Ashwagandha
Botanical Name: Withania somnifera
Pharmacognosy & Source
Plant Part Used
Dried roots
Geographical Source
India, Middle East, Africa
Macroscopic Features
Straight, unbranched roots with a distinct odor resembling horse sweat.
Constituents & Pharmacology
Active Constituents
Withanolides (steroidal lactones), Alkaloids (somniferine, withanine)
Pharmacological Actions
Immunomodulatory, anti-stress, neuroprotective
Traditional Uses
Adaptogen, nervous exhaustion, insomnia, aphrodisiac
Safety & Warnings
Contraindications
Pregnancy, autoimmune diseases, hyperthyroidism