ASHWAGANDHA: CHARACTERISTICS, HABITAT, PROPERTIES, SIDE EFFECTS - BIOLOGY - 2025

Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera) is an adaptogenic plant belonging to the Solanaceae family, characterized by its root with a strong pungent odor. Known as bufera or Indian ginseng, it has been used since ancient times by traditional Indian medicine due to its anti-rheumatic, de-fatigue and tonic properties.

The plant is a low-growing herbaceous shrub with tomentose ramifications of radial growth around a central stem. It is characterized by its opaque green elliptical leaves, small, bell-shaped flowers in yellowish-green tones and its fruit is an orange berry when ripe.

Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera). Source: User: Wowbobwow12

Its use dates back to the Ayurvedic tradition or traditional Indian medicine where it is used to tone the body and mind. In the West it is classified as an adaptogenic plant capable of strengthening the body in times of physical and mental stress.

General characteristics

Appearance

Perennial shrub-like plant with widely branched erect growth with herbaceous or semi-woody stems and numerous tuberous roots. The slightly tomentose or appressed branches grow radially from the central stem, usually 60-150 cm tall.

Leaves

The simple, elliptical, ovate or oblong-lanceolate leaves, petiolate and dull green in color, are 10-12 cm long. Tomentose when young, glabrous at maturity, obtuse or acute, with evident veins and a long pubescent petiole or whitish tomentum.

flowers

The small hermaphrodite flowers, actinomorphic, sessile and with a campanulate corolla, are yellowish-green in color and covered by a dense, whitish tomentum. They are arranged in an axillary position under the leaves, they flower in the middle of spring and during the summer, between May and August.

Fruit

The fruit is a small orange-red berry 8-10 mm in diameter, covered by an acrid calyx after fertilization. When the berries are ripe they are edible, but the seeds present some toxicity due to the presence of alkaloids.

Chemical composition

The phytochemical analysis of the plant has made it possible to determine the presence of fatty acids, glycolitanide antioxidants, potassium nitrate and high iron content. As well as various natural bioactives that include the alkaloids ampferin, anolides, conanine, somnine, somniferin and tropin, steroidal lactones, flavonoids, glucoses, tannins and acetyl-sterile-glucosides.

The alkaloids present in this species are the result of the plant's metabolism, they have physiological effects and confer certain toxicity. However, it is the steroidal lactones known as withanolides that provide it with remarkable healing power.

Indeed, withanolides promote the cellular activity of the immune system, especially lymphocytes, also reduce inflammation and promote memory. Likewise, its regular consumption balances the body in stressful situations, calms tension and stimulates depressive states, being considered an effective adaptogen.

Ashwagandha flowers (Withania somnifera). Source: Vinayaraj

Taxonomy

- Kingdom: Plantae

- Division: Magnoliophyta

- Class: Magnoliopsida

- Subclass: Asteridae

- Order: Solanales

- Family: Solanaceae

- Subfamily: Solanoideae

- Tribe: Physaleae

- Subtribe: Withaninae

- Genre: Withania

- Species: Withania somnífera (L.) Dunal

Etymology

- Ashwagandha: the common name comes from the union of two Sanskrit terms «ashwa» and «gandha», which mean «horse» and «perfume». Hence the name is translated as "with the smell of a horse" in allusion to its ability to produce the "strength of a horse."

- Withania: the genus has been named after the English paleontologist and botanist Henry Whitam.

- somnifera: the specific adjective derives from the Latin word «somnifera» which means «having sleep». In reference to the sedative properties of the root of the plant.

Synonymy

- Withania sicula Lojac.

- Hypnoticum somniferum Rodati ex Boiss.

- Physalis alpini J. Jacq.

- Physalis flexuosa L.

- Physalis scariosa Webb & Berthel.

- Withania kansuensis Kuang & AMLu

- Withania microphysalis Suess.

- Physalis somnifera L.

- Physalis sugunda Buch. - Ham. ex Wall.

- Physaloides somnifera Moench basonym

Common name

It is commonly known as bufera, Indian ginseng, greater nightshade, dream herb, oroval, orobal, orvala, orvale, orobale or orovale. Other names by which it has been called are male henbane orval, devil's tomato, veleño, vejiguilla, lethargy veleño, yerba mora or yerba mora mayor

Green fruits of ashwagandha (Withania somnifera). Source: Vinayaraj

Habitat and distribution

The Withania somnífera species is native to the Asian continent, where it is found in the wild especially in India, as well as the African continent. It grows on dry and stony soils, with full sun exposure or partial shade in temperate climate regions.

Its natural habitat lies in the coastal regions of India and Pakistan, later reaching North Africa, the Lebanese coast, the island of Crete and some coastal areas of the European Mediterranean.

In the Iberian Peninsula it is found in a scattered way in coastal environments of Andalusia, Murcia and Levante and occasionally in Ibiza and Mallorca. It is usually located on intervened and abandoned land, open spaces with full sun exposure and on the edge of roads and highways.

Properties

Ashwagandha, bufera or Indian ginseng is a herbaceous plant used in Ayurvedic medicine for more than 3,000 years. In addition, it has been used for therapeutic purposes due to its pharmacological activity as antimicrobial, anticancer, anti-neurodegenerative and immuno-modulating.

Most of the pharmacological functions are due to the presence of various chemical components such as alkaloids and steroidal lactones. These substances help reduce inflammation of wounds or infections, calm the brain, regulate blood pressure and even balance the immune system.

The Withania somnífera species is an «adaptogen» capable of harmonizing the body, improving the response to stress and the functioning of the adrenal glands. Trials are currently underway to determine its influence on obsessive compulsive disorders, bipolarity, schizophrenia, and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder.

On the other hand, it has both tonic and sedative effects, used in high concentration it can be hypnotic. Likewise, it acts as an antistress or adaptogenic supplement, due to the presence of acetyl-sterile-glucosides in the root.

Its regular consumption gives the body resistance and stimulates the immune system, it also has anti-inflammatory and antiseptic properties. In addition, it increases the production of the hormone thyroxine or T ₄, which has a stimulating effect on the thyroid glands, regulating the sensitivity of the body.

In fact, recent research work has made it possible to determine the ability to slow down the spread of cancer cells. The root is the main structure of the plant used for medicinal purposes, although the leaves, berries and seeds are used in the same way.

Leaves and fruits of ashwagandha (Withania somnifera). Source: Krzysztof Ziarnek, Kenraiz

- Active principles

The active principles are related to a certain bioactive compound, hence the therapeutic action that is defined below:

Alkaloids

More than twelve alkaloids have been identified, including anaferin, somniferin, somnine and pseudotropin. These compounds give it analgesic, narcotic and sedative properties.

Flavonoids

Polyphenolic secondary metabolites with antioxidant capacity.

Steroidal lactones

In this group, withanolides with pharmacological activity such as withaferin-A and withanolido-D stand out. These compounds provide the plant with its adaptogenic and anti-inflammatory properties, acting on the body as steroidal hormones.

Triethylene glycol

Compound used as a chemical solvent, in pharmacology it is an active element that prevents insomnia at an experimental level.

Mineral salts

The elements iron and potassium are common, necessary for the fulfillment of diverse physiological functions.

These are the main components responsible for the medicinal and therapeutic properties of the plant. Its intake is indicated as an adaptogen, analgesic, antianemic, anticonvulsant, anti-inflammatory, antirheumatic, antioxidant, mild narcotic, central nervous system relaxant, restorative and tonic.

- Therapeutic uses

- Increase immunity to infections, flu and colds.

- Increase male fertility, vigor and libido.

- Fight impotence.

- Regulate glycemia in the blood.

- Reduce the effects of insomnia.

- Regulate cholesterol and triglyceride levels.

Side effects

Regular consumption of ashwagandha by mouth is a safe therapeutic supplement, provided that the recommended dose is not exceeded. Its excessive consumption and in high doses can cause stomach upset, dizziness, diarrhea, nausea and vomiting.

Dosage and method of use

Ashwagandha is marketed as capsules or directly as dried or powdered rootlets, which are consumed in infusions. Whatever the way it is consumed, the recommended dose is 1-3 grams daily, no more than 30-45 days in a row.

Tolerance

Its use by healthy adults has a relatively good tolerance, but presents various contraindications for certain patients that should be taken into account:

- It is restricted in patients suffering from peptic ulcers or autoimmune and thyroid diseases.

- Its safety during pregnancy or breastfeeding has not been determined.

- Its use should be restricted to personnel who have consumed alcoholic beverages.

- It is not advisable to indicate to patients that they will undergo surgical interventions.

Ripe fruits of ashwagandha (Withania somnifera). Source: Muséum de Toulouse

Contraindications

- Consuming ashwagandha can lower blood glucose levels. In fact, it can alter the action of certain medications used for diabetes, so its use is restricted in diabetics.

- In case of suspected pregnancy or during lactation it is not appropriate to consume the plant. In addition, if the person is trying to become pregnant, its consumption can cause a spontaneous abortion.

- In no way is its consumption recommended to people with blood pressure problems. Its intake can lower blood pressure and interfere with medications used to control hypertension.

- Ashwagandha can cause irritation of the intestine, which is why its intake is not recommended for patients with intestinal ulcer problems.

- It is advisable to confirm with your doctor the approval of the consumption of ashwagandha if you have a thyroid. Its consumption can alter hormonal levels.

- Patients undergoing some type of surgical intervention, especially organ transplantation, should refrain from ingesting it. Its ingestion can alter the immunosuppressive effects of certain medications, lengthening the recovery time.

- Similarly, it is contraindicated in patients with kidney disorders. Its diuretic properties can influence the development of the disease.

- For patients who are medicated with some type of sedative remedy, their intake is restricted. Its consumption can cause undesirable interactions.

Interactions

The consumption of ashwagandha can interfere with the medical indications or symptomatic treatments of certain diseases. Among them we can mention:

- Antihypertensive medication.

- Psychopharmaceuticals.

- Anticoagulants and antiplatelet agents.

- Medications for cancer treatments.

Culture

Spread

Ashwagandha is propagated from seed or by selected cuttings from healthy, vigorous plants. In its place of origin, it is grown in areas of low rainfall, during the months of April-May, at the beginning of the rainy season.

It grows and develops in warm and humid environments, with average temperatures of 25-30 ºC. It is a drought tolerant crop once established, it grows on dry soils, with a sandy texture and low fertility.

Sowing is carried out on germination beds or seedlings, placing two seeds per point at a depth of 10 cm. Maintaining a constant temperature of 20 ºC and frequent watering, the seeds begin the germination process after 15 days.

It is recommended to keep the seedlings under semi-shade with frequent watering, after 30 days it is advisable to remove the weak seedlings. The transplant is carried out when the seedlings reach 15-20 cm in height, adjusting the sowing density to 50-60 cm between plants.

Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera) plant and roots. Source: Piouswatson

Requirements

It is recommended to plant ashwagandha in a dry and sunny place, preferably in a cultivation or garden ridge. In soils of low fertility it is advisable to apply compost or organic fertilizer at the time of sowing, as well as to eliminate weeds.

It thrives on well-drained, sandy soils with neutral or slightly alkaline pH levels (7-8). It is a crop susceptible to soil moisture, so it does not develop on wet and flooded soils.

Watering is only recommended when the environmental conditions are very hot and dry, and the plant's soil is dry. Ashwagandha is a grass resistant herb that does not tolerate wet soil.

Regarding temperature, the optimal values ​​for its effective development are between 20-35 ºC. Environmental conditions with values ​​above or below this range tend to slow down the growth of the plant.

Harvest

The plants are ready to be harvested 150-180 days after sowing. Indeed, the harvest begins when berries begin to ripen and the leaves tend to dry out and wilt.

Harvesting consists of carefully digging around the plant with a short, sturdy tool. It is advisable to moisten the soil in order not to damage the roots and facilitate the total extraction of the plant.

Once the plant is dug up, the roots are separated, washed, cut into 8-10 cm pieces and dried for marketing. The berries are separated from the plant, dried and crushed to select the seeds for the next harvest.

References

1. Ashwagandha (2019) Natural Medicines Comprehensive Database Consumer Version. Recovered at: medlineplus.gov
2. Bharti, VK, Malik, JK, & Gupta, RC (2016). Ashwagandha: multiple health benefits. In Nutraceuticals (pp. 717-733). Academic Press.
3. Parvaiz A. Dar, Laishram R. Singh, Mohammad A. Kamal and Tanveer A. Dar (2016). Unique medicinal properties of Withania somnifera: Phytochemical constituents and protein component. Current pharmaceutical design, 22 (5), 535-540.
4. Singh, N., Bhalla, M., de Jager, P., & Gilca, M. (2011). An overview on ashwagandha: A Rasayana (Rejuvenator) of Ayurveda. African Journal of Traditional, Complementary and Alternative Medicines, 8 (5S).
5. Verma, PPS, & Singh, A. (2014). Scientific Cultivation of Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera). CSIR-CIMAP., 191.
6. Wikipedia contributors. (2019). Withania somnifera. In Wikipedia, The Free Encyclopedia. Recovered at: en.wikipedia.org
7. Withania somnifera. (2019). Wikipedia, The Free Encyclopedia. Recovered at: es.wikipedia.org