to be one of
the most powerful herbs that has been used for more than 3000 years in
Ayurvedic system of medicine for curing various health ailments.
In Sanskrit, 'Ashwagandha' means 'horse
smell', probably due to the odour of its root which gives out the smell of that
of a horse. This small perennial plant is a native to India, Pakistan,
Srilanka and Bangladesh. Its useful parts are seeds, roots and the
leaves.
The herb is characterized by the presence of alkaloids and withanoloids which impart its pharmacological and therapeutic properties.Ashwagandha roots are reported to contain more than 30 steroidal lactones and about 20 alkaloids. Many of the chemical constituents have been investigated for different biological activities.
The herb is bitter in taste, germicidal, aphrodisiac and diuretic. It is one of the well known valuable herbs reputed to cure cough, fever, ulcers, dropsy, impotency, insomnia, rheumatism, leukoderma and toxicosis. It is also known to increase physical endurance and improve nerve function. It is also known to regenerate the hormonal system and promote healing of tissues. Also, Ashwagandha is known inhibit the aging process and is prescribed in all general debilities.
Ashwagandha is also known as Winter Cherry |