Ashwagandha – Withania Somnifera Health Benefits, Medicinal Uses, Chemical Constituents

जीवेत शरदः शतं//_{(Rig Veda 10/3)}

“May you live up to a hundred years, to be able to see the variegated hues of a hundred autumn”- Rig Veda

Longevity is a concept that holds a lot of significance in Indian System of Medicine. In Ayurveda, maintaining the health of a healthy person is the prime aim, followed by curing the diseased. For the same reason, Rasayana Chikitsa is branched as a separate and complete entity, for enhancing and rejuvenating health.

Rasayana Chikitsa in Ayurveda primarily focuses on ensuring a long life, without the tribulations of old age. It also works on improving memory power, boosting the immunity and enhancing vitality and virility. There are several modalities in administering Rasayana treatments. It varies from simple formulations that are administered internally for a specific time span, to complex treatment procedures that are performed externally on the body.

The Acharyas (the pioneers of Ayurveda) have mentioned a considerable number of herbal and herbo-mineral formulations, under the context of Rasayana chikitsa. Modern researchers have proven that the herbs used in these formulations are powerful enough to treat fatal diseases like cancer, Alzheimers disease and other auto-immune disorders².

Ashwagandha ( अश्वगन्धा)

Ashwagandha or Indian Ginseng is a herb that is commonly used in Ayurveda and Siddha medicine. It is a good rejuvenating herb and is known to increase the potency. The name has its origin in Sanskrit language and is a combination of two terms, Ashwa meaning horse, and gandha meaning smell. The roots of the herb are known to emit a foul smell similar to the smell of a horse, hence the name. Some others opine that because it gives strength and virility like that of a horse, it is termed as Ashwagandha. However, there are no controversies on the therapeutic effects of Ashwagandha.

Therapeutic attributes or Rasa Panchaka:

Medicinal Uses:

Ashwagandha is effective in regulating male hormones and increasing the semen².It also controls all types of erectile-dysfunction³ and is a good aphrodisiac both for males and females^4. Researchers have proved that it is helpful in cancer (anti-carcinogenic^5), brain tumour⁶ and has an anti-oxidant property. Moreover, it is a good sleep inducing as well as stress busting drug due to its adaptogenic⁷ property. It is also effective in neurological disorders and psychological conditions. It is an important ingredient in medicines treating insanity( especially Schizophrenia).

It restores strength and tone to the muscles⁸, thereby aiding the aged. Hence it is an inevitable Rasayana drug. Since there are no side effects, it can be easily administered to children (by a physician), for better cognitive capacity and also to increase their productivity.  There are references in Ayurvedic scriptures, regarding the safe administration of preparations containing Ashwagandha during pregnancy, as it imparts strength to the mother and child. The herb is so powerful that its therapeutic use ranges from being used as a simple massage oil for toddlers and infants, to treating people who are paralyzed and bed ridden.

Chemical constituents:
Steroidal lactones  (withanolides), alkaloids and Saponins.

Commonly used formulations containing Ashwagandha:

1) Ashwagandhadi lehyam

2) Ashwagandharishtam

3) Balaashwagandhadi tailam

4) Ashwagandhadi choornam etc

 Home remedies:

1) The powder of Ashwagandha is made into a paste along with pepper and Jaggery. This is then mixed with ghee and given to children and also those who are severely emaciated.

2) A tablespoon of powdered Ashwagandha and nutmeg with one cup of milk and a teaspoon of sugar can be given for better sleep.

Disclaimer

We have tried to provide the essence of the Vedas and Ayurveda Scriptures by interpreting the meaning of the text in English through research & investigation. We have used the modern terminologies & technical words of the latest science to give the readers a better understanding and assimilation. If found any errors, kindly bear with us & help us rectify.

Kindly request you not to get into self-medication with minimal knowledge, always consult a physician before any medication.

Sources and References.

1) Sushrutha Samhita, Charaka Samhita and Ashtanga Hridaya

2) Clinical Evaluation of the Spermatogenic Activity of the Root Extract of Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera) in Oligospermic Males: A Pilot Study by Vijay R. Ambiye, Deepak Langade, Swati Dongre, Pradnya Aptikar,Madhura Kulkarni, and Atul Dongre.

3) Efficacy ofAshwagandha (Withania somnifera  Linn.) in the management of psychogenic erectile dysfunction Authors  Prasad Mamidi, AB Thakar

4) Efficacy and Safety of Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera) Root Extract in Improving Sexual Function in Women. By Swati Dongre,  Deepak Langade,   and Sauvik Bhattacharyya 

5) Selective Killing of Cancer Cells by Leaf Extract of Ashwagandha: Identification of a Tumor-Inhibitory Factor and the First Molecular Insights to Its Effect.

By  Nashi Widodo Kamaljit Kaur, Bhupal G. Shrestha, Yasuomi Takagi, Tetsuro Ishii, Renu Wadhwa, and Sunil C. Kaul

6) Withaferin A and its potential role in glioblastoma (GBM). Dhami J, Chang E, Gambhir SS.

7) a) Therapeutic uses of Withania  somnifera(Ashwagandha) with a note on Withanolides and its Pharmocological Actions by Sitansu Kumar Verma and Ajay Kumar

b) Adaptogenic properties of six rasayana herbs used in Ayurvedic medicine  by Rege NN, Thatte UM, Dahanukar SA

8) Examining the effect of Withania somnifera supplementation on muscle strength and recovery: a randomized controlled trial by Sachin Wankhede,Deepak Langade,Kedar Joshi,Shymal R. Sinha andSauvik Bhattacharyya.

9) Dravya guna Vijnana by Prof D.S. Lucas.