Constituents and uses of Ashwagandha, Withania somnifera
Main Constituents
Ashwagandha root contains flavonoids and many active ingredients of the
withanolide class. The distinctive earthy odor and flavor of Ashwagandha
is due to the presence of certain steroidal lactones or Withanolides.
These molecules which are steroidal in nature are believed to account for
the multiple medicinal applications of Ashwagandha.
Other major Alkaloids: Somniferine, somnine, somniferinine, withananine,
pseudo-withanine, tropino, pseudotropine, choline, cuscohygrine,
isolettetierine, anaferine, anahydrine, 3-alpha-gloyloxy tropane, etc.
Uses
- Ashwagandha is used as a general tonic and "adaptogen",
helping the body adapt to stress. There is an herb regarded as a 1st
class adaptogenic tonic in one of the world's greatest herbal medical
systems.
- Ashwagandha is one of the most widespread tranquillizers used in
India.
- Ashwagandha has been shown to possess antioxidant activity as well as
an ability to support a healthy immune system.
- It has the ability to increase vitality, energy, endurance and
stamina, promote longevity and strengthen the immune system without
stimulating the body's reserves.
- It has the ability to nurture the nervous system, counteract anxiety
and stress to promote a calm state of mind.
- Ashwagandha is also anti-inflammatory, anti-arthritic, anti-anxiety
calmative, anti tussive (alleviating coughs), aphrodisiac, and sedative
and as an overall rejuvenate.
- Ashwagandha is also useful for strengthening the female reproductive
system. It potentate reproductive hormones.
- Because the primary quality and flavor of Ashwagandha is sharp and
pungent, it helps in raising metabolism, stimulates digestion, clears
mucus, and improves circulation.
- It is used as a Kidney tonic because of its warming, aphrodisiac
properties.
- It is used for tumors, inflammation (including arthritis), and a wide
range of infectious diseases.
- Large doses of Ashwagandha may possess abortifacient properties so
that it should not be taken drink pregnancy unless under the direction
of an experienced health professional. - Seeds possess the property of
coagulating milk, but they also contain poisonous properties. Leaves and
root are narcotic. Root is diuretic and deobstruent, tonic, alterative
and aphrodisiac.
- The seeds are used to curdle plant milks in order to make vegetarian
cheeses
- The bitter leaves are used as a hypnotic in the treatment of
alcoholism and to relax the spasms of the lungs for the treatment of
asthma and emphysema.
- Ashwagandha is frequently a constituent of Ayurvedic formulas,
including a relatively common one known as shilajit.