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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 and Synonyms

Scientific Names

Accepted name

Withania

Synonyms

Sources: Wikidata, Catalogue of Life

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
Kingdom Plantae
Phylum Streptophyta
Class Equisetopsida
Subclass Magnoliidae
Order Solanales
Family Solanaceae
Genus Withania

Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (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
Southwestern Europe Baleares
Southwestern Europe Portugal
Southwestern Europe Sardegna
Southwestern Europe Spain
Southeastern Europe Greece
Southeastern Europe Kriti
Southeastern Europe Sicilia
Northern Africa Algeria
Northern Africa Egypt
Northern Africa Libya

Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)

Plant Parts

Withania has 1 reported plant parts identified across 2 scientific publications and several other databases that are studied for medicinal purposes. The most consistently reported plant part include root.

Plant parts reported in Withania
Plant part Supporting sources Consensus
Root 2 supporting sources ★☆☆☆☆

Root

  1. PloS one
  2. Journal of ethnopharmacology

Chemicals

Withania has 1 reported phytochemicals identified across 2 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported chemicals include Withanolides.

Chemicals reported in Withania
Chemical Supporting sources Consensus
Withanolides 1 supporting sources ★☆☆☆☆

Withanolides

  1. Phytotherapy research : PTR

Conditions

Withania has 1 reported investigations on conditions identified across 2 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported conditions include cancer.

Conditions investigated for Withania
Condition Supporting sources Consensus
Cancer 2 supporting sources ★☆☆☆☆

Cancer

  1. Natural product research
  2. Phytotherapy research : PTR

Preparations

Withania has 5 reported preparations identified across 2 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported preparations include extract, Adaptra, Withania extract, crude extract, plant powders.

Preparations reported for Withania
Preparation Supporting sources Consensus
Extract 2 supporting sources ★☆☆☆☆
Adaptra 1 supporting sources ★☆☆☆☆
Withania extract 1 supporting sources ★☆☆☆☆
Crude extract 1 supporting sources ★☆☆☆☆
Plant powders 1 supporting sources ★☆☆☆☆

Extract

  1. Journal of ethnopharmacology
  2. Cancer letters

Adaptra

  1. Phytomedicine : international journal of phytotherapy and phytopharmacology

Withania extract

  1. Immunopharmacology and immunotoxicology

Crude extract

  1. PloS one

Plant powders

  1. Food chemistry