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==Phytochemistry==
==Phytochemistry==
The main [[phytochemistry|phytochemical]] constituents of ''W. somnifera'' are [[withanolide]]s, a group of [[triterpene]] [[lactone]]s that include [[withaferin A]], [[alkaloid]]s, [[steroid]]al [[lactone]]s, [[tropine]], and [[cuscohygrine]].<ref name=drugs/> Forty withanolides, twelve alkaloids, and various sitoindosides have been isolated from this plant species.<ref name=drugs/><ref name=":0">{{Cite journal |last=Gómez Afonso |first=Adrián |last2=Fernandez-Lazaro |first2=Diego |last3=Adams |first3=David P. |last4=Monserdà-Vilaró |first4=Aniol |last5=Fernandez-Lazaro |first5=Cesar I. |date=2023-07-10 |title=Effects of Withania somnifera (Ashwagandha) on Hematological and Biochemical Markers, Hormonal Behavior, and Oxidant Response in Healthy Adults: A Systematic Review |url=https://link.springer.com/10.1007/s13668-023-00481-0 |journal=Current Nutrition Reports |language=en |volume=12 |issue=3 |pages=465–477 |doi=10.1007/s13668-023-00481-0 |issn=2161-3311 |pmc=PMC10444651 |pmid=37428341}}</ref> Because these withanolides are structurally similar to the [[ginsenoside]]s of ''[[Panax ginseng]]'', ''W. somnifera'' is commonly referred to as "Indian ginseng".<ref name=drugs/>
The main [[phytochemistry|phytochemical]] constituents of ''W. somnifera'' are [[withanolide]]s, a group of [[triterpene]] [[lactone]]s that include [[withaferin A]], [[alkaloid]]s, [[steroid]]al [[lactone]]s, [[tropine]], and [[cuscohygrine]].<ref name=drugs/> Forty withanolides, twelve alkaloids, and various sitoindosides have been isolated from this plant species.<ref name=drugs/><ref name=":0">{{Cite journal |last=Gómez Afonso |first=Adrián |last2=Fernandez-Lazaro |first2=Diego |last3=Adams |first3=David P. |last4=Monserdà-Vilaró |first4=Aniol |last5=Fernandez-Lazaro |first5=Cesar I. |date=2023-07-10 |title=Effects of ''Withania somnifera'' (Ashwagandha) on Hematological and Biochemical Markers, Hormonal Behavior, and Oxidant Response in Healthy Adults: A Systematic Review|journal=Current Nutrition Reports |language=en |volume=12 |issue=3 |pages=465–477 |doi=10.1007/s13668-023-00481-0 |issn=2161-3311 |pmc=10444651 |pmid=37428341}}</ref> Because these withanolides are structurally similar to the [[ginsenoside]]s of ''[[Panax ginseng]]'', ''W. somnifera'' is commonly referred to as "Indian ginseng".<ref name=drugs/>

==Uses==
Though research is limited, ''Withania somnifera'' has been used to treat behavior issues such as anxiety and stress as well as male infertility. <ref>{{Cite journal |last=Ahmadian |first=Mohammad |last2=Salari |first2=Roshanak |last3=Noras |first3=Mohammad Reza |last4=Bahrami-Taghanaki |first4=Hamid Reza |date=November 2022 |title=Herbal Medicines for Idiopathic Male Infertility: A Systematic Review |url=https://www.eurekaselect.com/207800/article |journal=Current Drug Discovery Technologies |language=en |volume=19 |issue=6 |doi=10.2174/1570163819666220820122101}}</ref><ref>{{Cite journal |last=Akhgarjand |first=Camellia |last2=Asoudeh |first2=Farzaneh |last3=Bagheri |first3=Amir |last4=Kalantar |first4=Zahra |last5=Vahabi |first5=Zahra |last6=Shab‐bidar |first6=Sakineh |last7=Rezvani |first7=Hamid |last8=Djafarian |first8=Kurosh |date=2022-11 |title=Does Ashwagandha supplementation have a beneficial effect on the management of anxiety and stress? A systematic review and meta‐analysis of randomized controlled trials |url=https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1002/ptr.7598 |journal=Phytotherapy Research |language=en |volume=36 |issue=11 |pages=4115–4124 |doi=10.1002/ptr.7598 |issn=0951-418X}}</ref> Additional studies are being conducted on the impact of ''Withania somnifera'' on Type 2 Diabetes, but there have been limited studies conducted on humans regarding this potential use. <ref>{{Cite journal |last=Durg |first=Sharanbasappa |last2=Bavage |first2=Sachin |last3=Shivaram |first3=Shivakumar B. |date=2020-01-23 |title=<scp><i>Withania somnifera</i></scp> (Indian ginseng) in diabetes mellitus: A systematic review and meta‐analysis of scientific evidence from experimental research to clinical application |url=https://doi-org.ezproxylr.med.und.edu/10.1002/ptr.6589 |journal=Phytotherapy Research |volume=34 |issue=5 |pages=1041–1059 |doi=10.1002/ptr.6589 |issn=0951-418X}}</ref>


==Research==
==Research==
Limited, low-quality clinical studies have found that supplementation with various ashwagandha [[extract]]s may decrease perceived [[Stress (biology)|stress]] and [[anxiety]], and improve sleep.<ref name="drugs" /><ref name="mlp" /><ref name="ods">{{Cite web |title=Ashwagandha: Is it helpful for stress, anxiety, or sleep? |date=24 October 2023 |url=https://ods.od.nih.gov/factsheets/Ashwagandha-HealthProfessional/ |access-date=4 April 2024 |publisher=Office of Dietary Supplements, US National Institutes of Health |language=en}}</ref> In 2023, a systematic review of nine other published articles concluded that using ''Withania somnifera'' for 30 to 112 days did seem to lower cortisol levels which resulted in stress reduction. However, this it is still not known how this could impact adrenal function and hormone levels. <ref>{{Cite journal |last=Della Porta |first=Matteo |last2=Maier |first2=Jeanette A. |last3=Cazzola |first3=Roberta |date=2023-12-05 |title=Effects of Withania somnifera on Cortisol Levels in Stressed Human Subjects: A Systematic Review |url=https://www.mdpi.com/2072-6643/15/24/5015 |journal=Nutrients |language=en |volume=15 |issue=24 |pages=5015 |doi=10.3390/nu15245015 |issn=2072-6643 |pmc=PMC10745833 |pmid=38140274}}</ref> Another 2023 systematic review included ten prior studies which varied in dose from 240 mg to 1,250 mg and duration ranging from two weeks to six months.<ref name=":0" /> Because the studies used different extract preparations, durations of use, doses, and types of subjects, it remains undetermined how ashwagandha may have beneficial effects, as of 2023.<ref name="drugs" /><ref name="mlp" /><ref name="ods" />
Limited, low-quality clinical studies have found that supplementation with various ashwagandha [[extract]]s may decrease perceived [[Stress (biology)|stress]] and [[anxiety]], and improve sleep.<ref name="drugs" /><ref name="mlp" /><ref name="ods">{{Cite web |title=Ashwagandha: Is it helpful for stress, anxiety, or sleep? |date=24 October 2023 |url=https://ods.od.nih.gov/factsheets/Ashwagandha-HealthProfessional/ |access-date=4 April 2024 |publisher=Office of Dietary Supplements, US National Institutes of Health |language=en}}</ref> Because the studies used different extract preparations, durations of use, doses, and types of subjects, it remains undetermined how ashwagandha may have effects in people, as of 2023.<ref name="drugs" /><ref name="mlp" /><ref name="ods" />


== Adverse effects ==
== Adverse effects ==
''W. somnifera'' may cause [[adverse effect]]s if taken alone or together with [[prescription drug]]s.<ref name="drugs" /><ref name="mlp" /><ref name="mskcc">{{cite web|title=Ashwagandha|url=https://www.mskcc.org/cancer-care/integrative-medicine/herbs/ashwagandha|publisher=Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center|access-date=4 April 2024 |date=21 March 2023}}</ref> A review of 30 clinical trials found that use of ''W. somnifera'' may cause problems with sleep, blurred vision, digestive/stomach pain, dry mouth, vertigo, and more.<ref>{{Cite journal |last=Tandon |first=N. and Yadav, SS |date=2020 |title=Safety and clinical efectiveness of Withania somnifera (Linn.) Dunal root in human ailments |url= |journal=J Ethnopharmacol |volume=255 |issue=112768 |via=Science Direct}}</ref> The most common side effects include [[diarrhea]], headache, [[sedation]], or [[nausea]], and the product should not be used during pregnancy or breastfeeding.<ref name="mlp" /><ref name="mskcc"/> Ashwagandha may interact with cancer medications.<ref name=mskcc/>
''W. somnifera'' may cause [[adverse effect]]s if taken alone or together with [[prescription drug]]s.<ref name="drugs" /><ref name="mlp" /><ref name="mskcc">{{cite web|title=Ashwagandha|url=https://www.mskcc.org/cancer-care/integrative-medicine/herbs/ashwagandha|publisher=Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center|access-date=4 April 2024 |date=21 March 2023}}</ref> A review of 30 clinical trials found that use of ''W. somnifera'' may cause problems with sleep, blurred vision, stomach pain, dry mouth, vertigo, among others.<ref name="tandon">{{cite journal |vauthors=Tandon N, Yadav SS |title=Safety and clinical effectiveness of ''Withania somnifera'' (Linn.) dunal root in human ailments |journal=Journal of Ethnopharmacology |volume=255 |issue= |pages=112768 |date=June 2020 |pmid=32201301 |doi=10.1016/j.jep.2020.112768}}</ref> The most common side effects include [[diarrhea]], headache, [[sedation]], or [[nausea]], and the product should not be used during pregnancy or breastfeeding.<ref name="mlp" /><ref name="mskcc"/> Ashwagandha may interact with cancer medications.<ref name=mskcc/>


== Gallery ==
== Gallery ==

Revision as of 20:53, 24 April 2024

Withania somnifera
Scientific classification Edit this classification
Kingdom: Plantae
Clade: Tracheophytes
Clade: Angiosperms
Clade: Eudicots
Clade: Asterids
Order: Solanales
Family: Solanaceae
Genus: Withania
Species:
W. somnifera
Binomial name
Withania somnifera
Synonyms[1]
  • Alicabon somniferum (L.) Raf.
  • Larnax morrisonii (Dunal) Miers
  • Physalis alpini J.Jacq.
  • Physalis flexuosa L.
  • Physalis scariosa Webb & Berthel.
  • Physalis somnifera L.
  • Physaloides somnifera (L.) Moench
  • Withania arborescens Dunal
  • Withania chevalieri A.E.Gonç.
  • Withania kansuensis Kuang & A. M. Lu
  • Withania microphysalis Suess
  • Withania morisonii Dunal
  • Withania mucronata Chiov.
  • Withania obtusifolia Täckh.
  • Withania sicula Lojac.
Flower

Withania somnifera, known commonly as ashwagandha or winter cherry,[2][3][4] is an evergreen shrub in the Solanaceae or nightshade family that grows in India, the Middle East, and parts of Africa. Several other species in the genus Withania are morphologically similar.[3]

The plant, particularly its root powder, has been used for centuries in traditional Indian medicine.[5] Although used in herbal medicine and sold as a dietary supplement, there is insufficient scientific evidence that W. somnifera is safe or effective for treating any health condition or disease.[3][4]

Description

This species is a short shrub growing 35–75 cm (14–30 in) tall. Tomentose branches extend radially from a central stem. Leaves are dull green, elliptic, usually up to 10–12 cm (3.9–4.7 in) long. The flowers are small, green and bell-shaped. The ripe fruit is orange-red.[3]

Etymology

The Latin species name somnifera means "sleep-inducing".[6] The name "ashwagandha" is a combination of the Sanskrit words 'ashva', meaning horse, and 'gandha', meaning smell, reflecting that the root has a strong horse-like odor.[3]

Cultivation

W. somnifera is cultivated in many of the drier regions of India. It is also found in Nepal, Sri Lanka, China, and Yemen.[7][8] It prefers dry stony soil with sun to partial shade. It can be propagated from seeds in the early spring or from greenwood cuttings in the later spring.[9]

Diseases and pests

Withania somnifera is prone to several pests and diseases. Leaf spot disease caused by Alternaria alternata is the most prevalent disease, which occurs in a severe form in Punjab, Haryana, and Himachal Pradesh. Leaf spot disease reduces the concentration of its secondary metabolites.[10] The leaves are also prone to Alternaria dianthicola in India.[11]

A treehopper (Oxyrachis tarandus) feeds on the apical portions of the stem, making them rough and woody in appearance and brown in colour.[12]

The carmine red spider mite (Tetranychus urticae) is the most prevalent pest of the plant in India.[13] In recent years, this plant has been serving as a new reservoir host for an invasive mealybug species Phenacoccus solenopsis.[14]

Phytochemistry

The main phytochemical constituents of W. somnifera are withanolides, a group of triterpene lactones that include withaferin A, alkaloids, steroidal lactones, tropine, and cuscohygrine.[3] Forty withanolides, twelve alkaloids, and various sitoindosides have been isolated from this plant species.[3][15] Because these withanolides are structurally similar to the ginsenosides of Panax ginseng, W. somnifera is commonly referred to as "Indian ginseng".[3]

Research

Limited, low-quality clinical studies have found that supplementation with various ashwagandha extracts may decrease perceived stress and anxiety, and improve sleep.[3][4][16] Because the studies used different extract preparations, durations of use, doses, and types of subjects, it remains undetermined how ashwagandha may have effects in people, as of 2023.[3][4][16]

Adverse effects

W. somnifera may cause adverse effects if taken alone or together with prescription drugs.[3][4][17] A review of 30 clinical trials found that use of W. somnifera may cause problems with sleep, blurred vision, stomach pain, dry mouth, vertigo, among others.[18] The most common side effects include diarrhea, headache, sedation, or nausea, and the product should not be used during pregnancy or breastfeeding.[4][17] Ashwagandha may interact with cancer medications.[17]

Gallery

  • Fruits
    Fruits
  • Druggist's jar containing dried roots of Withania somnifera
    Druggist's jar containing dried roots of Withania somnifera
  • Dried graded roots of Withania somnifera
    Dried graded roots of Withania somnifera

References

  1. ^ Board of Trustees of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew (2023). "Withania somnifera (L.) Dunal". Plants of the World Online. Retrieved 11 January 2024.
  2. ^ "Withania somnifera". Germplasm Resources Information Network. Agricultural Research Service, United States Department of Agriculture. Retrieved 2011-10-29.
  3. ^ a b c d e f g h i j k "Ashwagandha". Drugs.com. 4 December 2023. Retrieved 4 April 2024.
  4. ^ a b c d e f "Ashwagandha". MedlinePlus, US National Library of Medicine. 8 September 2023. Retrieved 4 April 2024.
  5. ^ MD, Trisha Pasricha (2024-03-02). "Advice | Should I take ashwagandha for sleep? Here's what the science says". Washington Post. ISSN 0190-8286. Retrieved 2024-03-07.
  6. ^ Stearn, W. T. (1995). Botanical Latin: History, Grammar, Syntax, Terminology and Vocabulary (4th ed.). Timber Press. ISBN 978-0-88192-321-6.
  7. ^ Pandit, S.; Chang, K.-W.; Jeon, J.-G. (February 2013). "Effects of Withania somnifera on the growth and virulence properties of Streptococcus mutans and Streptococcus sobrinus at sub-MIC levels". Anaerobe. 19: 1–8. doi:10.1016/j.anaerobe.2012.10.007. PMID 23142795.
  8. ^ Hugh Scott & Kenneth Mason, Western Arabia and the Red Sea, Naval Intelligence Division: London 1946, p. 597 ISBN 0-7103-1034-X.
  9. ^ Deni., Bown (1995). Encyclopedia of herbs & their uses. Montréal: RD Press. ISBN 0888503342. OCLC 32547547.
  10. ^ Pati, P. K.; Sharma, M.; Salar, R. K.; Sharma, A.; Gupta, A. P.; Singh, B. (2009). "Studies on leaf spot disease of Withania somnifera and its impact on secondary metabolites". Indian Journal of Microbiology. 48 (4): 432–437. doi:10.1007/s12088-008-0053-y. PMC 3476785. PMID 23100743.
  11. ^ Maiti, C. K.; Sen, S.; Paul, A. K.; Acharya, K. (2007-04-01). "First Report of Alternaria dianthicola Causing Leaf Blight on Withania somnifera from India". Plant Disease. 91 (4): 467. doi:10.1094/PDIS-91-4-0467B. ISSN 0191-2917. PMID 30781215.
  12. ^ Sharma, A; Pati, P.K. (2011). "First report of Withania somnifera (L.) Dunal, as a New Host of Cowbug (Oxyrachis tarandus, Fab.) in plains of Punjab, Northern India". World Applied Sci. J. 14 (9): 1344–1346.
  13. ^ Sharma, A.; Pati, P. K. (2012). "First record of the carmine spider mite, Tetranychus urticae, infesting Withania somnifera in India". Journal of Insect Science. 12 (50): 1–4. doi:10.1673/031.012.5001. PMC 3476950. PMID 22970740.
  14. ^ Sharma, A.; Pati, P. K. (2013). "First record of Ashwagandha as a new host to the invasive mealybug (Phenacoccus solenopsis Tinsley) in India". Entomological News. 123 (1): 59–62. doi:10.3157/021.123.0114. S2CID 85645762.
  15. ^ Gómez Afonso, Adrián; Fernandez-Lazaro, Diego; Adams, David P.; Monserdà-Vilaró, Aniol; Fernandez-Lazaro, Cesar I. (2023-07-10). "Effects of Withania somnifera (Ashwagandha) on Hematological and Biochemical Markers, Hormonal Behavior, and Oxidant Response in Healthy Adults: A Systematic Review". Current Nutrition Reports. 12 (3): 465–477. doi:10.1007/s13668-023-00481-0. ISSN 2161-3311. PMC 10444651. PMID 37428341.
  16. ^ a b "Ashwagandha: Is it helpful for stress, anxiety, or sleep?". Office of Dietary Supplements, US National Institutes of Health. 24 October 2023. Retrieved 4 April 2024.
  17. ^ a b c "Ashwagandha". Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center. 21 March 2023. Retrieved 4 April 2024.
  18. ^ Tandon N, Yadav SS (June 2020). "Safety and clinical effectiveness of Withania somnifera (Linn.) dunal root in human ailments". Journal of Ethnopharmacology. 255: 112768. doi:10.1016/j.jep.2020.112768. PMID 32201301.

External links

Look up ashwagandha in Wiktionary, the free dictionary.
Retrieved from "https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Withania_somnifera&oldid=1220607208"