Probe • Vol LXII • No. 4 • Sep–Dec 2023 • 39 Withania somnifera Sanskrit name Ashvagandha English name Winter Cherry Habit and Habitat Withania somnifera is a perennial, branched, terrestrial herb with immense therapeutic benefits. W somnifera is widely distributed in eastern and western Africa, temperate and tropical Asia, south eastern and south western Europe, and Mauritius. The herb comprises an unbranched, terete tap root system; a terete, glabrous stem; alternate, ovate to broadly ovate leaves; bisexual, pale green flowers; and subglobose to rounded berries containing 4 to 5 flat seeds.1 Pharmacologic Actions The medicinal properties of W somnifera can mainly be attributed to its roots and leaves. Biochemical analyses show that the roots and leaves of W somnifera are rich in bioactive phytochemicals such as sitoindosides; dihydrowithaferin A; withaferin A; withasomniferin A; withasomniferols A, B, and C; and withanone. W somnifera is known to possess adaptogenic, anxiolytic, neuroprotective, cognition-enhancing, cardioprotective, immunomodulating, antioxidant, and anti-inflammatory properties.1,2 A single-centered, prospective, double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled clinical study evaluated the adaptogenic and anxiolytic properties of high-concentration and full-spectrum W somnifera roots. The study enrolled 64 patients (aged 18–54 y) complaining of mental stress. The placebo (control) group received capsules containing a neutral substance. The treatment group received 1 capsule containing 300 mg of W somnifera root extract, BID, for 60 days. Telephonic follow-ups were performed on days 15, 30, and 45. The serum cortisol level and stress scores on standard stress-assessment questionnaires were assessed on days 0 and 60.2 The results revealed a significant reduction in the serum cortisol level and stress scores (assessed using all stress-assessment scales) on day 60, compared with that in the placebo group. Thus, the study confirmed the adaptogenic and anxiolytic properties of W somnifera roots.2 A preclinical study evaluated the antistress property of W somnifera roots. Stress was induced in young and old Wistar rats (both sexes) by giving 30 intermittent shocks for 3 seconds every minute, for 7 days. During the shock period, the stress-induced rats were orally administered with either 50% methanolic or traditional extract (ghee, water, and honey) of dried W somnifera roots. Behavioral parameters of the stress-induced rats were evaluated through open field exploratory behavior test, behavioral despair test, and passive avoidance step through behavior test.3 Upon evaluation, it was found that the treatment with W somnifera root extracts attenuated the stress-induced depression and enhanced the memory in both young and old rats. Thus, the study demonstrated the adaptogenic, antistress, and memory-enhancing properties of W somnifera roots.3 References 1. Datta AK, et al. Med Aromat Plant Sci Biotechnol. 2011;5(1):1–15. 2. Chandrasekhar K, et al. Indian J Psychol Med. 2012;34(3):255–262. 3. Ramanathan M, et al. Indian J Pharm Sci. 2003;65(6):601–604. Withania somnifera is the only ingredient of Himalaya Ashvagandha. Herbal Notes
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