Plant Comparison

Selfheal vs Ashwagandha

A side-by-side comparison of two medicinal plants — every documented constituent, action, use, safety note and cited source, assembled automatically from the Omnia Sana database.

First plant
Second plant
Show:
Plant ASelfhealPrunella vulgarisLamiaceaeFull monograph →
Plant BAshwagandhaWithania somniferaSolanaceaeFull monograph →

At a glance

Selfheal and Ashwagandha: they share 8 indicated uses (arthritis / joint pain, cold & flu, immune support, …); 6 pharmacological actions in common.

SelfhealAshwagandha
Constituents23
Pharmacological actions108
Indicated uses1214
Safety notes22
Cited sources3725
Indicated uses
Only Selfheal
BruisingInfection (general)WoundsCardiovascular / heart health
Shared (8)
Arthritis / joint painCold & fluImmune supportInflammation (general)Skin irritationCancer (anticancer research)Blood sugar / diabetes supportCognitive function
Only Ashwagandha
Fatigue / low energyFertilityInsomnia / sleeplessnessMemoryMetabolic supportMuscle soreness
Pharmacological actions
Only Selfheal
AntimicrobialAntiviralVulnerary (wound healing)Hepatoprotective (liver support)
Shared (6)
Anti-inflammatoryAntioxidantImmunomodulator / immune supportAnticancer (preclinical)Neuroprotective / cognition supportAntidiabetic (blood-sugar lowering)
Only Ashwagandha
Physical performance / ergogenicSedative / sleep support

Evidence face-off — shared uses

ConditionSelfhealAshwagandhaVerdict
Arthritis / joint pain2/101/10Comparable evidence
Cold & flu2/101/10Comparable evidence
Immune support2/101/10Comparable evidence
Inflammation (general)2/101/10Comparable evidence
Skin irritation2/101/10Comparable evidence
Cancer (anticancer research)7/107/10Comparable evidence
Blood sugar / diabetes support2/101/10Comparable evidence
Cognitive function2/101/10Comparable evidence

Evidence scores (1–10) are computed from the tier of each cited source. “Comparable” means the two scores are within one point. Follow a score to its detailed sources.

Key Constituents

Triterpenoids and phenolic acids[1, 3]

Pentacyclic triterpenoids (ursolic, oleanolic and betulinic acids), the phenolic acid rosmarinic acid, coumarins (umbelliferone, scopoletin, esculetin) and the flavonoid luteolin are the main bioactives behind self-heal's antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial activity.

Rosmarinic acidPhenolic acidsCoumarinsFlavonoidsLuteolin
Sulphated and polyphenol-conjugated polysaccharides[4, 29, 30, 31]

Water-extracted polysaccharides — including a partially sulphated arabinogalactomannan (PSP-2B) and polyphenolic-protein-polysaccharide conjugates (PVG/PVE30) — are the principal antiviral and immunomodulatory constituents, blocking herpes simplex virus attachment and modulating innate immune signalling.

PolysaccharidesPhenolic compounds
Withanolides (withaferin A, withanolide A)[5]

Steroidal lactones considered the principal bioactive compounds, responsible for most of the plant's adaptogenic, anti-inflammatory and anticancer research interest.

Withanolides
Alkaloids (withanine, somniferine)[5]

Minor tropane-type alkaloids contributing to the traditional sedative reputation.

Alkaloids
Sitoindosides and saponins[5]

Glycowithanolides linked to adaptogenic and immunomodulatory activity.

Saponins

Pharmacological Actions

Anti-inflammatory[1, 2, 3, 4, 12, 15, 18, 20, 26, 27, 29, 32, 33, 34, 35]
Antimicrobial[1, 3, 32, 33, 34]
Antioxidant[1, 2, 5, 9, 12, 17, 32, 33, 34]
Antiviral[2, 29, 30, 31, 32, 33, 34, 36]
Immunomodulator / immune support[4, 5, 9, 10, 15, 23, 26, 29, 32, 33, 34, 35, 36]
Vulnerary (wound healing)[1, 27, 32, 33, 34]
Anticancer (preclinical)[6, 7, 10, 13, 14, 16, 21, 22, 28]
Neuroprotective / cognition support[11, 25]
Hepatoprotective (liver support)[12, 16, 17]
Antidiabetic (blood-sugar lowering)[19, 20, 24]
Anti-inflammatory[5, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19]
Anticancer (preclinical)[11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19]
Antidiabetic (blood-sugar lowering)[12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19]
Antioxidant[6, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19]
Physical performance / ergogenic[8, 10, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19]

Physical performance / strength improvement

Immunomodulator / immune support[12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19]
Neuroprotective / cognition support[2, 6, 9, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19]
Sedative / sleep support[1, 2, 3, 4, 7, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19]

Traditional & Indicated Uses

Arthritis / joint pain[1, 29, 32, 33, 34, 35]Traditional · 2/10

inferred from anti-inflammatory action

Evidence: 2
Label: Arthritis / joint pain
Bruising[1, 32, 33, 34]Traditional · 2/10

inferred from vulnerary action

Evidence: 2
Label: Bruising
Cold & flu[29, 30, 31, 32, 33, 34, 36]Traditional · 2/10

inferred from antiviral action

Evidence: 2
Label: Cold & flu
Immune support[10, 15, 29, 32, 33, 34, 35, 36]Traditional · 2/10
Evidence: 2
Label: Immune support
Infection (general)[1, 32, 33, 34]Traditional · 2/10

inferred from antimicrobial action

Evidence: 2
Label: Infection (general)
Inflammation (general)[1, 12, 15, 29, 32, 33, 34, 35]Traditional · 2/10

inferred from anti-inflammatory action

Evidence: 2
Label: Inflammation (general)
Skin irritation[1, 29, 32, 33, 34, 35]Traditional · 2/10

inferred from anti-inflammatory action

Evidence: 2
Label: Skin irritation
Wounds[1, 27, 32, 33, 34]Traditional · 2/10

inferred from antimicrobial action

Evidence: 2
Label: Wounds
Cancer (anticancer research)[6, 7, 10, 13, 14, 16, 21, 22, 28]Good · 7/10

inferred from anticancer action

Evidence: 7
Label: Cancer (anticancer research)
Blood sugar / diabetes support[19, 20, 24]Traditional · 2/10
Evidence: 2
Label: Blood sugar / diabetes support
Cardiovascular / heart health[18, 19]Traditional · 2/10
Evidence: 2
Label: Cardiovascular / heart health
Cognitive function[25]Traditional · 2/10
Evidence: 2
Label: Cognitive function
Arthritis / joint pain[12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19]Traditional · 1/10

inferred from anti-inflammatory action

Evidence: 1
Label: Arthritis / joint pain
Blood sugar / diabetes support[12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19]Traditional · 1/10

inferred from antidiabetic action

Evidence: 1
Label: Blood sugar / diabetes support
Cancer (anticancer research)[11]Good · 7/10

inferred from anticancer action

Evidence: 7
Label: Cancer (anticancer research)
Cognitive function[12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19]Traditional · 1/10

inferred from neuroprotective action

Evidence: 1
Label: Cognitive function
Cold & flu[12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19]Traditional · 1/10

inferred from immunomodulator action

Evidence: 1
Label: Cold & flu
Fatigue / low energy[12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19]Traditional · 1/10

inferred from ergogenic action

Evidence: 1
Label: Fatigue / low energy
Fertility[12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19]Traditional · 1/10
Evidence: 1
Label: Fertility
Immune support[12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19]Traditional · 1/10
Evidence: 1
Label: Immune support
Inflammation (general)[12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19]Traditional · 1/10

inferred from anti-inflammatory action

Evidence: 1
Label: Inflammation (general)
Insomnia / sleeplessness[12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19]Traditional · 1/10

inferred from sedative action

Evidence: 1
Label: Insomnia / sleeplessness
Memory[12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19]Traditional · 1/10

inferred from neuroprotective action

Evidence: 1
Label: Memory
Metabolic support[12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19]Traditional · 1/10

inferred from antidiabetic action

Evidence: 1
Label: Metabolic support
Muscle soreness[12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19]Traditional · 1/10

inferred from ergogenic action

Evidence: 1
Label: Muscle soreness
Skin irritation[12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19]Traditional · 1/10

inferred from anti-inflammatory action

Evidence: 1
Label: Skin irritation

Safety, Cautions & Contraindications

Safety note[32, 33, 34]Caution

Generally very safe and well tolerated. No significant known toxicity or drug interactions. Safe for topical and internal use in normal medicinal doses. Suitable for most adults including children in appropriate doses.

Safety note[32, 33, 34, 37]Info

Duke (2002) rates self-heal as +++ and notes antioxidant (score 2), anti-inflammatory, antiviral, and COX-2 inhibitory activities. The plant contains luteolin, rosmarinic acid, and hyperoside — all with well-documented bioactivities. Hepatoprotective activity has been experimentally demonstrated. Duke notes that self-heal has a broad antimicrobial spectrum and an impressive antioxidant profile, supporting its traditional reputation as a versatile wound-healing herb. No significant safety concerns at normal herbal doses (Duke, 2002).

Safety note[12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19]Caution

Generally well-tolerated in clinical trials at doses up to 600 mg/day for up to 12 weeks. Common side effects may include mild drowsiness, gastrointestinal upset, and diarrhea at higher doses. Contraindicated during pregnancy due to potential abortifacient effects. May interact with sedatives, immunosuppressants, thyroid medications, and blood sugar medications. People with autoimmune diseases, hyperthyroidism, or scheduled for surgery should consult healthcare providers before use. May cause allergic reactions in sensitive individuals. Not recommended for children without medical supervision.

Safety note[12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20]Caution

Duke (2002) classifies ashwagandha activities primarily at the experimental level (score 1), with adaptogenic, sedative, immunostimulant, and anti-inflammatory actions demonstrated in animal and in vitro models. Root preparations are used at 2–3 g powdered root three times daily, or 150–300 mg of standardized extract. Importantly, the plant has documented abortifacient and antifertility properties in animal studies, and its use should be avoided during pregnancy. It may potentiate the effects of barbiturates and sedatives (Duke, 2002).

External Ids

Gbif: 5341297
Wikidata: Q158469
Gbif: 2928840
Wikidata: Q852660

Botanical Description

Low, creeping to semi-erect perennial herb (Lamiaceae), 5-30 cm tall, with square, often purplish stems. Leaves are opposite, ovate with slightly toothed margins. Small, two-lipped, violet-purple flowers are densely packed into a compact, club-shaped terminal spike subtended by purplish bracts.[1]

Height: 5-30 cm
Habit: Low, creeping to semi-erect perennial herb
Leaves: Opposite, ovate, slightly toothed
Flowers: Small, two-lipped, violet-purple, in a compact club-shaped terminal spike
Stem: Square, often purplish
Root: Fibrous, spreading perennial rootstock
Fruit: Four small nutlets (typical Lamiaceae schizocarp)
Flowering Period: June-September

Erect, branching perennial shrub with soft, downy, oval to lance-shaped leaves. Small, inconspicuous, greenish-yellow bell-shaped flowers are borne in the leaf axils, followed by a small orange-red berry enclosed in a papery, lantern-like calyx, giving rise to the name 'winter cherry'.[5]

Height: 0.3-1.5 m
Habit: Erect, branching perennial shrub
Leaves: Soft, downy, oval to lance-shaped
Flowers: Small, inconspicuous, greenish-yellow, bell-shaped
Stem: Erect, branching, downy
Root: Long, thick, tapering, pale brown root (the medicinal part), aromatic with a distinctive horse-like smell (the source of the name ashwagandha)
Fruit: Small orange-red berry enclosed in a papery, lantern-like calyx
Flowering Period: Summer to autumn

Habitat

Native throughout Europe, Asia and North America (circumboreal), extremely common in lawns, meadows, woodland clearings, roadsides and waste ground, tolerating mowing and a wide range of soils.[1]

Native to the drier regions of India, the Middle East and parts of Africa; cultivated in warm, semi-arid climates on well-drained soils, notably in central and western India.[5]

Harvesting

Whole flowering aerial parts (flower, leaf and stem) are cut during flowering (summer) and dried.[1]

Parts: Flower, Leaf, Stem
Season: Summer, during flowering

The root is dug in winter from plants around one year old, when withanolide content is highest, then cleaned, cut and dried; the leaves are picked through the growing season.[5]

Parts: Leaf, Root
Season: Root in winter, from around one-year-old plants; leaf through the growing season

Traditional Uses

Selfheal has an extremely broad folk-medicine reputation across European, North American and Traditional Chinese Medicine traditions - as its name suggests, used as an all-purpose wound herb, gargle for sore throat, and internal remedy for fevers and inflammation. Modern research on its triterpenoid, phenolic and polysaccharide constituents supports wide-ranging antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial and antiviral activity.[1]

Ashwagandha root is one of the most important rasayana (rejuvenative) tonics of Ayurvedic medicine, traditionally used to build strength and vitality, support healthy stress response, and promote restful sleep; this traditional adaptogenic reputation is now supported by clinical trials of standardised root extract for stress, sleep and physical performance.[1, 5]

Preparations

Infusion (tea)[1]

Dried aerial parts steeped in hot water, taken internally or used as a gargle or wash.

Standardised extract[1, 5]

Root extract standardised to withanolide content, taken as capsules or tablets; the form used in most clinical stress, sleep and performance studies.

Dosage

Infusion (tea)[1]

Traditional guidance suggests roughly 2-4 g dried herb per cup as an infusion, up to three times daily, or an equivalent tincture; used topically as a wash or gargle at similar strength. Educational reference only, not a prescription.

Standardised extract[1]

Clinical trials for stress and sleep commonly use around 300-600 mg of standardised root extract daily, in divided doses, over several weeks. Educational reference only, not a prescription.

References

REF-0659, REF-2422, REF-2423, REF-2424, REF-2425, REF-2878, REF-2879, REF-2880, REF-2881, REF-2882, REF-2883, REF-2884, REF-2885, REF-2886, REF-2887, REF-2888, REF-2911, REF-2912, REF-2913, REF-2914, REF-2915, REF-2916, REF-2917, REF-2918, REF-2919, REF-2920, REF-2921, REF-2922
REF-2245, REF-2246, REF-2247, REF-2248, REF-2249, REF-2250, REF-2251, REF-2252, REF-2253, REF-2254, REF-2255

Lookalikes Review

Outcome: none-known
Reviewed By: Omnia Sana (owner-authorized)
Reviewed Date: 2026-07-07
Outcome: none-known
Reviewed By: Omnia Sana (owner-authorized)
Reviewed Date: 2026-07-07

Drug Class Interactions

Not documented

Safety note[21, 22]Caution
Drug Class: thyroid-medicines
Mechanism: Ashwagandha can raise circulating thyroid hormone (T3/T4) and lower TSH; a randomized trial normalised thyroid indices in subclinical hypothyroidism and a case of thyrotoxicosis has been reported. Combined with thyroid medication it may add to thyroid activity, so monitor thyroid levels.
Reviewed By: Omnia Sana (owner-authorized)
Reviewed Date: 2026-07-03
Safety note[1, 23, 24]Caution
Drug Class: sedatives-cns-depressants
Mechanism: Ashwagandha has sedative, GABA-related calming activity (a meta-analysis of randomised trials found it improves sleep); taken with sedatives, sleeping tablets or other central-nervous-system depressants it may add to drowsiness and slowed reactions.
Reviewed By: Omnia Sana (owner-authorized)
Reviewed Date: 2026-07-03
Safety note[25]Caution
Drug Class: antidiabetics
Mechanism: Ashwagandha can lower blood glucose; combined with diabetes medicines it may add to blood-sugar lowering and increase the risk of hypoglycaemia, so monitor blood sugar.
Reviewed By: Omnia Sana (owner-authorized)
Reviewed Date: 2026-07-03

Pairings

Not documented

Both ashwagandha and valerian are calming, sleep-promoting herbs; using them together may add to drowsiness and sedation, so take care especially before driving or when using other sedatives.[1, 23]

Partner Id: valeriana-officinalis
Type: caution
Reviewed By: Omnia Sana (owner-authorized)
Reviewed Date: 2026-07-03

Ashwagandha and kava both calm the central nervous system; combining them may add to sedation and drowsiness, so combined use warrants caution.[1, 23]

Partner Id: piper-methysticum
Type: caution
Reviewed By: Omnia Sana (owner-authorized)
Reviewed Date: 2026-07-03

References & Sources

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    https://doi.org/10.2174/1570163818666210203181542
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Generated automatically from the Omnia Sana plant database and its cited sources. For educational purposes only — not medical advice. Always consult a qualified practitioner before using medicinal plants.