Ashwagandha Root: Withania somnifera Dunal. 1:3 45%

Scientific Name:

Withania somnifera.

Family: Solanaceae.

People Use This For:

Ashwagandha is traditionally used for arthritis, anxiety, insomnia, tumours, tuberculosis, and chronic liver disease.

Ashwagandha is also used as an "adaptogen" to increase resistance to environmental stress, and as a general tonic. It is also used for immunomodulatory effects, improving cognitive function, decreasing inflammation, 

Mechanism of Action:

The applicable parts of ashwagandha are the root and berry. Ashwagandha contains several active constituents including alkaloids, steroidal lactones, and saponins.

Animal model research suggests that ashwagandha has a variety of pharmacological effects including pain relief, lowering temperature, reducing anxiety, inflammatory, and antioxidant effects, immunomodulatory, sedative, blood pressure lowering,

Some researchers think ashwagandha has a so-called "anti-stressor" effect. It increases dopamine receptors in the corpus striatum of the brain. It also appears to reduce stress-induced increases of plasma corticosterone, blood urea nitrogen, and blood lactic acid.

 Ashwagandha seems to have anxiolytic effects, possibly by acting as a gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) mimetic agent.

Ashwagandha and its constituents also seem to have modulating effects on the immune system. The withanolides and sitoindosides seem to cause a mobilization of phagocytosis, and lysosomal enzymes.

Adverse Reactions:

Ashwagandha is well tolerated.

Interactions with Herbs & Supplements:

Herbs and Supplements and Drugs with Sedative Properties: Theoretically, used with herbs that have sedative properties they may have an additive effect. This needs to be taken into account with the dosage. This includes barbiturates. 

Also take advice on mixing with: Immunosuppressants; Thyroid Hormone Supplements: