Nowadays more and more people are interested in the herb extract products due to its natural efficacy on human health but without significant side effect. Take ashwagandha extract for example, people love it because of its active ingredients flavonoids and many active ingredients of the withanolide class. Several studies over the past few years have indicated that ashwagandha has anti-inflammatory, anti-tumor, anti-stress, antioxidant, mind-boosting, and rejuvenating properties. Ashwagandha is commonly found in ayurvedic herbal formulas.

Brief Information

Ashwagandha

Latin Name: Withania somnifera

PLANT FAMILY: Solanaceae – Nightshade family

OTHER NAMES

• Winter Cherry¹
• Hindi: Asagandh²
• Sanskrit: Ashwagandha²

Botanical Description

This perennial is a short, erect shrub that grows up to 5 feet (1.5 m).^3,4 Its leaves are oval shaped, simple, and covered in velvety hairs along the leaves and stems.^4,6 Its grouped cyme flowers are green to white to vivid yellow and radially symmetric.^3,4,5 The herb’s round berry is orange to red in color.⁴ The plant’s sepals create a membranaceous brown sheath that encloses the berry.^4,5 The seeds of the berry are kidney-shaped and yellow.⁶ Its root is a fleshy main taproot that is white to somewhat yellow-brown in color.^2,4,5

PARTS USED: Root

PROMINENT PHYTOCHEMICALS

Prominent Constituents Reported in the Scientific Literature:
Steroidal lactones including withanolides, alkaloids, phytosterols and saponins.^2,3,4

INFORMATION

Ashwagandha is indigenous to India, as well as additional Asian countries and parts of Africa but has naturalized to southeastern Europe, the Mediterranean, and the Middle East.^3,4,6 The herb is cultivated in India and all around the world as a crop plant.³

Ashwagandha prefers temperate and arid climates, sandy, loamy soils and flowers throughout the year.^2,5 In spring, the herb can be propagated by seed or cutting.⁴ The taproot is harvested in the fall of its first year of growth. ^4,5

Although Herb Pharm offers Ashwagandha in Traditional Western form, this is one of the most well-known herbs used in traditional Ayurveda or Indian Herbalism.³ Its use was first recorded by the Ayurvedic scholar, Punarvasu Atreya, some 3000 to 4000 years ago.⁶ The Sanskrit name Ashwagandha translates to “horse smell”, which comes from the potent scent of the root that is said to be similar to a horse’s skin or excretions.⁵ The root was also used as a tonic and other uses traditionally in Unani herbalism in the Middle East, as well as the Sotho in South Africa.⁵

REFERENCES

1. McGuffin M, Kartesz J. American Herbal Products Association’s Herbs of Commerce, 2nd ed. Silver Springs, MD: Publication of the American Herbal Products Association; 2000.

2. Pole S. Ayurvedic Medicine: The Principles of Traditional Practice, 2nd ed. London, England and Philadelphia, PA: Singing Dragon Press; 2013.

3. Van Wyk B, Wink M. Medicinal Plants of the World, 5th ed. Portland, OR & London, England: Timber Press; 2012.

4. Chevallier A. Encyclopedia of Herbal Medicine, 2nd ed. New York NY: DK Publishing Inc.; 2000.

5. American Herbal Pharmacopoeia. Ashwagandha. American Herbal Pharmacopoeia and Therapeutic Compendium. 2000. Scotts Valley, CA 95067 USA.

6. The Dabur Research Foundation, Dabur Ayurvet Limited. Major Herbs of Ayurveda. Edinburgh, England: Churchill Livingstone; 2002.

Ashwagandha is a plant which has long been used medicinally. It is used as an anti-inflammatory, fever relief, and against infectious disease. Many believe ashwagandha to be effective in stimulating the immune system. It also appears to inhibit swelling and aid memory and can act as a general health tonic.Several studies over the past few years have indicated that ashwagandha has anti-inflammatory, anti-tumor, anti-stress, antioxidant, mind-boosting, and rejuvenating properties. Ashwagandha is commonly found in ayurvedic herbal formulas.

Functions & Applications:

1.Ashwagandha Root Extract can prevent cancer and protect cardiovascular.
2.Ashwagandha Root Extract has the function of anti-ultraviolet radiation and anti-aging.
3.Ashwagandha Root Extract can improve a variety of body tissues.
4.Ashwagandha Root Extract can prevent osteoporosis, lower blood pressure and relieve asthma.
5.Ashwagandha Root Extract can prevent prostatic hyperplasia, prostatitis and other urological diseases.
6. Ashwagandha Root Extract can improve sperm quality, reduce the risk of infertility.

Hefei Dielegance Biotechnology Co., Ltd., sharing this knowledge and experience about ashwagandha herb, grasps the chance to cooperate with several universities to manufacture ashwagandha root extract for the human use. Our Ashwagandha Root Extract includes several specifications for you to choose, such as 10:1 20:1 5% -10% withanolides. If you have any demand, you are welcomed to send us an inquiry or contact us.