Ashwagandha– Withania Somnifera– Indian Ginseng– Winter Cherry.
Ashwagandha– it is a shrub with a characteristic horse scent.
Due to its strengthening properties and specific scent,
the plant’s name is ’ashwagandha’, ’ashwa’ means horse and ’gandha’ means strength.
It naturally occurs in dry regions of tropical and subtropical climates, as well as in southern Europe.
The active ingredients of ashwagandha are primarily:
alkaloids (12 compounds; e.g. vitaminin, somniferine, isopeletierine, anaferine, cuscohygrine);
withanolides, also known as steroid lactones (high biological activity, 40 compounds; e.g. withaferin A, withanolides A-Y);
flavonoids, saponins, coumarins, sitoinosides and others;
amino acids (aspartic acid, proline, tyrosine, alanine, glycine, glutamic acid, cystine, tryptophan);
mineral compounds (iron).
Ashwagandha supplementation
In accordance with the resolution of the Team for Dietary Supplements
ashwagandha root powder should be used in a dose of less than 3 grams per day,
the maximum content of withanolides in the recommended daily portion of the product is 10 milligrams.
According to WHO
The therapeutic dose is an amount corresponding to 3 g to 6 g of powdered raw root.
For extracts, the recommended amount ranges from 200 to 600 (800) milligrams of extract.
This range results from different standardisation for withanolides (from 1.5% to 7%).
Regardless of the form, it is recommended to use after a meal.
Ashwagandha products can be safely used for up to 3 months.
After this period, it is recommended to take a break of 1-2 months.
Ashwagandha interactions
centrally acting drugs:
sleeping pills, antidepressants, antiepileptics
(excessive drowsiness, sedation may occur).
medications for hypertension and diabetes
(the effects of drugs may be intensified).
thyroid medications
(compounds contained in the plant affect endocrine functions
so it may increase the effects and side effects of thyroid hormone).
people with stomach ulcers
(may irritate the mucous membrane).
immunosuppressive drugs
(may reduce the effectiveness of immunosuppression).
should not be used in pregnant women, breastfeeding mothers and children.
anesthesia (intensified sedation may occur
– it is recommended to discontinue ashwagandha 2 weeks before the planned procedure).
alcohol (possibility of increased sedation).
Functions of ashwagandha in the human body
supports physical and mental abilities
in case of weakness, exhaustion, fatigue and loss of concentration.
supports the proper functioning of female reproductive organs
and men’s sexual functioning.
maintains proper mental and physical well being.
supports the body’s resistance to stress.
helps maintain emotional stability.
supports in periods of mental and nervous tension and anxiety.
helps protect overall health thanks to its antioxidant properties.
helps you fall asleep.
supports rejuvenation processes.
improves learning, memory and reaction time.
maintains endurance, a sense of vitality and energy.
supports the functioning of the heart and cardiovascular system.
helps protect the liver against harmful and poisonous substances.
supports the respiratory system.
stabilises blood sugar levels and helps lower cholesterol levels.
Ashwagandha – Withania somnifera
– Indian ginseng – winter cherry – winter cherry:
active ingredients of ashwagandha,
ashwagandha supplementation, ashwagandha interactions,
functions of ashwagandha in the human body.