Physalis somnifera L.; W. kansuensis K.Z.Kuang & A.M.Lu; W. microphysalis Suess. Solanaceae Asagandh; Indian ginseng; winter cherry Withania somnifera radix Roots; more rarely leaf and berries The main active constituents of the root are the steroidal lactones, the withanolides, which include withaferin A, and sitoindosides IX and X (glycowithanolides) and acylsteryl glucosides including sitoindosides VII and VIII. Phytosterols and alkaloids such as tropine, pseudotropine, isopelletierine and anaferine are also present (Chen et al. 2011; Engels and Brinckmann 2013; Williamson 2002). A series of long-chain amides, the withanamides, has been isolated from the fruit (Jayaprakasam et al. 2010). Numerous clinical trials have been carried out on ashwagandha, and although most have yielded positive results, many of the studies are of poor quality, use multiherb ingredient formulae, or are too small to make definite conclusions about the efficacy of the herb. Clinical data from a few small trials supports its use to some extent, as a sedative, anti-stress agent and to help alleviate anxiety. A clinical trial in 50–59-year-olds showed that it significantly improved haemoglobin, red blood cell count and hair melanin; and decreased serum cholesterol; erythrocyte sedimentation rate decreased and 71.4% reported increase in sexual performance. Other studies have given similar results (Engels and Brinckmann 2013). Two human pilot studies found that administration of ashwagandha in a herbal tea combined with other herbs increased NK (natural killer) cell activity compared to ‘regular’ tea (Camellia sinsensis) (Bhat et al. 2010). In a small uncontrolled study, Ashwagandha root extract increased immune cell activation (Mikolai et al. 2009). An open-label, prospective, non-randomised comparative trial on 100 patients with breast cancer in all stages evaluated the use of either a combination of chemotherapy with oral W. somnifera
Ashwagandha
Withania somnifera (L.) Dunal
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