Ashwagandha Alaina Albrecht, Student pharmacist Spring 2022
Scientific Name of Supplement Withania Somnifera (L.) Dunal
Common Names of Supplement • • • • • • • • • •
Amangura Amukkirag Asgand Asundha Indian ginseng Kanaje Hindi Kuthmithi Samm al ferakh Winter Cherry Withania
Typical Dose
https://health.clevelandclinic.org/what-is-ashwagandha
Available Forms • • • • • •
Capsules Elixirs Paste Powders Tablets Root extract (dried)
Common Uses • • • •
https://strictlymedicinalseeds.com
For stress: 240mg of standardized ashwagandha once daily. Can be titrated up to 500mg twice daily for 10-12 weeks. For insomnia: 300mg twice daily of root extract for 10-12 weeks.
Stress Insomnia Memory loss Sexual balance
Pharmacology The steroidal lactones in ashwagandha have adaptogenic and immunomodulating effects. Anticonvulsant effects can occur via a GABA-ergic mechanism and can occur by decreased glycosaminoglycan content. Antibiotic effects have also been reported.
Background/ History Ashwagandha is one of the most important herbs of Ayurveda (traditional Indian medicine). It is a shrub that grows to about 1.5M in height, has long tuberous roots, and has yellowish flowers that can grow in clusters or by themselves. The fruit of this plant is orange, smooth, round, and fleshy, with many seeds. Its use can be traced back to 6000 BC when it was used as a Rasayana, when herbals promote a youthful state, mental and physical health, and expand overall happiness. The root smells like a horse (‘ashwa’), where its name comes from. It has been used for emaciation in children, rheumatism, insomnia, stress, constipation, debility from old age, etc. It is commonly available as a churna, a fine powder that can be mixed with water or honey. 11
