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'''Ashwagandha''' ({{lang-sa|अश्वगंधा}} ''Ashvagandha''; [[Withania somnifera]]), also known as '''Indian ginseng''' or '''winter cherry''', is a [[Rasayana|rasayana]] (rejuvenator) herb in [[Ayurveda]], valued for its adaptogenic, balya (strength-promoting), and nervine properties. Primarily, the root is used for stress management, vitality, immunity, and musculoskeletal health as documented in classical texts like ''[[Charaka Samhita]]'' and modern clinical studies.<ref>{{cite journal |last1=Singh |first1=Narendra |last2=Bhalla |first2=M. |last3=de Jager |first3=P. |last4=Gilca |first4=M. |title=Rational use of Ashwagandha in Ayurveda (Traditional Indian Medicine) – A systematic analysis of the scientific evidence for its pharmacological activities |journal=Journal of Ethnopharmacology |volume=273 |pages=113907 |doi=10.1016/j.jep.2021.113907 |pmc=PMC8274455 |pmid=33831467 |year=2021}}</ref><ref>{{cite journal |last1=Mishra |first1=Laxmi C. |last2=Singh |first2=Betilda B. |last3=Dagenais |first3=Simon |title=Scientific basis for the therapeutic use of Withania somnifera (Ashwagandha): a review |journal=Alternative Medicine Review |volume=14 |issue=5 |pages=348–357 |pmid=19803596 |year=2000}}</ref>
{{#seo:
|title=Charak Samhita
|titlemode=append
|keywords=Ashwagandha, Ashvagandha, Withania Somnifera, Indian ginseng, winter cherry, Charak Samhita, carakasamhitaonline, carakasamhita, caraka samhita, Ayurveda, Charak Samhita English translation, ancient Ayurveda text, Indian system of medicine, Ayurveda, Charak, Charaka Samhita, agnivesha, atreya, gopal basisht, yogesh deole, charak samhita wikipedia edition, charak samhita new edition, charaka samhita new edition, carak samhita new edition, caraka samhita new edition, research on charak samhita, text book charak samhita, fundamental principles of ayurveda, basic concepts of ayurveda,
|description='''Ashwagandha''' (अश्वगंधा) or ''Ashvagandha''; [[Withania somnifera]]), also known as '''Indian ginseng''' or '''winter cherry''', is a [[Rasayana|rasayana]] (rejuvenator) herb in [[Ayurveda]], valued for its adaptogenic, balya (strength-promoting), and nervine properties. Primarily, the root is used for stress management, vitality, immunity, and musculoskeletal health as documented in classical texts like ''[[Charaka Samhita]]'' and modern clinical studies.
|image=http://www.carakasamhitaonline.com/resources/assets/ogimgs.jpg
|image_alt=charak samhita
|type=article
}}
'''Ashwagandha''' (अश्वगंधा) or ''Ashvagandha''; [[Withania somnifera]]), also known as '''Indian ginseng''' or '''winter cherry''', is a [[rasayana]] (rejuvenator) herb in [[Ayurveda]], valued for its adaptogenic, balya (strength-promoting), and nervine properties. Primarily, the root is used for stress management, vitality, immunity, and musculoskeletal health as documented in classical texts like ''[[Charaka Samhita]]'' and modern clinical studies.<ref>{{cite journal |last1=Singh |first1=Narendra |last2=Bhalla |first2=M. |last3=de Jager |first3=P. |last4=Gilca |first4=M. |title=Rational use of Ashwagandha in Ayurveda (Traditional Indian Medicine) – A systematic analysis of the scientific evidence for its pharmacological activities |journal=Journal of Ethnopharmacology |volume=273 |pages=113907 |doi=10.1016/j.jep.2021.113907 |pmc=PMC8274455 |pmid=33831467 |year=2021}}</ref><ref>{{cite journal |last1=Mishra |first1=Laxmi C. |last2=Singh |first2=Betilda B. |last3=Dagenais |first3=Simon |title=Scientific basis for the therapeutic use of Withania somnifera (Ashwagandha): a review |journal=Alternative Medicine Review |volume=14 |issue=5 |pages=348–357 |pmid=19803596 |year=2000}}</ref>


{{Infobox
{{Infobox
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|data1 = Herb database/Ashwagandha
|data1 = Herb database/Ashwagandha
|label2 = Botanical name(s)
|label2 = Botanical name(s)
|data2 = Withania somnifera
|data2 = Withania somnifera (Linn.)
|label3 = Family
|data3 =  Solanaceae
|label3 = Contributors
|label3 = Contributors
|data3 = --
|data3 = Dr.Yogesh S. Deole
|label4 = Year of publication  
|label4 = Year of publication  
|data4 =  2023
|data4 =  2026
|label5 = Publisher  
|label5 = Publisher  
|data5 =  [[Charak Samhita Research, Training and Skill Development Centre]]
|data5 =  [[Charak Samhita Research, Training and Skill Development Centre]]
Line 17: Line 28:
}}
}}
==English name==
==English name==
--
'''Indian ginseng''' or '''winter cherry'''


==Synonyms in Charak Samhita==
==Synonyms ==
Ashwagandha


Ashwagandha, Wajigandha, Varahakarni


== Ayurvedic pharmacological properties ==
== Ayurvedic pharmacological properties ==


* '''Rasa''' (taste): Madhura (sweet), tikta (bitter)
* '''Rasa''' (taste): Madhura (sweet), tikta (bitter)
* '''Guna''' (properties): Snigdha (unctuous), guru (heavy)
* '''Guna''' (properties): Snigdha (unctuous), guru (heavy to digest)
* '''Virya''' (potency): Ushna (hot)
* '''Virya''' (potency): Ushna (hot)
* '''Vipaka''' (post-digestive effect): Madhura
* '''Vipaka''' (post-digestive effect): Madhura
* '''Dosha Effect''': Primarily balances [[Vata dosha|vata]], secondarily kapha; aggravates pitta in excess.
* '''Dosha Effect''': Primarily balances [[Vata dosha|vata]], secondarily kapha; aggravates pitta in excess.
* '''Classical Actions''': Medhya (intellect promoter), balya (strength), vajikarana (aphrodisiac), rasayana (rejuvenative).<ref name=":0">{{cite book |last1=Sharma |first1=P.V. |title=Charaka Samhita |publisher=Chaukhamba Orientalia |location=Varanasi |year=2014 |isbn=978-8176371432}}</ref>
* '''Classical Actions''': Medhya (intellect promoter), balya (strength), vajikarana (aphrodisiac), rasayana (rejuvenative).<ref name=":0">{{cite book |last1=Sharma |first1=P.V.|title=Charaka Samhita |publisher=Chaukhamba Orientalia |location=Varanasi |year=2014 |isbn=978-8176371432}}</ref>


==Description==
==Description==
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==Clinical Uses==
==Clinical Uses==


==Reference in Charak Samhita and its actions ==
===Reference in Charak Samhita and its actions ===
{| class="wikitable"
{| class="wikitable"
|+
|+
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|-
|-
|14
|14
|Ca.Sa. Chikitsa Sthana 27/43
|Cha.Sa. Chikitsa Sthana 27/43
|As an ingredient  of Kushthadi Taila
|As an ingredient  of Kushthadi Taila
|-
|-
|15
|15
|Ca.Sa. Chikitsa Sthana 22/50
|Cha.Sa. Chikitsa Sthana 22/50
|As an ingredient  of Utsadana Yoga
|As an ingredient  of Utsadana Yoga
|-
|-
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|As a paniya yoga, in the treatment of Stanya dosha
|As a paniya yoga, in the treatment of Stanya dosha
|}
|}
=== Bhavaprakasha ===
* Pacifies [[Vata]]-[[Kapha]] dosha
* Alleviates Shwitra (vitiligo)
* Shotha (oedema)
* Kshaya (depletion of tissues)
* Balya (promotes strength)
* Rasayani (rejuvenating)
* Atishukrala (increases semen and sperm count)


===Neurological===
===Neurological===
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==Safety==
==Safety==
Generally safe (GRAS status); rare GI upset, drowsiness. Contraindicated in hyperthyroidism, pregnancy (uterine stimulant), nightshade allergy. LD<sub>50</sub> >2 g/kg in rodents.<ref>{{cite web |title=Withania somnifera (Ashwagandha) Monograph |url=https://www.herbrally.com/monographs/ashwagandha |publisher=HerbRally |access-date=2026-03-16}}</ref>
Generally safe (GRAS status); rare GI upset, drowsiness. Contraindicated in hyperthyroidism, pregnancy (uterine stimulant), and nightshade allergy. LD<sub>50</sub> >2 g/kg in rodents.<ref>{{cite web |title=Withania somnifera (Ashwagandha) Monograph |url=https://www.herbrally.com/monographs/ashwagandha |publisher=HerbRally |access-date=2026-03-16}}</ref>


==Research==
==Research==


Over 100 clinical trials support adaptogenic effects; NIH-funded studies ongoing for anxiety and sleep disorders. Withanolides modulate HPA axis, GABA receptors, and inflammation pathways (NF-κB inhibition).<ref name=":1">{{cite journal |last1=Speers |first1=A.B. |last2=Cabey |first2=K.A. |last3=Souza |first3=M.J. |last4=Spencer |first4=E.A. |title=Effects of Withania somnifera (Ashwagandha) on stress and the stress-related neuropsychiatric disorders anxiety, depression, and insomnia |journal=Current Neuropharmacology |volume=20 |issue=7 |pages=1–17 |doi=10.2174/1570159X19666210813150419 |year=2021}}</ref>
Over 100 clinical trials support adaptogenic effects; NIH-funded studies are ongoing for anxiety and sleep disorders. Withanolides modulate HPA axis, GABA receptors, and inflammation pathways (NF-κB inhibition).<ref name=":1">{{cite journal |last1=Speers |first1=A.B. |last2=Cabey |first2=K.A. |last3=Souza |first3=M.J. |last4=Spencer |first4=E.A. |title=Effects of Withania somnifera (Ashwagandha) on stress and the stress-related neuropsychiatric disorders anxiety, depression, and insomnia |journal=Current Neuropharmacology |volume=20 |issue=7 |pages=1–17 |doi=10.2174/1570159X19666210813150419 |year=2021}}</ref>
 
==Current availability ==


Available


==References==
== External links ==
{{reflist}}


[[Category:Ayurvedic medicines]]
[https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Withania_somnifera Withania Somnifera]  
[[Category:Adaptogens]]
[[Category:Withania]]
[[Category:Medicinal plants of Asia]]


==Current availability ==
[https://cb.imsc.res.in/imppat/phytochemical/Withania%20somnifera IMPPAT Database link]


Available
==References==
{{reflist}}


==Current researches ==
   This article is under development...
[[Category: Database of herbs and minerals | Herbs]]
   This article is under development ..