Withania
Withania · Accepted scientific name
Scientific literature: Very Sparse (5 studies) · ★☆☆☆☆
scientifically known as Withania, is a versatile medicinal herb celebrated in Ayurvedic tradition. Often referred to as Ashwagandha, this powerful adaptogen helps the body manage stress, boosts immunity, and enhances cognitive function. Its roots contain bioactive withanolides, making it a cornerstone in natural wellness for vitality and rejuvenation.
- Family
- Solanaceae
- Native range
- Europe
- Parts used
- Root
- Common names
- Not available
- Scientific synonyms
- Physaloides · Puneeria · 4 more
Names
Scientific Names
Accepted name
WithaniaSynonyms
- Physaloides
- Puneeria
- Archiphysalis
- Hypnoticum
- Opsago
- Physaliastrum
Taxonomical Classification
This plant belongs to the kingdom Plantae and is classified under the phylum Streptophyta within the class Equisetopsida. Following the subclass Magnoliidae, it is organized under the order Solanales and the family Solanaceae. Finally, it is identified by the specific 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 various regions of the Mediterranean. Within Southwestern Europe, it can be found in the Balearic Islands and throughout Portugal. Its presence is also documented in Spain and the island of Sardegna. Moving toward Southeastern Europe, the species extends its reach into Greece. Collectively, these locations highlight its preference for the southern European landscape.
| Region | Area | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Southwestern Europe | Baleares | WCVP |
| Southwestern Europe | Portugal | 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 |
Plant Parts
This plant, commonly known as Ashwagandha, is highly valued in traditional medicine, particularly for the therapeutic properties found within its root. The root is the most significant part of the Withania somnifera plant, containing a high concentration of bioactive compounds such as withanolides. These medicinal components are typically harvested by drying the fleshy root system, which is then used to create various powders, extracts, and tinctures to promote relaxation and reduce stress.| Plant Part | Sources | Consensus |
|---|---|---|
| root | PloS one (and other 2 sources) | ★☆☆☆☆ |
Chemicals
Withania has 1 reported phytochemicals identified across 2 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported chemicals include Withanolides.
| Chemical | Supporting sources | Consensus |
|---|---|---|
| Withanolides | 1 supporting sources | ★☆☆☆☆ |
Withanolides
- Phytotherapy research : PTR
Medicinal Uses
Withania has 1 reported medicinal uses identified across 2 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported uses include cancer.
Most Reported Uses
| Use | Sources | Consensus |
|---|---|---|
| cancer | Natural product research (and other 2 sources) | ★☆☆☆☆ |
Preparations
| Preparations | Sources | Consensus |
|---|---|---|
| extract | Journal of ethnopharmacology (and other 2 sources) | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| Adaptra | Phytomedicine : international journal of phytotherapy and phytopharmacology (and other 1 sources) | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| Withania extract | Immunopharmacology and immunotoxicology (and other 1 sources) | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| crude extract | PloS one (and other 1 sources) | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| plant powders | Food chemistry (and other 1 sources) | ★☆☆☆☆ |