ASHWAGANDHA(Withania

somnifera)

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Scientific Classification of Ashwagandha

Kingdom : Plantae Group: Angiosperms Type: Eudicots Class: Asterids Order: Solanales Family: Solanaceae Genus: Withania Species: W.

somnifera

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Cultivation

Withania somnifera is cultivated in many of the drier regions of India,

such as Mandsaur District of Madhya Pradesh, Punjab, Sindh, and Rajasthan. It is also found in

Nepal

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Discription• Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera) is also known as winter cherry, Indian ginseng, and a number of other regional names.

• The word ashwagandha in Sanskrit actually means the smell of a horse, which probably refers to the distinctly strong aroma from its roots.

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For centuries, ayurvedic medicine has used the ashwagandha (withania somnifera) plant as an aphrodisiac, to remedy general weakness and exhaustion, as well as for its stress-relieving qualities.

Uses of Ashwagandha

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Modern medical research indicates that ashwagandha exerts a number of effects that may prove beneficial to humans, including:

anti-inflammatory antioxidant boosts the immune system blocks tumor growth regulates hormones stabilizes mood and reduces anxiety regenerates nerve cells

Uses of Ashwagandha

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Traditional medicinal uses

In Ayurveda, the berries

and leaves of W. somnifera

are locally applied to

tumors, tubercular glands,

carbuncles, and ulcers.

The roots of W. somnifera

are used to prepare the

herbal remedy

ashwagandha, which has

been traditionally used to

treat various symptoms

and conditions.

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Ashwagandha uses in different countries

Ayurvedic practitioners in India utilize this herb to treat a number of conditions, including its use as a

purgative, diuretic, and liver tonic. In Cape Verde, the leaves are prescribed as a blood-

purifying tonic and as a treatment for gonorrhea. In Ethiopia, ashwagandha is used to treat epilepsy

and cough, and in Madagascar it is a treatment for asthma. In South Africa, it is employed to improve female fertility, and in Somalia the roots are given to children as a remedy for nightmares.

Interestingly, although it is used for fertility it is also used as an abortificant.

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The known biologically-active components in ashwagandha

Alkaloids. Steroidal lactones. Saponins Iron. Choline.

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Climatic Conditions for Growth

Withania somnifera is grown as late rainy-season (kharif) crop. Semitropical areas receiving 500 to 750 mm rainfall are suitable for its cultivation as a rainfed crop. If one or two winter rains are received, then root development improves.

The crop requires a relatively dry season during its growing period. It can tolerate a temperature range of 20 to 38°C and as low a temperature as 10°C. The plant grows from sea level to an altitude of 1500 meters

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Safety

Medical experts caution

against pregnant women

using ashwagandha because

it may cause loss of the fetus.

This is supported by the

traditional use of

ashwagandha as an

abortificant. Another stated

precaution is that

ashwagandha may potentially

increase the sedative effect

of barbiturate drugs.4

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12 QUESTION TIME

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