Journal

Ashwagandha

July 2, 2026 · Omnia Sana

Withania somnifera

Family: Solanaceae · Parts used: Leaf, Root · Also known as: Indian Ginseng, Winter Cherry, Poison Gooseberry, Ajagandha, Kanaje Hindi

Key actions

Anti-inflammatoryAnticancer (preclinical)Antidiabetic (blood-sugar lowering)AntioxidantPhysical performance / ergogenicImmunomodulator / immune supportNeuroprotective / cognition supportSedative / sleep support

Traditional & clinical uses, by strength of evidence

Arthritis / joint painTraditional
Blood sugar / diabetes supportTraditional
Cognitive functionTraditional
Cold & fluTraditional
Fatigue / low energyTraditional
FertilityTraditional
Immune supportTraditional
Inflammation (general)Traditional
Insomnia / sleeplessnessTraditional
MemoryTraditional
Metabolic supportTraditional
Muscle sorenessTraditional
Skin irritationTraditional

From the Materia Medica

An adaptogenic root long used in Ayurveda to support resilience to stress and restful sleep.

Read the full monograph →

Selected studies & references

ReviewEfficacy and Safety of Herbal Supplements with Anxiolytic, Antidepressant, and Sedative Action: A Review of Clinical Data and Toxicological Risks (2026)

ReviewEffects of Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera) on stress and anxiety: a systematic review and meta-analysis (2024)

ReviewUnveilling the antidiabetic potential of ashwagandha (Withania somnifera L.) and its withanolides – a review (2024)

ReviewEffect of Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera) extract on sleep: a systematic review and meta-analysis (2021)

ReviewEffects of Withania somnifera (ashwagandha) on stress and the stress-related neuropsychiatric disorders anxiety, depression, and insomnia (2021)

ReviewWithania somnifera (L.) Dunal (Ashwagandha): a comprehensive review on ethnopharmacology, pharmacotherapeutics, biomedicinal and toxicological aspects (2021)

ReviewReview on anticancerous therapeutic potential of Withania somnifera (L.) Dunal (2020)

All 24 studies in the Knowledge Finder →

Educational use only. This profile summarises traditional and scientific sources for reference. It is not medical advice and not a substitute for a qualified practitioner. Some plants carry safety cautions and drug interactions — always check before use.

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