Ashwagandha (Indian ginseng): characteristics and uses of this plant

There are many plants that have traditionally been used in order to combat a medical condition. Among this wide range of components present in nature we find ashwagandha, also known as nightshade, Indian ginseng, or bufera.

In this article we are going to review what are the properties and medicinal benefits of this plant to treat a myriad of health conditions, many of them related to disorders mental.

• Related article: "The 50 best medicinal plants, their effects and contraindications"

What is ashwagandha?

Ashwagandha is a plant that according to traditional medicine (and therefore not subject to scientific method) has a large number of uses, as the case may be. It belongs to the family of Solanaceae, and is native to India. It has become very popular in several countries to treat conditions, despite not having firm support for its healing properties. However, there is some evidence that it helps fight stress.

In the Ayurveda (science of life) tradition, India's own medical system, which has been practiced for many years, this plant is

used to make a revitalizing toner; that is why it is used for basically any ailment.

This plant has managed to transcend its borders and now It is used in many countries as an alternative to treat physical or even emotional ailments that may be afflicting people.

Properties of Indian ginseng

In the next few lines we will review the medicinal properties that are attributable to the bufera.

1. Alkaloids

Thanks to the alkaloids this plant contains analgesic and sedative components. In total it presents 12 types of alkaloids, of which the most relevant are; sleeping pills, anaferin, and pseudotropin.

2. Steroidal lactones

This plant has anti-inflammatory functions, thanks to the more than 30 withanolides found in it; witaferin A and withanolide D are two of the most prominent at a pharmacological level. These have an effect on the human body as if it were steroidal hormones.

3. Triethylene glycol

The effectiveness of this component to improve the quality of sleep is well supported, as there is evidence that it can improve insomnia symptoms in mice. It is a component that is also used in chemistry as a solvent.

4. Flavonoids

Flavonoids have antioxidant capabilities that help the body to prevent the oxidation of its molecules, thanks to this component the chemical reaction process in which the body transfers electrons from a substance to an agent oxidant.

5. Mineral salts

The mineral salts that are most present in this medicinal plant are iron and potassium, helping to maintain bone health, in addition to providing the body with an important energy load during the day.

In what cases is this plant used?

Nightshade is known for its healing properties, but not for the fact that it contains the elements listed above, the discovery of which is relatively recent. Thus, it is popularly assumed that ashwagandha has revitalizing properties, in addition to working as; analgesic, relaxing on the Central Nervous System (CNS), and anticonvulsant, among others.

These are the conditions for which this medicinal plant is popularly used, regardless of their actual effectiveness in treating them:

• Arthritis
• Anxiety
• Balance problems
• Difficulties sleeping (insomnia)
• Asthma
• leukoderma (dermatological condition)
• Bronchitis
• Back pain
• Menstrual problems
• Parkinson's disease

Ashwagandha is also used to control high levels of fat and sugar in the blood.

Some people consume this plant on a daily basis, in order to calm the stress levels generated by the daily routine. Others do it to improve their memory capacity, among other cognitive functions such as the ability to analyze. However, there is no evidence that it works for anything other than stress regulation.

Is its use effective?

The competent authority to determine the efficacy of natural medicines; "Natural Medicines Comprehensive Database", gives ashwagandha a high efficacy in terms of the treatment of stress.

But As for the other conditions for which it is usually used, there is no basis that can validate its implementation, in the treatments referring to the cases that we will see below:

• Decrease side effects of antipsychotics
• Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD)
• Bipolar disorder
• Fatigue in people treated for cancer (chemotherapy)
• Diabetes
• High cholesterol
• Male infertility
• Arthritis
• Parkinson's disease
• Impaired functioning of the immune system
• Fibromyalgia
• Induce vomiting
• Liver problems
• Prevent the signs of aging
• Swelling (inflammation)
• Tumors
• Tuberculosis
• Ulcerations.

The Comprehensive Natural Medicines Database needs more evidence to give a positive opinion on the use of ashwagandha in the treatment of the previously mentioned cases.

Bibliographic references:

• MedlinePlus (2017). US National Library of Medicine.
• Withania somnifera (2012). Dunal. Tropics. Missouri Botanical Garden.