ASHWAGANDHA (Withania somnifera)

1. INTRODUCTION :- Withania somnifera, also known as Ashwagandha, Indian ginseng, Winter cherry, Ajagandha, Kanaje Hindi and Samm Al Ferakh, is a plant in Solanaceae or nightshade family. In Ayurveda ashwaganda is considered a rasayana herb, which works on a nonspecific basis to increase health and longevity. This herb is also considered an adaptogen which is a nontoxic herb that works on a nonspecific basis to normalize physiological function, working on the HPA axis and the neuroendocrine system. The roots and berries of the plant are used in herbal medicine. In Ayurveda, the fresh roots are sometimes boiled in milk, prior to drying, in order to leach out undesirable constituents. The berries are used as a substitute for rennet, to coagulate milk in cheese making. Ashwagandha in Sanskrit means "Horse's smell", probably originating from the odor of its root which resembles that of sweaty horse. The species name somnifera means "sleep-making" in Latin, indicating that to it are attributed sedating properties, but it has been also used for sexual vitality and as an adaptogen. Some herbalists refer to ashwagandha as Indian ginseng, since it is used in ayurvedic medicine in a way similar to that ginseng is used in traditional Chinese medicine. Seven American and four Japanese firms have filed for grant of patents on formulations containing extracts of the herb Ashwagandha. Fruits, leaves and seeds of the Indian medicinal plant withania somnifera have been traditionally used for the Ayurvedic system as aphrodisiacs, diuretics and for treating memory loss. The Japanese patent applications are related to the use of the herb as a skin ointment and for promoting reproductive fertility. The U.S based company Natreon has also obtained a patent for an Ashwagandha extract. Another US establishment, the New England Deaconess Hospital, has taken a patent on an Ashwagandha formulation claimed to alleviate symptoms associated with arthritis. The product called "ashwagandha oil" is a combination of ashwagandha with almond oil and rose water designed to be used as a facial toner, therefore should not be consumed. 2. DESCRIPTION:- A small or middle-sized under shrub, erect, greyish or hoary, branching, perennial about 30 cm to 1.5 m in height. Stem and branches covered with minute star-shaped hairs. One or more fairly long tuberous roots and short stem. Flowering nearly throughout the year. Leaves simple, up to 10 cm long, ovate, petiolate, and alternate. Bears small, about 1 cm long, greenish or yellow flowers; borne together in short axillary clusters. Fruit 6 mm diameter, globose, smooth, red enclosed in an inflated and membranous calyx. Roots are 20-30 cms long and 6-12mm in diameter, with few (2-3) lateral roots of slightly smaller size, straight, unbranched. Outer surface is buff to Greyish-yellow with longitudinal wrinkles and in the centre soft, solid mass with scattered pores. Odour characteristics, taste bitter and acrid. 3. SCIENTIFIC CLASSIFICATION:- Kingdom: Plantae Subkingdom: Tracheobionta Division: Magnoliophyta Class: Magnoliopsida Subclass: Asteridae Order: Solanales Family: Solanaceae Genus: Withania Species: W. somnifera Bionomial name: Withania somnifera L.Dunal 4. SYNONYMS:- Ajagandha, Amangura, Amukkirag, Asan, Asgandh, Ashvagandha, Ashwaganda, Ashwanga, Asoda, Asundha, Avarada, Ayurvedic Ginseng, Clustered Wintercherry, Ghoda Asoda, Hayahvaya, Indian Ginseng, Kanaje Hindi, Kuthmithi, Samm Al Ferakh, Turangi-Ghanda, Vajigandha, Winter Cherry, Withania.5. AYURVEDIC PROPERTIES:. *Guna;: laghu, snigdh * Rasa:: tikta, katu, madhur * Vipaka:: madhur * Virya:: ushna * Karma:: Vatapittahara, Kaphakopa, balyam, vajikarana, tonic, adaptogen, relaxing nervine, post-partum tonic, immunomodulant, astringent, galactagogue, diuretic, thermogenic 6. CHEMICAL COMPOSITION:- The principle constituents of its roots Compounds known as withanolides are believed to account for the multiple medicinal applications of ashwagandha.These molecules are steroidal lactones(highly oxygenated C-28 steroid derivatives) with erggostane, which (include withanone, withaferin, withanolides, withasomidienone, withanolide C and alkanoids about 0.2 %) and bear a resemblance, both in their action and appearance, to the active constituents of Asian ginseng (Panax ginseng) known as ginsenosides. All chemicals listed pertain to the root unless otherwise specified, as the root is the part used. Anaferine (alkaloid), anahygrine (alkaloid), beta-sisterol, chlorogenic acid (in leaf only), cysteine (in fruit), cuscohygrine (alkaloid), iron, pseudotropine (alkaloid), scopoletin, somniferinine (alkaloid), somniferiene (alkaloid), tropanol (alkaloid), withaferin A (steroidal lactone), withanine (alkaloid), withananine (alkaloid) and withanolides A-Y(steroidal lactones). The main constituents of ashwagandha are alkaloids and steroidal lactones. Among the various alkaloids, withanine is the main constituent. The other alkaloids are somniferine, somnine, somniferinine, withananine, pseudo-withanine, tropine, pseudo-tropine, 3-a-gloyloxytropane, choline, cuscohygrine, isopelletierine, anaferine and anahydrine. Two acyl steryl glucoside viz. sitoindoside VII and sitoindoside VIII have been isolated from root. The leaves contain steroidal lactones, which are commonly called withanolides. The withanolides have C28 steroidal nucleus with C9 side chain, having six membered lactone ring. 7. PARTS USED:- Mainly root is used. 8. DOSES:- 3-6 gm. 9. USES:- PHARMACOLOGICAL ACTION: APTOGEN:- The traditional use of Ashvagandha as a rasayana has been validated by scientific investigation. Wistar rats treated with an extract of Withania somnifera showed better stress tolerance in cold water swimming tests (Archana and Namasivayam 1999). ANTI-INFLAMATORY:- A methanolic extract of the aerial parts of Withania somnifera had antiinflammatory activities comparable to that of hydrocortisone sodium succinate (al-Hindawi et al 1992). An 80% ethanolic extract of Withania somnifera displayed significant antiinflammatory activity on carrageenan-induced paw edema (al-Hindawi 1989). ANTIOXIDENT:- An aqueous suspension of root extract of Ashvagandha prevented the rise of experimentally induced lipid peroxidation in rabbits and mice (Dhuley 1998a). An extract of Withania somnifera, consisting of equimolar concentrations of sitoindosides VII-X and withaferin A, induced an increase in the levels of superoxide dismutase, catalase and glutathione peroxidase in rat brain, consistent with other research that reports an antioxidant, immunomodulant and antiinflammatory activity (Bhattacharya et al 1997). CANCER :- The administration of Ashvagandha rasayana (an Ayurvedic polyherbal formulation containing Ashvagandha) significantly reduced the lung tumor nodule formation by 55.6% in experimental animals (Menon et al. 1997). An alcoholic extract of the dried roots as well as withaferin A isolated from the extract showed significant antitumor and radiosensitizing effects in experimental tumors in Chinese hamster cells, without any noticeable systemic toxicity (Devi 1996). The steroidal lactone withaferin A displayed significant antitumor and radiosensitizing effects, inhibiting tumor growth and increasing survival in Swiss mice inoculated with Ehrlich ascites carcinoma (Devi et al 1995; Sharad et al 1996). The administration of an extract of Withania somnifera was found to significantly reduce leucopenia induced by cyclophosphamide treated experimental animals, indicating its usefulness in cancer therapy (Davis and Kuttan 1998). The administration of methanolic extract of Ashvagandha was found to significantly increase the WBC count in normal Balb/c mice and reduce leucopenia induced by a sublethal dose of gamma radiation. Withania increased bone marrow cellularity and normalised the ratio of normochromatic erythrocytes and polychromatic erythrocytes. This observed activity was thought to be due to stem cell proliferation (Kuttan 1996). CENTRAL NERVOUS SYSTEM:- Isolated constituents of Withania somnifera (sitoindosides VII-X and withaferin-A) increased cortical muscarinic acetylcholine receptor capacity, partly explaining the cognition-enhancing and memory-improving effects traditionally attributed to Ashvagandha (Schliebs et al 1997). A methanolic extract of Withania somnifera inhibited the specific binding of [3H]GABA and [35S]TBPS, and enhanced the binding of [3H]flunitrazepam to their putative receptor sites, suggesting a GABA-mimetic activity (Mehta et al 1991). A commercial root extract of Withania somnifera used repeatedly over 9 days attenuated the development of tolerance to the analgesic effect of morphine and suppressed morphine-withdrawal jumps (Kulkarni and Ninan 1997). MUSCULO-SKELETAL:- A herbomineral formulation containing roots of Withania somnifera, the stem of Boswellia serrata, rhizomes of Curcuma longa and a zinc complex (Articulin-F), was evaluated in a randomized, double-blind, placebo controlled, cross-over study in clients with osteoarthritis. The results produced a significant drop in severity of pain and disability, although radiological assessment did not show any significant changes. Sideeffects were minimal and did not necessitate the withdrawal of treatment (Kulkarni et al 1991). SOME IMPORTANT WORK:- · Singh et al 2003 showed that Withania reduced both physically and chemically induced stress. · Upton 2000 showed that Withania suppressed stress induced increase in dopamine receptors in the brain. · Dhuley 2001 showed that Withania improved memory · Archana R, Namasivayam 1999 showed the antistressor effect of Withania. · Bhattacharya SK, Bhattacharya A, Sairam K, Ghosal S.2000 showed that Withania exhibited an antidepressant effect, comparable with that of Imipramine (a drug commonly prescribed for depression). It also had a calming effect comparable to that of Lorazepam (a commonly prescribed drug for anxiety.) The conclusion was that the results supported the use of Withania as a mood stabilizer in clinical conditions of anxiety and depression. · Kuppurajan K, Rajagopalan SS, Sitaraman R, Rajgopalan V, Janaki R, Venkataraghavan S. 1980 looked at the effect of Withania on the process of ageing in human volunteers. A double-blind clinical trial of Withania on the prevention of process of ageing in 101 male healthy adults in the age group 50-59 years commenced in the 1980’s and has now been completed. Compared to placebo, the Withania treated group showed a marked difference in a number of factors which are indicators of better health. This included haemoglobin, red blood count, hair melanin, erythrocyte sedimentation rate and serum cholesterol. These differences were statistically significant. Of further interest in this study is that 71.4% of the Withania treated group reported improvement in the capacity of sexual performance. Though it is a subjective clinical improvement, the majority of the volunteers testifying Withania’s aphrodisiac effect is noteworthy. COMMENTS:- Ashvagandha is the Indian equivalent to Ginseng (Panax ginseng)., but unlike Ginseng, Ashvagandha has a sedative rather than stimulant action on the central nervous system, making it a superior medicine for exhaustion with nervous irritability. A rejuvenating preparation can be made by mixing Ashvagandha with 10-15% Pippali, taken with one half part ghrita and 1 part honey on an empty stomach, morning and evening. Ashvagandha is a useful nervine, taken before bed to relax and nourish the body in deficiency diseases, but is only seen to be efficacious when taken on a sustained basis- it is not a sufficient sedative to treat acute insomnia. For poor memory, lack of concentration and in the treatment of ADD/ADHD Ashvagandha may be used in equal proportions with Brahmi and Ling zhi (Ganoderma lucidum). Ashvagandha is widely used in any debility, emaciation or consumptive condition, in both adults and children (Kirtikar and Basu 1993, 1775; Nadkarni 1976, 1294). As its name 'smelling like a horse' suggests, Ashvagandha is an important vajikarana rasayana, indicating the sexual potency of a stallion, and is used in the treatment of infertility, impotence and "seminal depletion" (Nadkarni 1976, 1293). When mixed with equal parts Shatavari (Asparagus racemosa), it is an appropriate treatment for female infertility and frigidity and is useful in threatened miscarriage. For poor eyesight Ashvagandha powder is mixed with equal proportions of Licorice (Glycyrrhiza glabra root) powder and the fresh juice of Amalaki (Emblica officinalis fruit) (Nadkarni, 1294). An infusion of the leaves may be used in in the treatment of ophthalmia (Kirtikar and Basu 1993, 1776). In the form of Narayana taila, Ashvagandha may be taken internally, 3 10 gtt. b.i.d. for consumption and emaciation in children, and as an enema for anal fistula (Nadkarni 1976, 1294). Narayana taila may also be taken as nasya (2-3 gtt.) in cases of hearing loss and in abhyanga in cases of paralysis, tetanus, rheumatism and lumbago (Nadkarni 1976, 1294). Nadkarni mentions that Ashvagandha is used in the treatment of antiinflammatory joint disease (1976, 1293), but as Lad and Frawley suggest, Ashvagandha can facilitate the production of ama (1986, 160), and thus an eliminative regimen is best utilized prior to using this botanical. Likewise, Ashvagandha is an appropriate remedy in the treatment of asthma and bronchitis (Kirtikar and Basu 1993, 1775-6), but should be used concurrently with dravyas that have a dipana-pacana property to avoid the production of ama. Varrier mentions that a paste made of the roots and bruised leaves may be applied to carbuncles, ulcers and painful swellings (1996, 409). CONTRA-INDICATION:- Caution should be used with clients on anticonvulsants, barbituates and benzodiazepines. Ashvagandha is traditionally avoided in lymphatic congestion, during colds and flu, or symptoms of ama (Frawley and Lad 1986, 160). 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. It is also contraindicated in conjunction with sedatives or anxioletics (a substance that reduces anxiety) or if one is suffering from stomach ulcers. Traditionally, like other tonics such as ginseng, ashwagandha should not be taken when there are signs of inflammation or advanced arterial congestion. For this reason is may be best to precede or accompany taking it with a general detoxifying herb or formula such as Yogaraj guggul. Ashwagandha is relatively safe when taken in the prescribed range of dosage. Large doses, however, have been shown to cause gastrointestinal upset, diarrhea and vomiting. Finally, because ashwagandha has been found to potentiate the effects of barbituates, it is generally recommended that it be not taken under such condition. TRADITIONAL FORMULATION:- It has been described in the sacred texts of Ayurveda, including the Charaka and Sushruta Samhitas where it is widely extolled as a tonic especially for emaciation in people of all ages including babies, enhancing the reproductive function of both men and women. It has also been used for inflammations especially for arthritic and rheumatic conditions and as a major tonic to counteract the ravages of aging and promote youthful longevity. Some of its other traditional uses have been as a mild purgative for chronic constipation and for the treatment of swollen glands. The root is taken in 30 gram dosage for general debility, consumption, mal -nourishment in children, senile debility, rheumatic and arthritic conditions, nervous exhaustion, fatigue, brain-gag, memory weakness, senile dementia, muscular weakness, spermatorrhea and leucorrhea. Normally this can be taken as a powder 10 grams three times daily mixed with warm milk or water, or as a one to 5 alcoholic extract, one or two tablespoonsful three times daily. For insomnia, ashwagandha can be mixed with valerian root and oyster shell.As a general nerve tonic, especially for hypoglycemia or low blood pressure, ashwagandha is combined with Goksura. For chronic fatigue ashwagandha is combined with another great Ayurvedic tonic herb, shatavari (Asparagus racemosa), licorice, amla (emblica myrobalan) and multi-minerals, especially calcium and magnesium. If there is mild inflammation or low grade fevers Dr. Mana, a prominent Nepalese Ayurvedic doctor gives a separate formula to reduce inflammation along with the ashwagandha preparation. For weak lungs, ashwagandha is combined with Sida cordifolia (Bala).Milk, to stimulate production: combine with equal parts Dioscorea batatas (also available as Shan Yao, a Chinese herb) and licorice and make a decoction of 30 grams of the mixture. Take three times daily. Nerve tonic: combine with Goksura (Hygrophila spinosa) equal parts. This is especially good for hypoglycemia and low blood pressure. Nutrition of malnourished children, Improving: Make a paste of the root with ghee and milk. Administer three times daily. Skin diseases: Make a salve of ashwagandha or mix the powder with sesame oil and apply topically. Sterility, Female: Boil a decoction of 30 grams in water down to half a cup, add mild and one tablespoon of ghee (clarified butter) and a teaspoon of honey. Take three times daily for two weeks after menstruation.