Withania somnifera: 3 definitions

Introduction
In Hinduism
1. Ayurveda
Biology
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Introduction:

Withania somnifera means something in Hinduism, Sanskrit, biology. If you want to know the exact meaning, history, etymology or English translation of this term then check out the descriptions on this page. Add your comment or reference to a book if you want to contribute to this summary article.

In Hinduism

Ayurveda (science of life)

Veterinary Medicine (The study and treatment of Animals)

Source: Asian Agri-History: Paśu Āyurvēda (Veterinary Medicine) in Garuḍapurāṇa

Withania somnifera (in Sanskrit: aśvagandhā) is used in medical preparations for the protection of horses, according to sections on Horses (Gajāyurveda or Aśvāyurveda) in the Garuḍapurāṇa.—For protection of the horses against diseases and to nourish, to impart greater strength and vigour the following kalpa of Guḍūcī (Tinospora cordifolia) are advised:—[...] Guḍūcī along one or three or four Palas of powered Śatāvarī (Asparagus racemosus) and Aśvagandhā (Withania somnifera). [...]

Unclassified Ayurveda definitions

Source: AYU: Efficacy of Rasayana Avaleha

Withania somnifera is used to alleviate suffering and adverse effects in the use of Chemotherapy and Radiotherapy in the treatment of Cancer (a disease affecting mankind).—Chemotherapy and Radiotherapy have cytotoxic effects, which are hazardous to the normal cells of the patient, causing many unnecessary effects.—[...] An attempt has been made to counteract these sufferings through Ayurvedic treatment. Rasayana, that is, rejuvenation therapy, is a unique contribution of Ayurveda that provides multidimensional benefits. Rasayana Avaleha (an Ayurvedic preparation) as adjuvant to allopathic chemotherapy. The herbal preparation comprises, for example, Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera). [...] In a nutshell, Rasayana-avaleha is an effective adjuvant therapy in protecting the patient from the adverse effect of chemotherapy and radiotherapy.

context information

Āyurveda (आयुर्वेद, ayurveda) is a branch of Indian science dealing with medicine, herbalism, taxology, anatomy, surgery, alchemy and related topics. Traditional practice of Āyurveda in ancient India dates back to at least the first millenium BC. Literature is commonly written in Sanskrit using various poetic metres.

Biology (plants and animals)

Source: Google Books: CRC World Dictionary (Latin names; Binomial nomenclature)

Withania somnifera (L.) Dunal is the name of a plant defined in various botanical sources. This page contains potential references in modern medicine, Ayurveda, and other local traditions or folk medicine. It has the following synonyms: Physalis somnifera L., Physaloides somnifera (L.) Moench, Physaloides somnifera Moench, Withania kansuensis K.Z. Kuang & A.M. Lu, Withania microphysalis Suess., Withania mucronata Chiov., Withania somnifera var. macrocalyx Chiov..

References regarding Withania somnifera (L.) Dunal for further research on medicinal uses or toxicity:

· Species Plantarum (1753)
· Methodus (Moench) (1794)
· De la Belladone (1825)
· Prodromus Systematis Naturalis Regni Vegetabilis (DC.) (1852)
· Nuovo Giorn. Bot. Ital. (1927)
· Kew Bulletin (1937)
· Mitt. Bot. Staatssamml. Munchen (1951)
· Journal of Cytology and Genetics (1978)
· Flora Reipublicae Popularis Sinicae (1978)
· Recent Res. Pl. Sci. (1979)
· Taxon (1980)
· Journal of Palynology (1980)
· Pakistan Journal of Botany (1982)
· Bull. Jard. Bot. Nat. Belg. (1983)
· Journal of Cytology and Genetics (1984)
· Journal of Ethnopharmacology (1985)
· Candollea (1993)
· Journal of Ethnopharmacology (1993)
· Journal of Ethnopharmacology (1994)
· Cytologia (1997)
· Feddes Repertorium (1999)
· Journal of Ethnopharmacology (2007)

context information

This sections includes definitions from the five kingdoms of living things: Animals, Plants, Fungi, Protists and Monera. It will include both the official binomial nomenclature (scientific names usually in Latin) as well as regional spellings and variants.

Relevant text

Search found 1 books and stories containing Withania somnifera; (plurals include: Withania somniferas). You can also click to the full overview containing English textual excerpts. Below are direct links for the most relevant articles:

Chapter 7 - Summary and Observations

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