# Ashwagandha

> Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera) is classified in Ayurveda as Rasayana (Rejuvenative), from the Solanaceae family. Parts used: root, leaf. Classified as Balya (strength-promoting), Brimhana (nourishing), and Rasayana (rejuvenative) in Ayurveda. WHO Monograph published in 2009 (WHO Monographs on Selected Medicinal Plants).

## Key facts

- **Botanical name:** Withania somnifera
- **Family:** Solanaceae
- **Ayurvedic category:** Rasayana (Rejuvenative)
- **Pharmacopoeia status:** WHO Monograph published in 2009 (WHO Monographs on Selected Medicinal Plants). Listed in Ayurvedic Pharmacopoeia of India, Indian Pharmacopoeia, British Pharmacopoeia, European Pharmacopoeia, USP, American Herbal Pharmacopoeia, Japanese Pharmacopoeia, and Pharmacopoeia of the People's Republic of China. However, regulatory landscape is fragmenting in EU: banned in Denmark (2023) and France (2025); under EU Article 8 review since June 2024.

## Names and identification

| Language | Name |
|----------|------|
| English | Ashwagandha |
| Common Names | Winter Cherry, Indian Ginseng |
| Hindi | Asgandh |
| Sanskrit | Ashwagandha |
| Latin/Botanical | *Withania somnifera* |

## Parts Used

- Root
- Leaf

## Dosha Effects

| Dosha | Effect |
|-------|--------|
| **Vata** | Decreases |
| **Kapha** | Decreases |
| **Pitta** | May Increase In Excess |

## Key Phytochemical Constituents

- [Withanolides](/glossary/compounds-t-z/#withanolides) (withaferin A, withanolide D)
- [Alkaloids](/glossary/compounds-1-a/#alkaloids) (isopelletierine, anaferine)
- Steroidal lactones
- Iron

## Therapeutic Actions (Karma)

- Adaptogen
- Anti-stress
- Immunomodulator
- Anti-inflammatory
- [Nootropic](/glossary/pharmacology/#nootropic)
- [Aphrodisiac](/glossary/pharmacology/#aphrodisiac)
- Nervine tonic

## How does it work?

- Active compounds: Withanolides (300+ C-28 steroidal lactones), primarily [withaferin-A](/glossary/compounds-t-z/#withaferin-a) and withanolide-D.
- NF-kB inhibition: Withanolides suppress nuclear factor kappa-B activation, reducing inflammatory signaling.
- Neuroprotection: Inhibition of amyloid-beta oligomer aggregation; prevention of tau hyperphosphorylation; acetylcholinesterase and pseudo-cholinesterase inhibition.
- [Antioxidant](/reference/antioxidant/): Modulation of Keap-1/Nrf2 pathway; reduction of pro-inflammatory markers IL-1beta, IL-6, MCP-1, and TNF-alpha.
- Dopaminergic activity: Enhancement of D2 receptor activity.
- NMDA receptor modulation: Reduced expression of N-methyl-D-aspartate receptor.
- Predicted therapeutic targets: Protein kinase C (alpha, delta, epsilon), Androgen Receptor, COX-2 (PTGS-2), and Phosphodiesterase-4D (PDE4D).
- Beta-catenin and TERT: Ashwagandha extract increases beta-catenin and telomerase reverse transcriptase (TERT) expression.
- Biosynthesis pathway elucidated (2026): CYP87G1, CYP749B2, and SDH2 responsible for withanolide lactone ring formation.

## How is it used traditionally?

Classified as Balya (strength-promoting), Brimhana (nourishing), and Rasayana (rejuvenative) in Ayurveda. Used for Kshaya (debility), Vataroga (neurological disorders), and Shwasa (respiratory conditions).

## Where is it described in the classical texts?

- Charaka Samhita (Balya group)
- Sushruta Samhita
- Bhavaprakasha Nighantu
- Ashtanga Hridaya

## What do recent clinical trials show?

- Bonilla DA, Moreno Y, Gho C and others 2021. [Effects of Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera) on Physical Performance: Systematic Review and Bayesian Meta-Analysis](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/33670194/). *Journal of functional morphology and kinesiology*. PMID [33670194](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/33670194/) · [doi:10.3390/jfmk6010020](https://doi.org/10.3390/jfmk6010020)  
  13 studies analyzed; medium overall effect size for strength/power improvements in healthy individuals with ashwagandha supplementation.
- Cheah KL, Norhayati MN, Husniati Yaacob L and others 2021. [Effect of Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera) extract on sleep: A systematic review and meta-analysis](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/34559859/). *PloS one*. PMID [34559859](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/34559859/) · [doi:10.1371/journal.pone.0257843](https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0257843)  
  5 RCTs with 400 participants showed small but significant improvement in overall sleep. Effects most prominent in adults with insomnia, at 600 mg/day dosage, over 8-week treatment duration.
- Akhgarjand C, Asoudeh F, Bagheri A and others 2022. [Does Ashwagandha supplementation have a beneficial effect on the management of anxiety and stress? A systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/36017529/). *Phytotherapy research : PTR*. PMID [36017529](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/36017529/) · [doi:10.1002/ptr.7598](https://doi.org/10.1002/ptr.7598)  
  12 eligible papers with 1,002 participants demonstrated that ashwagandha supplementation significantly reduced anxiety and stress levels compared to placebo.
- Arumugam V, Vijayakumar V, Balakrishnan A and others 2024. [Effects of Ashwagandha (Withania Somnifera) on stress and anxiety: A systematic review and meta-analysis](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/39348746/). *Explore (New York, N.Y.)*. PMID [39348746](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/39348746/) · [doi:10.1016/j.explore.2024.103062](https://doi.org/10.1016/j.explore.2024.103062)  
  Updated meta-analysis confirming significant [anxiolytic](/reference/anxiolytic/) and stress-reducing effects of ashwagandha across multiple randomized controlled trials.
- Marchi M, Grenzi P, Travascio A and others 2025. [The effect of Withania somnifera (Ashwagandha) on mental health symptoms in individuals with mental disorders: systematic review and meta-analysis](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/41140145/). *BJPsych open*. PMID [41140145](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/41140145/) · [doi:10.1192/bjo.2025.10885](https://doi.org/10.1192/bjo.2025.10885)  
  14 studies with 360 participants found evidence supporting effectiveness in treating anxiety symptoms in individuals with diagnosed mental disorders.
- Alsanie SA, Alhodieb FS, Askarpour M 2026. [Effects of ashwagandha (Withania somnifera) on mental health in adults: A systematic review and dose-response meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/41644067/). *Complementary therapies in medicine*. PMID [41644067](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/41644067/) · [doi:10.1016/j.ctim.2026.103325](https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ctim.2026.103325)  
  Dose-response meta-analysis confirms ashwagandha holds promising potential in alleviating symptoms of stress, anxiety, and depression, with dose-dependent effects identified.

## Recent safety updates

- Generally well tolerated for up to 3 months; long-term safety data lacking.
- Common side effects (>5%): somnolence, epigastric pain/discomfort, loose stools.
- Less common: giddiness, drowsiness, vertigo, nausea, constipation, dry mouth, hyperacidity, skin rash.
- Hepatotoxicity: Rare reports of liver injury reported to regulatory agencies; mechanism unclear.
- Drug interactions: May enhance effects of sedatives, benzodiazepines, barbiturates, and anticonvulsants due to synergistic properties.
- Interaction with SSRIs: Sertraline combination may cause severe diarrhea; escitalopram combination linked to myalgia, nausea, restless legs syndrome.
- Interaction with reboxetine may cause testicle pain and ejaculatory dysfunction.
- Contraindicated in pregnancy and hormone-sensitive prostate cancer.
- Thyroid effects: Risk of thyrotoxicosis or thyroid storm in patients with thyroid disorders; may interfere with thyroid medications.
- May interact with diabetes and blood pressure medications.
- Immunosuppressant interactions: May reduce efficacy of immunosuppressive drugs.
- REGULATORY: Denmark banned ashwagandha in April 2023 due to hormonal disruption and reproductive risk concerns. France followed suit in 2025. EU Article 8 procedure initiated June 2024 for potential effects on reproduction, thyroid, and liver.

## Recommended Dosage

Root powder: 3-6g/day; Standardized extract (2.5-5% withanolides): 300-600mg/day

## Safety, contraindications and cautions

- Pregnancy
- Hyperthyroidism
- Autoimmune conditions (may stimulate immune system)
- May interact with thyroid medications, sedatives, immunosuppressants

## What is it made of?

**Part(s) Analyzed:** Root, Leaf

### Withanolides (Steroidal Lactones)

- Withaferin A (0.1-0.5%)
- Withanolide D (0.05-0.2%)
- Withanolide A
- Withanoside IV
- Withanoside V
- 12-Deoxywithastramonolide
- Withanone
- Sitoindosides VII-X

### Alkaloids

- Isopelletierine
- Anaferine
- Cuscohygrine
- Anahygrine
- Withanine
- Somniferine
- Tropine

### Saponins

- Sitoindoside VII
- Sitoindoside VIII
- Sitoindoside IX
- Sitoindoside X

### Sterols

- Beta-sitosterol
- Stigmasterol
- Campesterol

**Analytical Methods:** HPLC-UV (withanolides), LC-MS/MS, TLC

## Dosage forms and preparation

**Dosage Forms:** Churna (root powder), Capsule, Tablet, Ashwagandha [Ghrita](/herb/ghrita/), [Ashwagandharishta](/formulation/ashwagandharishta/) (fermented), Avaleha (confection), Granules, Nanoparticle formulations

**Standard Dosage:** 3-6g root powder twice daily with warm milk; 300-600mg standardized extract (withanolides) twice daily; 15-30ml Ashwagandharishta after meals

**Bioavailability:** Moderate oral bioavailability for withanolides (~20-30% for withaferin A). Withanoside IV is a prodrug converted to sominone by intestinal glucosidases. Cyclodextrin complexation improves withanolide solubility 3-5x. KSM-66 (full-spectrum root extract) and Sensoril (root + leaf extract) show clinically validated bioavailability. Milk (Kshirapaka) as anupana enhances absorption of lipophilic withanolides by 2-3x. [Piperine](/reference/piperine/) co-administration increases bioavailability by 30-40%. Phytosome technology (withanolide-phospholipid complex) shows 5x enhancement.

**Optimal Timing:** At bedtime with warm milk for sleep and rejuvenation; morning and evening for [adaptogenic](/reference/adaptogenic/)/stress management; before meals for general health

**Standardized Extract:** Root extract (KSM-66): standardized to minimum 5% withanolides by HPLC, full-spectrum. Sensoril (root + leaf): standardized to minimum 10% withanolide [glycosides](/glossary/compounds-g-l/#glycosides) and 32% oligosaccharides. Withanolide-enriched extract: minimum 8% total withanolides. Specify withaferin A content separately.

**Shelf Life:** 2 years (root powder); 3 years (standardized extract capsules/tablets); 5 years (Ashwagandharishta); 2 years (Ghrita)

**Storage:** Airtight containers, cool and dry, below 25°C. Root powder with desiccant. Extract capsules in blister packs preferred for moisture protection. Ashwagandharishta in amber glass at room temperature.

**Marker Compounds:** Withaferin A, Withanolide A, Withanolide D, Withanoside IV, Withanoside V, 12-Deoxywithastramonolide, [Withanone](/glossary/compounds-t-z/#withanone), Sitoindosides VII-X, Ashwagandhanolide

### Extraction Methods

- Hydroalcoholic extraction (70:30) for withanolide enrichment
- Aqueous extraction (milk decoction — classical Kshirapaka)
- Supercritical CO2 for withanolide-enriched fraction
- Green extraction using deep eutectic solvents (emerging)
- Spray-dried aqueous extract for Ghana Vati

### Synergistic Combinations

- With [Brahmi](/herb/brahmi/) for cognitive enhancement and stress management
- With [Shatavari](/herb/shatavari/) for adaptogenic synergy and reproductive health
- With [Arjuna](/herb/arjuna/) for cardioprotection
- With Amalaki and [Guduchi](/herb/guduchi/) for Rasayana (rejuvenation)
- With warm milk and ghee as classic Rasayana preparation
- With Kapikacchu for male reproductive health

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Canonical version of this page: https://nighantu.ageayurveda.com/herb/ashwagandha/

## Sources

- Amidha Ayurveda Herb Database (700+ herbs, CC-BY-4.0)
- AgeAyurveda Product Catalog
- Classical Ayurvedic texts (Charaka Samhita, Sushruta Samhita, Bhavaprakasha Nighantu, Ashtanga Hridaya)
- Web research (clinical trials, WHO monographs, safety databases)
- Ayurvedic Pharmacopoeia of India

Published by Age Ayurveda in the Nighantu. Educational reference only, not medical advice.
Incorporates material from the Amidha Ayurveda Herb Database under CC BY 4.0.