ISSN: 2277- 7695

CODEN Code: PIHNBQ

ZDB-Number: 2663038-2

IC Journal No: 7725

Vol. 1 No. 9 2012 Online Available at www.thepharmajournal.com

THE PHARMA INNOVATION

Traditional And Medicinal Uses of Somnifera

M. Umadevi1*, R. Rajeswari1, C. Sharmila Rahale1, S. Selvavenkadesh1, R.Pushpa1, K.P.Sampath Kumar2, Debjit Bhowmik3 1.Tamil Nadu Agricultural University, Coimbatore, 2.Coimbatore medical college, Coimbatore, India 3.Karpagam University, Coimbatore, India

Ashwgandha has long been considered as an excellent rejuvenator, a general health tonic and a cure for a number of health complaints. It is a sedative, diuretic, anti-inflammatory and generally respected for increasing energy, endurance, and acts as an-adaptogen that exerts a strong immunostimulatory and an- anti-stress agent. Ashwagandha is taken for treating cold and coughs, ulcers, emaciation, diabetes, conjunctivitis, epilepsy, insomnia, senile dementia, leprosy, Parkinson’s disease, nervous disorders, rheumatism, arthritis, intestinal infections, bronchitis, asthma, impotence and a suppressant in HIV/AIDS patients. According to Indian Herbal System (), Ashwagandha is considered one of the most important herbs and the best adaptogenic. It contains constituents like cuseohygrine, anahygrine, tropine, and anaferine, glycosides, withenolide with starches and amino acid. consists of steroidal molecules which is said to fight inflammation.Ashwagandha stimulates the immune system, combats inflammation, increases memory, and helps maintain general health and wellness. Ashwagandha is known to increase the production of bone marrow, semen, and acts anti-aging. Ashwagandha anti-tumor and anti- inflammatory agents are approved in several studies. Its steroidal is much higher than that of hydrocortisone which is a common treatment in cancer cases. Diseases like TB, chronic upper respiratory diseases and HIV have been added to the list of Ashwagandha due to its strong immunostimulatory activity, and it is recognized as a blood tonic, especially in gynecological disorders including anemia and irregular menstruation. Patients with anxiety can also benefit from Ashwagandha Keyword: Ashwgandha, Sedative, Diuretic, Cognitive and Neurological Disorders

INTRODUCTION: Ashwagandha (Withania It grows in dry parts in sub-tropical regions. somnifera), also known as Indian , and Rajasthan, Punjab, Haryana, Uttar Pradesh, as Indian Winter Cherry is an important ancient Gujarat, Maharashtra and Madhya Pradesh are , the roots of which have been employed in the major Ashwagandha producing states of the Indian traditional systems of medicine, Ayurveda country. The estimated production of and Unani. Ashwagandha roots in India is more than 1500 Corresponding Author’s Contact information: tonnes and the annual requirement is about 7000 M. Umadevi * tonnes necessitating the increase in its cultivation Tamil Nadu Agricultural University, Coimbatore, and higher production. Ashwagandha, the Indian India ginseng or winter cherry has been used as a quiet E-mail: [email protected] valuable herb in the Ayurvedic and indigenous

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medical system for over 4000 years. The roots, necessitating the increase in its cultivation and leaves and fruits (berry) possess tremendous higher production. medicinal value. A famous Ayurvedic rejuvenative botanical used in many tonics and Chemical Constituents: formulas, Ashwagandha is the best rejuvenative The methanol, hexane and diethyl ether extracts that helps maintain proper nourishment of the from both leaves and roots of Ashwagandha were tissues, particularly muscle and bones, while found. percentage in roots ranges from supporting the proper function of the adrenals and 0.13 to 0.31%. The roots of Withania somnifera reproductive system. are alterative, aphrodisiac, deobstruent, diuretic, narcotic, sedative and restorative in nature. The pharmacological activity of the root is attributed to the and steroidals lactones. The total alkaloid content in the roots of Indian types has been reported to vary between 0.13 and 0.3, though much high yields (up to 4.3 per cent) have been recorded elsewhere. Many bio-chemical heterogeneous alkaloids, including choline, tropanol, pseudotopanol, cuscokygrene, 3- tigioyloxytropana, isopelletierine and several other steroidal lactories. Twelve alkaloids, 35 and several sitoindosides have been isolated from the roots of the plant have been studied.

A sitoindoside is a biologically active constituent known as withanolide containing a glucose molecule at carbon 27. Indian ginseng’s  Botanical Name : Withania Somnifera pharmacological activity has been attributed to  Family Name : two main withanolides, and  Common Name : Withania, Winter withanolide D. Withaferin-A is therapeutically Cherry, Indian Winter Cherry, Indian active withanolide reported to be present in Ginseng, Ashwagandha leaves. In addition to alkaloids, the roots are  Part Used : Roots, Leaves reported to contain starch, reducing sugars,  Habitat : Cultivated throughout drier parts glycosides, dulcitol, withancil, an acid and a of india. neutral compound. The amino acids reported  Product offered : Roots from the roots include aspartic acid, glycine, tyrosine, alanine, glutamic acid and cysteine. The plant grows in dry and sub-tropical regions and is an erect branching low lying Description reaching a height of about 1.50 m. it grows in dry It grows as a short shrub (35–75 cm) with a parts in sub-tropical regions. Rajasthan, Punjab, central stem from which branches extend radially Haryana, Uttar Pradesh, Gujarat, Maharashtra and in a star pattern (stellate) and covered with a Madhya Pradesh are the major Ashwagandha dense matte of wooly hairs (tomentose). The producing states of the country. In Madhya flowers are small and green, while the ripe fruit is Pradesh alone it is cultivated in more than 5000 orange-red and has milk-coagulating properties. hectare. The estimated production of The plant's long, brown, tuberous roots are used Ashwagandha roots in India is than 1500 tonnes for medicinal purposes. and the annual requirement is about 7000 tonnes

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Climatic conditions for growth herb that rejuvenates the nervous system, Withania somnifera is grown as late rainy-season erases insomnia and eases stress. (kharif) crop. Semitropical areas receiving 500 to  Ashwagandha has also been shown to 750 mm rainfall are suitable for its cultivation as lower blood pressure and is highly a rainfed crop. If one or two winter rains are effective in stopping the formation of received, then root development improves.[ stress induced ulcers. The crop requires a relatively dry season during  In arthritis, which involves joints that are its growing period. It can tolerate a temperature painful, dry, swollen and inflamed, range of 20 to 38°C and as low a temperature as Ashwagandha would be the herb of 10°C. The plant grows from sea level to an choice. [ altitude of 1500 meters.  One of the special properties of Ashwagandha is that it will enhance ojas. Biochemical-properties Ojas is the most subtle, refined level of The biochemical composition of Withania the physical body and is the end result of somnifera has been widely studied and healthy food which is properly digested. It researched. Some 35 compounds had been is responsible for a healthy immune analyzed in the laboratory. system, physical strength, lustrous  Alkaloids: About 13 alkaloids are known complexion, clarity of mind and sense of as Isopelletierine, Anaferine, Well-being. It allows consciousness to Cuseohygrine, Anahygrine, Tropine etc. flow within the body. With decreased  Somniferin: It is a bitter alkaloid with ojas, we are less in touch with ourselves some hypnotic activity. and more prone to diseases and having a  Steroidal Lactones: Withanolides, feeling of disharmony. 'Ojakshaya' Withanoferins. (decreased ojas) is a condition similar to  Saponins: These are with an additional AIDS/HIV acyl group (Sitoindoside VII and VIII.  Research on Ashwagandha has concluded  Withanolides With Carbon At 27th that extracts of the plant has a direct Position: Sitoindoside IX and X. spermatogenic influence on the  Iron. seminiferous tubules of immature rats presumably by exerting a testosterone-like Others: resin, fat, coloring matters, a reducing effect. sugar, phytosterol, Ipuranol and a mixture of  Ashwagandha increases hemoglobin (red saturated and unsaturated acids. blood count) and hair melanin.It stabilizes blood sugar and lowers cholesterol. Medicinal values  This herb is considered an adaptogen Ashwagandha for Weight Loss which is a nontoxic herb that works on a Ashwagandha is a commonly used herb in nonspecific basis to normalize Ayurvedic medicine. Through its adaptogenic effects Ashwagandha may help to encourage weight physiological function, working on the loss when used in combination with other weight HPA axis and the neuroendocrine system. loss enhancing supplements. An adaptogen is a  Ashwagandha is effective for insomnia substance which helps minimise stress related but does not act as a sedative.its fluctuations in the diet. This ancient Ayurvedic herb rejuvenative and nervine properties is believed to be helpful for people who either produce energy which in turn help the overeat or under eat due to environmental stress. It body to settle and sleep. Thus it helps the may also help boost metabolism and eliminate body to address a stress related condition irregularities in digestion. rather than masking it with sedatives. A

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Ashwagandha, which is also known as winter rholiola rosea, which are also adaptogens, for cherry or Indian ginseng, has natural antioxidants. optimum effect in weight loss. Also, as Thus it may improve overall health and promote Ashwagandha itself contains no stimulants, it can better fat burning. Besides, it shows natural anti- be a safe addition to supplements like green tea microbial effects and may improve immune which stimulates weight loss. function. The body enters a survival mode when immune function is compromised by pathogens. Useful preparations In such a condition fat burning is not a priority  A paste of Ashwagandha leaves when for the body, and weight loss comes to a standstill applied on a local inflammation acts as at least till the body fully recovers. So better anti-inflammatory. immunity will only have a positive effect on  The herbal massage oil which includes weight loss. Ashwagandha herb is useful in many conditions like paralysis, epilepsy, As it helps reduce stress and build a sleeplessness etc. weakened immune system, Ashwagandha can be  The preparation of Ashwagandha which is a Godsend for people who want to lose weight processed with ghee, sugar and honey is a but experience consistent fatigue or are often ill. very good aphrodisiac and increases It can also reduce inflammation which may be semen quantity, sperm count and common in overweight people. Ashwagandha, mobility. It is effectively used in Erectile being rich in iron, can help build red blood cells dysfunction, low libido and premature and improve blood circulation. ejaculation.  Ashwagandha churna when used regularly According to Brenda Watson and helps to improve the conditions like senile Leonard Smith, who have authored the book ‘The debility, rheumatism, in all cases of Fiber35 Diet: Nature’s Weight Loss Secret’, general debility, nervous exhaustion, Ashwagandha may help in stress related weight brain-fag, low of memory, loss of gain. Cortisol is a hormoneproduced by the muscular energy and spermatorrhoea. It adrenal glands. Over production of this hormone increases body energy and vigor. It helps can lead to weight gain, muscle loss, nervous to rebuild the body system which is worn eating and anxiety. Cortisol is released in larger out due to chronic diseases like syphilis, amounts during times of stress, and being a rheumatism etc. It also replenishes the survival hormone it stimulates glucose production lowered energy of body due to over-work, and triggers a hunger response in the brain. mental exertion thus preventing early Weight gain due to excessive cortisol levels has a ageing. tendency to accumulate in the belly. According to  A good remedy to balance sweet cravings the Life Extension Magazine article “Stress for vata can be prepared using Reduction, Neural Protection and a Lot More Ashwagandha. Roast an ounce of from an Ancient Herb” byDale Kiefer, Ashwagandha in ghee and add a Ashwagandha can naturally lower cortisol levels tablespoon of date sugar. Store in a screw up to 26%. Because it is an adaptogenic herb, it top glass jar in the refrigerator. This can helps support cortisol production and the adrenal be eaten in the morning about twenty glands. minutes before breakfast, in the mid Some studies have shown that Ashwagandha’s afternoon— if sweet cravings arise— and adaptogen properties are especially powerful at bed time with a cup of hot milk. when it is used in synergistic combination with  Ashwagandha when used regularly, is similar herbs.Watson and Smith suggest using a very useful in emaciated children. It potent, standardized extraction of Ashwagandha increases body weight and body energy. root, along with the root of the herb eleuthero and

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 Regular use of Ashwagandha helps to anxiety and anti-depression effects. reduce blood sugar and cholesterol levels. The plant has been used as an aphrodisiac, liver  Fine powder of Ashwagandha well mixed tonic, anti-inflammatory agent, and more recently with oil is very use full in many skin to treat asthma, ulcers, insomnia, and senile conditions. dementia. Clinical trials and animal research  Ashwagandha also acts as galactogogue support the use of ashwagandha for anxiety, and thickens and increases the nutritive cognitive and neurological disorders, value of the milk when given to nursing inflammation, and Parkinson's disease. mothers. Incorporation of ashwagandha in the diet may prevent or decrease the growth of tumors in Side effects human. Excessive doses of ashwagandha have been It helps in providing progressive, long lasting reported to cause abortions, so pregnant women results for various health concerns like aging, should avoid this herb. Do not take this herb with anemia and slow growth, arthritis, fatigue, other sedatives or anti-anxiety drugs. Large doses waning memory, sports fitness and stress- can cause diarrhea, stomach upset and vomiting. disorders. Pharmacological studies and research so far have indicated that Ashwagandha has anti- ASHWAGANDHA AS MEDICINAL HERB tumour, anti-stress, antioxid boosting, Ashwagandha is considered to be one of the haemopoeitic and rejuvenating properties. It is best rejuvenating agents in Ayurveda. Its roots, also an exceptional nerve tonic and nourishes the seeds and leaves are used in Ayurvedic and Unani nerves and improves nerve function to maintain medicines. Ashwagandha root drug finds an calm during stressful conditions. It also nourishes important place in treatment of rheumatic pain, crucial mind and body connection and inflammation of joints, nervous disorders and psychological immune response. epilepsy. Dried roots are used as tonic for hiccup, cold, cough, female disorders, as a sedative, in Ashwagandha Side Effects care of senile debility, ulcers, etc. Leaves are Ashwagandha does not have any significant side applied for carbuncles, inflammation and effects reported in the medical literature. Safety swellings. Leaf juice is useful in conjunctivitis. in pregnancy has not been fully established for Bark decoction is taken for asthma and applied Ashwagandha. locally to bed sores. Ashwagandha and its extracts are used in preparation of herbal tea, ASHWAGANDHA BENEFITS powders, tablets and syrups. Ashwagandha benefits all parts of the body and Ashwagandha has anti-inflammatory, anti- can be used as a tonic or in oral form. Several tumor, anti-stress, antioxidant, mind-boosting, studies have shown that Ashwagandha is useful immune-enhancing, and rejuvenating properties. in addressing the following health problems: Ashwagandha root has also been noted to have 1) Osteoarthritis: A study in 2008 , scientists sex-enhancing properties. Ashwagandha is tested ashwagandha's effects on human cartilage mentioned in the ancient Kama Sutra as an herb and found that the herb may help protect against to be used for heightening sexual experience. inflammation and cartilage damage associated Ashwagandha has the ability to restore sexual with osteoarthritis. health and improve overall vitality while 2) Anxiety: In an animal-based study published in promoting a calm state of mind. A 2002 2000, researchers found that ashwagandha had an laboratory study indicates ashwagandha anti-anxiety effect similar to that of lorazepam (a stimulates the growth of axons and dendrites. A medication used to treat anxiety disorders). The 2001 study in rodents showed ashwagandha had herb also appeared to ease depression. memory boosting ability. A 2000 study with 3) Type 2 Diabetes: Ashwagandha may help rodents showed ashwagandha to have anti- normalize high blood sugar and improve insulin

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sensitivity, according to preliminary, animal- . Ashwagandha helping in Chronic Fatigue based research published in 2008. Syndrome. 4) Cancer:: : In a 2003 study, tests on human tumor cell lines revealed that ashwagandha may ASHWAGANDHA AS AN ADAPTOGENIC slow the growth of lung, breast, and colon cancer AND ANTI-STRESS AGENT: cells.Published in 2007, another study on human cells shows that ashwagandha may inhibit tumor . Respected as Ginseng in Chronic stress growth without harming normal cells. models. 5) Anti-Oxident: Ashwagandha used as an anti- . Protective effect in stress induced oxidant, as studies have shown that it can neuronal degeneration. eliminate free radicals from your immune system. . Helping to achieve better state to fight Free radicals are the agents that cause the against stress. breakdown of your body’s tissue, alternatively . Prevents stress related ulcer. known as aging. 6).Provide energy: Studies show that ASHWAGANDHA REJUVENATIVE AND supplementing with ashwagandha can provide the REPRODUCTIVE ACTION: energy needed to get through long workouts while also allowing for maximum recovery and  Increases libido and sexual function. cell re-growth.  Supports female reproductive system, and 7) General tonic: Ashwagandha is a tonic, which increases ovarian weight and increases sperm count and sexual potency. In the folliculogenesis. rural areas vegetable made out of this plant is  Ashwagandha is approved as a greatest given to tuberculosis patients. It also increases the rejuvenative herb in Indian Herbal iron content in the blood. System. ASHWAGANDHA EFFECTS ON THE  Useful in treating arthritis, diabetes and BRAIN CHEMICALS: hypertension.  Ashwagandha is a potent inhibitor of . GABA-mimetic activity having anxiolytic angiogenesis and it is respected for its effect. phytochemical . Inhibiting Cholinesterase and thereby retaining Acetylcholine for longer time. ASHWAGANDHA IN CANCER PATIENTS: . Slowing down of tolerance of the analgesic effects of morphine.  Acts as anti-carcinogenic. . Induction of axon and dendrite outgrowth,  Growth inhibitor of human tumor cell there by resulting in neuritis regeneration lines. and synaptic reconstruction.  Counteracting mutagenic effect.  Ashwagandha possesses anti-proliferative ASHWAGANDHA agent. IMMUNOSTIMULATORY EFFECT:  Respected as a natural source of potent radiosensitizer in chemotherapy. . Immunity stimulating effect through  Recommended in Ascitic Sarcoma. Macrophages.  Useful in Melanoma induced metastasis. . Raised antibody titer against Bordetella  Supports DMBA induced Squamous cell pertusis strains (Combats Diphtheria). carcinoma. . Protective effect in Cyclophosphamide  Enhances cellular immune response to induced myelosuppression. mitogens. . Beneficial in Ageing and Copper induced  Reversing Paclitaxel induced lipid peroxidation. Neutropenia.

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. Possesses a mild hypoglycemic, diuretic ASHWAGANDHA IN PARKINSON'S AND and an anti-hypercholesterolemic agent. ALZHEIMER'S DISEASE: . Supports Streptozotocin induced diabetes. . Supportive in retinopathy. . An L-dopa in an herbal formulation found in Ashwagandha. CONCLUSION . Enhances memory through cholinergic Withania somnifera, best known as ashwagandha channels. has been used for centuries for the treatment of . Stabilizes mood, improves learning vivid health disorders. Multiple health benefits ability. featured in this herbal supplement makes it as a perfect rejuvenator of physical and psychological ASHWAGANDHA AS A FREE RADICAL health. As per research, this medicinal herb is SCAVENGER & ANTIOXIDANT: mainly found in the regions of North America and India. Powerful antioxidant compounds . Increases the three natural antioxidants in enriched in this herb scavenges free radicals and brain. reduces aging impact on person. Apart from . Stimulates Immune system through Nitric consuming this extract, diet taken by person plays oxide production in Macrophage. an important role in increasing the level of . Dose dependent free radical scavenging antioxidants in body. In order to obtain good and protective effect on DNA cleavage. level of antioxidants, it is advised to include . It has a good effect in Iron overload and surplus amount of fruits and vegetables in diet. Lead toxicity. Apples, berries, onions and carrots are some . Prevents Neuroleptic induced extra among the top listed food items enriched with pyramidal side effects. antioxidant compounds

ASHWAGANDHA ON ANXIETY AND DEPRESSION: REFERENCE: . Ashwagandha is comparable to Bacopa 1. Abbas,M.,Tomar S.S.,Nigam,K.B.,1994. Effect of Monnieri in anxiety and depression plant density and cultivars of Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera Dunal ) on its . Anxiolytic effect comparable to productivity. Research and Development 11:26- Lorazepam. 28. . Antidepressant effect comparable to 2. Abhyankar, G.A. and G.S. Chinchanikar. 1996. Imipramine. Response of Withania somnifera Dunal leaf . Found nontoxic in doses up to 100 mg per explants in vitro. Phytomorphology, 46(3): 249- kg of body weight. 52. 3. Abraham, A., I. Kirson, E. Glotter and D. . As calming, anticonvulsant and Lavie.1968. A chemotaxonomic study antispasmodic effect. of Withania somnifera (L) Dunal . Able to stimulate endocrine glands. . , 7: 957-62. 4. Agarwal R, Diwanay S, Patki P, Patwardhan B. ASHWAGANDHA AS A 1999 Studies on immunomodulatory activity CARDIOVASCULAR PROTECTOR ofWithania somnifera (Ashwagandha) extracts in experimental immune inflammation. JEthnopharmacol. 67(1):27-35. 4. . Able to protect Cardiovascular system 5. Al-Hindawi, M.K., Al-Deen I.H,, Nabi M.H., Ismail against ischemic and reperfusion injury. M.A., 1989. Anti-inflammatory activity of some . Beneficial in Focal ischemia. Iraqi using intact rats. J . Supports anti-atherogenic activity in Ethnopharmacol. 26(2):163-8. polyherbal formula.

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30. Bhattacharya, S.K., Goel, R.K., Kaur, R., and 34. Bhattacharya, S.K., Satyam Kulkunte, S., and Ghoshal, S., 1987. Anti-stress activity of Ghosal, Shibnath., 1997. Antioxidant activity of sitoindosides VII and VIII, New glycowithanolides from W somnifera in rat acylsterylglycosides brain frontal cortex and striatum. Indian J. from W.somnifera. Phytother Res. 1, 32-37. Experimental Biology, 35, 236-239. 31. Bhattacharya, S.K, Satyan, K.S., Chakrabarti A., 35. Budhiraja R.D., Sudhir, S. Review of biological 1997. Effect of Transina, an Ayurvedic herbal activity of Withenolides (Antibacterial formulation, on pancreatic islet superoxide Antitumor, Immunomodulating, dismutase activity in hyperglycaemic Antiinflammatory and insect antifeedcent) J.Sci. rats. Indian J Exp Biol. 35(3):297-9. Ind. Res. 46, 488-91, 32. Bhattacharya, S.K., Satyan K.S., Ghosal, S. 36. Chakraborti, S.K., Barun, De.K., Bandyopadhyay, 1997Antioxidant activity of glycowithanolides P.1974. Variations in the antitumour fromWithania somnifera. Indian J Exp constituents of Withania Biol. 35(3):236-9. somnifera Dunal. Experientia. 30(8):852-853. 33. Bhattacharya, S.K., A. Kumar and S. Ghosal. 37. Chatur Prabhakar, Koshy., V., Menon S., and 1995. Effects of glycowithanolides Vaidyanathan. B. 1994. Effect of Withania from Withania somnifera on an animal model of somnifera, Asparagus racemosus and Lakshadi Alzheimer's disease and perturbed central thailam in improving the physical and mental cholinergic markers of cognition in health of pre-school children. Medicinal and rats. Phytotherapy Research, 9: 110-13. Nutritional Research Communications, 2: 15-18.

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