Significance of Ashvagandha
Ashvagandha, also known as Withania somnifera, is a prominent herb in Ayurveda, recognized for its adaptogenic properties. It's utilized to reduce stress, improve cognitive function, and enhance physical endurance. Ashvagandha has anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and immunomodulatory effects, and it is often used for overall health and wellness. It's also used in various formulations and treatments, including those for anxiety, insomnia, and arthritis.
Synonyms: Withania somnifera, Indian ginseng, Winter cherry
In German: Ashvagandha; In Finnish: Ashvagandha; In Spanish: Ashvagandha; In Dutch: Asvaganda
The below excerpts are indicatory and do represent direct quotations or translations. It is your responsibility to fact check each reference.
Hindu concept of 'Ashvagandha'
In Hinduism, Ashvagandha, a key Ayurvedic herb, is a Rasayana, meaning it's a rejuvenator that enhances energy, memory, and sexual potency. It has immunomodulatory, anti-inflammatory, and neuroprotective properties. It is used in various health applications, formulations, and Ayurvedic treatments.
From: Journal of Ayurveda and Integrated Medical Sciences
(1) Ashwagandha, or Withania somnifera, contains withaferin A and withanone, and is known for anti-inflammatory, antidepressant, antioxidant, and immunomodulatory activities.[1] (2) It is a medicine which possess Tikta Rasa, Shophahara, Rasayana properties and have been selected as Kalka Dravya.[2] (3) It is also known as Balda, Gandhpatri, Indian winter cherry and Indian ginseng, is major herb in Ayurveda.[3] (4) This is one of the commonly used herbs and oils in Nasya therapy.[4] (5) Supplementation with this reduces cortisol levels and improves stress tolerance in individuals with chronic stress.[5]
From: International Research Journal of Ayurveda and Yoga
(1) A powerful Rasayana and adaptogen, particularly beneficial in managing general anxiety and pacifies Vata Dosha.[6] (2) This is an immunity-promoting AYUSH medicine that is part of the post-COVID management plan.[7] (3) Also known as Withania somnifera, it is a drug therapy that is taken 3-5 gm with milk for Kampavata.[8] (4) It is a plant with the botanical name Withania somnifera, traditionally used in mental disorders and part of the Shankhpushpiyadi Yog.[9] (5) This drug's Latin Name is Withania somnifera and its chemical constituents include Alkaloids, steroidal lactones and saponins.[10]
From: Journal of Ayurvedic and Herbal Medicine
(1) It is a popular herb used in Indian veterinary medicine for its adaptogenic and immunomodulatory properties. It is commonly used to support overall health and enhance resilience in animals.[11] (2) Ashwagandha is an Ayurvedic herb with properties that pacify Vata and Kapha, promote strength, and act as a rejuvenator, helping to reduce pain and inflammation.[12] (3) This is an aphrodisiac and antistress agent in the Indian system of Medicine that produces adaptogenic activity and acts synergistically with anti-anxiolytic and anti stressors.[13] (4) The text indicates that Ashwagandha is a useful treating agent for hypothyroidism, and previous studies indicate it can stimulate thyroid activity, and has an effect on cellular antioxidant systems.[14] (5) This is an immune-modulator that can be used for asymptomatic patients who test positive for COVID-19, to help in the treatment and management of the illness.[15]
From: Sushruta Samhita, volume 4: Cikitsasthana
(1) A drug included in various treatments to cure conditions affecting the ear-lobes.[16]
From: Sushruta Samhita, Volume 6: Uttara-tantra
(1) This is an herb that is used in several of the treatments mentioned, and it can be mixed with other ingredients to create pastes or tonics for the patient.[17]
From: Rasa Jala Nidhi, vol 3: Metals, Gems and other substances
(1) Juice of ashva-gandha and jata-mangsi in phthisis, according to the text, may be used as treatment.[18] (2) An herb used in conjunction with iron treatments to aid in the transformation process.[19]
From: Rasa Jala Nidhi, vol 1: Initiation, Mercury and Laboratory
(1) A herb that is combined with mercury for medicinal uses, believed to enhance the body’s strength.[20]
From: Rasa Jala Nidhi, vol 4: Iatrochemistry
(1) A medicinal herb used in the bhavana part of the preparation.[21]
From: Rasa Jala Nidhi, vol 5: Treatment of various afflictions
(1) A medicinal root used to treat thinness when taken with milk or clarified butter.[22]
From: Garuda Purana
(1) Ashvagandha is used to make a plaster to remove the numbness of the penis and arms.[23] (2) Ashvagandha is an ingredient in a mixture with Rajani, Patha, Kushtham, Ajamodakam, Vacha, Trikatu, and common salt, that is processed with Brahmi juice and taken for a week to enhance intellect.[24] (3) An adaptogenic herb known for its restorative and health benefits.[25] (4) An herb cooked with milk that acts as an agent to promote conception of a male child.[26]
The concept of Ashvagandha in scientific sources
Ashvagandha is an Ayurvedic adaptogenic herb (Withania somnifera) used for over 3,000 years. It's known for reducing stress, improving cognitive function, boosting immunity, and promoting longevity. It also has anti-inflammatory, nerve-calming, and rejuvenating properties, and supports various health conditions.
From: International Journal of Pharmacology
(1) A water-soluble powder of Ashwagandha (Natural remedies, Bangalore) in a dose of 100 mg kg -1 P.O. and Levamisole (Khandelwal Labs) in a dose of 25 mg kg -1, P.O.[28] (2) This is a medicinal plant also known as Withania somnifera, and it is studied for its effects on broiler performance during hot weather.[29] (3) Also known as Withania somnifera, it plays a role in safeguarding health and has immunomodulatory effects.[30] (4) Another name for Withania somnifera, recognized for its adaptogenic properties and broad range of pharmacological effects, including stress reduction.[31]
From: Asian Journal of Pharmaceutics
(1) An important herb in the Ayurvedic and indigenous medical systems, also known as Withania somnifera, Indian ginseng, or winter cherry.[32] (2) One of the herbal ingredients, procured from Gola Dinanath market, used in the preparation of JRC.[33] (3) This is one of the four Ayurvedic formulations (Rasayanas) being tested in clinical trials.[34] (4) This herb is sometimes called Indian Ginseng because it is thought to have similar effects on the body.[35]
From: Journal of Medicinal Plants for Economic Development
(1) Ashwagandha, also known as Indian ginseng, offers benefits for women facing fertility challenges, with its oestrogenic properties and potential to restore hormonal balance.[36]
From: International Journal of Pharmacology
(1) Its antibacterial activities have been demonstrated against various bacterial pathogens, including E. coli and P. aeruginosa.[37] (2) Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera) plays a role in safeguarding health, possesses immunomodulatory effects, and helps combat infections and has therapeutic applications.[38] (3) Ashwagandha, also known as Withania somnifera, is an important herb in Ayurvedic and indigenous medical systems, utilized for its roots to treat various ailments and promote wellness, possessing anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, anti-tumour, and immunomodulatory properties.[39]
From: International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health (MDPI)
(1) Ashwagandha, scientifically known as Withania Somnifera, is a single herb that the respondents often used, demonstrating its significance within their selection of herbal medicinal products.[40] (2) Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera) has effects on physical performance, as shown by systematic review and Bayesian meta-analysis, suggesting its potential as an ergogenic aid.[41] (3) Ashwagandha is identified as a herbal supplement that has been associated with cases of liver damage, leading to the investigation of its hepatotoxic potential and the need for increased research into its effects.[42]