Withania somnifera
Withania somnifera, commonly known as Ashwagandha, is a cornerstone of Ayurvedic medicine. Renowned as a potent adaptogen, this perennial shrub helps the body manage stress and restore balance. Its roots contain bioactive withanolides, which offer neuroprotective, anti-inflammatory, and rejuvenating properties, making it a vital herb for holistic wellness.
- Scientific name: Withania somnifera
- Family: Solanaceae
- Native range: Europe
Taxonomical Classification
This plant, known scientifically as Withania somnifera, belongs to the kingdom Plantae and the phylum Streptophyta. Within the class Equisetopsida and subclass Magnoliidae, it is classified under the order Solanales and the family Solanaceae. Finally, it is situated within the genus Withania.
| Rank | Classification | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Kingdom | Plantae | WCVP |
| Phylum | Streptophyta | WCVP |
| Class | Equisetopsida | WCVP |
| Subclass | Magnoliidae | WCVP |
| Order | Solanales | WCVP |
| Family | Solanaceae | WCVP |
| Genus | Withania | WCVP |
Distribution
This plant exhibits a specific distribution pattern across several regions of the Mediterranean. Within Southwestern Europe, it can be found growing in the Baleares and Sardegna. It is also documented to inhabit various areas of Spain. Moving toward Southeastern Europe, the species is present in Greece. Finally, its range extends to the island of Kriti.
| Region | Area | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Southwestern Europe | Baleares | WCVP |
| Southwestern Europe | Sardegna | WCVP |
| Southwestern Europe | Spain | WCVP |
| Southeastern Europe | Greece | WCVP |
| Southeastern Europe | Kriti | WCVP |
| Southeastern Europe | Sicilia | WCVP |
| Northern Africa | Algeria | WCVP |
| Northern Africa | Egypt | WCVP |
| Northern Africa | Libya | WCVP |
| Northern Africa | Morocco | WCVP |
Chemicals
Withania somnifera has 268 reported phytochemicals identified across 647 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported chemicals include withanolides, withaferin A, withanolide A, Withaferin A, withanolide.
- Total chemicals
- 268
- Scientific sources
- 647
Most Reported Compounds
| Compound | Sources | Confidence |
|---|---|---|
| withanolides | 57 | ★★★★★ |
| withaferin A | 55 | ★★★★★ |
| withanolide A | 30 | ★★★★★ |
| Withaferin A | 28 | ★★★★★ |
| withanolide | 17 | ★★★★★ |
| withanone | 17 | ★★★★★ |
| flavonoids | 13 | ★★★★★ |
| stigmasterol | 10 | ★★★★★ |
| Withanolide A | 9 | ★★★★☆ |
| Withanone | 8 | ★★★★☆ |
Activities
Withania somnifera has 49 reported activities identified across 176 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported activities include Antioxidant, Anticancer, Neuroprotective, Adaptogenic, Cardioprotective.
- Total activities
- 49
- Scientific sources
- 176
Most Reported Activities
| Activity | Sources | Confidence |
|---|---|---|
| Antioxidant | 32 | ★★★★★ |
| Anticancer | 19 | ★★★★★ |
| Neuroprotective | 12 | ★★★★★ |
| Adaptogenic | 10 | ★★★★★ |
| Cardioprotective | 8 | ★★★★☆ |
| Antimicrobial | 7 | ★★★★☆ |
| Antidiabetic | 6 | ★★★☆☆ |
| Antistress | 6 | ★★★☆☆ |
| Antiviral | 5 | ★★★☆☆ |
| Hepatoprotective | 5 | ★★★☆☆ |
Medicinal Uses
Withania somnifera has 240 reported medicinal uses identified across 466 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported uses include cancer, breast cancer, Alzheimer's disease, inflammation, oxidative stress.
- Total uses
- 240
- Scientific sources
- 466
Most Reported Uses
| Use | Sources | Confidence |
|---|---|---|
| cancer | 34 | ★★★★★ |
| breast cancer | 17 | ★★★★★ |
| Alzheimer's disease | 14 | ★★★★★ |
| inflammation | 14 | ★★★★★ |
| oxidative stress | 14 | ★★★★★ |
| neurodegenerative diseases | 12 | ★★★★★ |
| Parkinson's disease | 11 | ★★★★★ |
| COVID-19 | 9 | ★★★★☆ |
| anxiety | 7 | ★★★★☆ |
| arthritis | 7 | ★★★★☆ |