Withania
Withania somnifera
Withania somnifera is a traditional ayurvedic herb belonging
to the solanaceae family. It’s main use,
as described in ayurvedic literature, is as a ‘rasayana’ or rejuvenating herb. It is also traditionally described as
‘avarada’ which suggests the application of this plant for longevity.
It is commonly known as Ashwagandha which, in sanskrit means
‘horse-like smell.’ The name alludes to
the apparent strengthening and aphrodisiac qualities as well as the smell of
the herb.
Withania is one of the best known and most researched
ayurvedic herbs and holds a place in the ayurvedic traditions similar to
Ginseng in Chinese therapies. For that
reason, Withania somnifera has been often referred to as ‘Indian Ginseng,’ and
is traditionally used as an aphrodisiac as well as a strengthening tonic.
Curently,it is used as an adaptogen in that it modulates the
stress response and increases the body’s ability to withstand all forms of
stress by supporting adrenal function.
It is considered to be a non- stimulating tonic for
restoring vitality in those who are convalescing; and in those who are physically
and mentally stressed and at the end of their tether. Withania is also said to
promote longevity. As well as promoting
physical and mental health, it is considered to provide defence against disease
and adverse environmental factors.
Withania has also been used to stabilise mood in patients
with behavioural disturbances.
Chinese medicine recommends the root in cases of
nervousness, insomnia, weakness, anaemia, rheumatic pains, general debility,
impotence and infertility among other conditions.
Singh
et al 2003 showed that Withania reduced both physically and chemically induced
stress.
Upton
2000 showed that Withania suppressed
stress induced increase in dopamine receptors in the brain.
Dhuley
2001 showed that Withania improved memory
Archana
R, Namasivayam 1999 showed the antistressor effect of Withania.
Bhattacharya
SK, Bhattacharya A, Sairam K, Ghosal
S.2000 showed that Withania exhibited an antidepressant effect, comparable with that of Imipramine.
(a drug commonly prescribed for depression.) It also had a calming effect comparable to
that of Lorazepam( a commonly prescribed drug for anxiety.) The conclusion was that the results supported
the use of Withania as a mood stabilizer in clinical conditions of anxiety and
depression.
Kuppurajan K, Rajagopalan SS, Sitaraman R,
Rajgopalan V, Janaki R, Venkataraghavan S. 1980 looked at the effect of
Withania on the process of ageing in human volunteers. A double-blind clinical trial of Withania on the prevention
of process of ageing in 101 male healthy adults in the age group 50-59 years
commenced in the 1980’s and has now been completed.
Compared to
placebo, the Withania treated group showed a marked difference in a number of
factors which are indicators of better health. This included haemoglobin, red blood count,
hair melanin, erythrocyte sedimentation rate and serum cholesterol. These differences were statistically
significant.
Of further
interest in this study is that 71.4% of the Withania treated group reported
improvement in the capacity of sexual performance. Though it is a subjective clinical
improvement, the majority of the volunteers testifying Withania’s aphrodisiac
effect is noteworthy.
Cautions and Contraindications.
Safety in
pregnancy not established.
Caution if
sensitive to the solanaceae family.
May cause
gastric irritation in peptic disease.
|
