Ashwagandha extract 5% | Withania somnifera

Properties: Withania somnifera, also known as ashwagandha or winter cherry, is one of the herbs used in Ayurveda – traditional Indian medicine. It’s classified as an adaptogen, meaning that it has a positive impact on the whole body. Now, let’s take a closer look at its wide range of properties.

Clinical trials have revealed that by supplementing Ashwagandha we can cope with stress more effectively. Participants of the studies reported better mood and lower levels of anxiety. W. somnifera is traditionally used as a tonicity agent. It also helps to fall asleep quickly. Those effects were confirmed by the actual decrease in the stress marker level in a group of people who supplemented Ashwagandha. Studies have also determined that W. somnifera affects mental alertness and has neuroprotective features. Due to its properties, Ashwagandha protects the brain from harmful factors and supports neuronal proliferation. That way, it helps to maintain good memory and clarity of thoughts.

Ashwagandha wouldn’t be on the list of adaptogens if its positive effects were restricted only to the central nervous system. Scientists from many different countries conduct studies in order to examine the positive effect of this herb on different areas of life and different parts of the body. For example, it has been proven that W. somnifera extract improves physical endurance and helps to lose excess weight. It increases natural production of testosterone, so the libido is also higher in both sexes after its administration. In men, ashwagandha additionally improves sperm quality. Its immunostimulating properties are widely studied. Active compounds that can be found in this herb stimulate immune cell proliferation (lymphocytes B and T, as well as NK cells). Ashwagandha considerably strengthens defense against all microbes attacking our organism. W. somnifera by itself limits the development of a few harmful microorganisms. These are not all the positive effects that Ashwagandha supplementation can bring. However, the arguments mentioned above are sufficient to confirm the thesis that W. somnifera is “the Indian ginseng”.

Occurrence: Withania somnifera is a plant from the nightshade family (Solanaceae), growing around 1,5 tall. Red or dark orange fruit in the form of berry enclosed in gently connate sepals is the trademark of this plant. It comes from India where it is commonly cultivated. W. somnifera also grows in Iran, Afghanistan, Pakistan as well as Bangladesh.

In traditional Indian medicine (Ayurveda) Ashwagandha has been used for more than 3000 years as a medicine recommended for those who feel weak, who suffer from insomnia caused by chronic stress, or simply those who want to improve their intellectual proficiency. It also has a regenerative impact on the whole body.

Biochemistry: Withanolides are the main compounds responsible for W. somnifera’s beneficial properties. From the chemical point of view, they are the derivatives of a steroidal lactone – withaferin A. Apart from withanolides, the above-ground part of this plant contains phenolic acids (like chlorogenic acid), while glycowithanolides (withanosides and sitoindosides), nicotinic alkaloids (like anaferon), phytosterols and coumarin can be found in the root. Additionally, Ashwagandha is a rich source of iron.

Fun fact: The common name for Withania somnifera – Ashwagandha – literally means “the smell of a horse”. It refers to the characteristic smell of this plant’s fresh root. What is more, that name expresses the idea that Ashwagandha can increase sexual vitality. The root of W. somnifera is also referred to as “the Indian ginseng” because it has similar application in Ayurveda medicine as Panax ginseng in the Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM).