WITHANIA SOMNIFERA

 WITHANIA SOMNIFERA [Winter Cherry, Indian Ginseng]

Tam: Amukkirakizhangu, Mal:Amukkram, [Telugu, Kannada, Hin:Ashwagandha ]The plant is short, shrubby growing to about 2  -2 1/2 ft with dull green leaves.

Ashwagandha is popular all over India in Siddha and Ayurvedic medicines , especially the root powder , believed to be conferring horse-like power and thus the name ‘Aswa’gandha.

A group of Triterpene lactones named ‘Withanolides’form the major phytochemical constituent. It includes alkaloids, Withaferin A , Tropine, Steroidal lactones. The popular name  ‘Indian Ginseng’ is largely due to Withanolides that are structurally close to Ginsenosides of Panax ginseng .                                                                             W.somnifera is said to relieve strains and stress –physical/ mental, promoting better sleep , recovery of strength and vitality.

Improved testosterone levels amplifying male fertility are said to be benefits from W.somnifera hence it is  considered a good aphrodisiac

Promoting muscular strength and endurance are effects of aswagandha that are advantageous to athletes.

Aswagandha is said to induce sleep and helps overall immunity by sleep. Thus the species name ‘somnifera’ defines the sleep promoting help by  W.somnifera.

Ashwagandha is also said to improve memory and cognitive skills.

No wonder aswagandha has a wide appeal for its medicinal value.