Ashwagandha botanical name is Withania somnifera, and it’s also known by several

other names, including Indian ginseng and winter cherry.

Ashwagandha" is Sanskrit for "smell of the horse," which refers to both its
unique smell and ability to increase strength. ts botanical name is Withania
somnifera, and it’s also known by several other names, including Indian ginseng
and winter cherry.
 Extracts or powder from the plant's root or leaves are used to treat a variety of
conditions
It’s classified as an adaptogen, meaning that it can help your body manage stress. its
health benefits are attributed to its high concentration of withanolides, which have
been shown to fight inflammation and tumor growth . , it can boost brain
function, lower blood sugar and cortisol levels, and help fight symptoms of
anxiety and depression.  to a significant increase in testosterone levels.

For example, it can boost brain function, lower blood sugar and cortisol levels, and help
fight symptoms of anxiety and depression.
Share on Pinte

The ashwagandha plant is a small shrub with yellow flowers that's native to India and
North Africa. Extracts or powder from the plant's root or leaves are used to treat a variety
of conditions.

Many of its health benefits are attributed to its high concentration of withanolides, which
have been shown to fight inflammation and tumor growth .

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/19633611
In several studies, ashwagandha has been shown to lower blood sugar levels.

Also, several human studies have suggested that it can reduce blood sugar levels in both
healthy people and those with diabetes (3, 4Trusted Source, 5Trusted Source, 6Trusted
Source).

Additionally, in a 4-week study in people with schizophrenia, those treated with

ashwagandha had an average reduction in fasting blood sugar levels of 13.5 mg/dL,
compared with 4.5 mg/dL in those who received a placebo (5Trusted Source).

What's more, in a small study in 6 people with type 2 diabetes, supplementing with
ashwagandha for 30 days lowered fasting blood sugar levels. However, the study didn’t
include a control group, making the results questionable (6Trusted Source).

SUMMARYLimited evidence suggests that ashwagandha reduces blood sugar levels through its effects
on insulin secretion and sensitivity.

3. Might have anticancer properties

Animal and test-tube studies have found that withaferin — a compound in ashwagandha
— helps induce apoptosis, which is the programmed death of cancer cells (7Trusted
Source).

It also impedes the growth of new cancer cells in several ways (7Trusted Source).

First, withaferin is believed to promote the formation of reactive oxygen species (ROS)
inside cancer cells, disrupting their function. Second, it may cause cancer cells to become
less resistant to apoptosis (8Trusted Source).
Animal studies suggest that it may help treat several types of cancer, including breast,
lung, colon, brain, and ovarian cancer (9Trusted Source, 10Trusted Source, 11Trusted
Source, 12Trusted Source, 13Trusted Source).

In one study, mice with ovarian tumors treated with withaferin alone or in combination
with an anti-cancer drug showed a 70–80% reduction in tumor growth. The treatment
also prevented the spread of cancer to other organs (13Trusted Source).

Although no evidence suggests that ashwagandha exerts similar effects in humans, the
current research is encouraging.

SUMMARYAnimal and test-tube studies have shown that withaferin, a bioactive compound in
ashwagandha, promotes the death of tumor cells and may be effective against several types of cancer.

4. Can reduce cortisol levels

Cortisol is known as a stress hormone given that your adrenal glands release it in
response to stress, as well as when your blood sugar levels get too low.

Unfortunately, in some cases, cortisol levels may become chronically elevated, which can
lead to high blood sugar levels and increased fat storage in the abdomen.

Studies have shown that ashwagandha may help reduce cortisol levels (3, 14Trusted

Source, 15Trusted Source).

In one study in chronically stressed adults, those who supplemented with ashwagandha
had significantly greater reductions in cortisol, compared with the control group. Those
taking the highest dose experienced a 30% reduction, on average (3).

SUMMARYAshwagandha supplements may help lower cortisol levels in chronically stressed individuals.

5. May help reduce stress and anxiety

Ashwagandha is perhaps best known for its ability to reduce stress.

Researchers have reported that it blocked the stress pathway in the brains of rats by
regulating chemical signaling in the nervous system (16Trusted Source).

Also, several controlled human studies have shown that it can reduce symptoms in people
with stress and anxiety disorders (14Trusted Source, 17Trusted Source, 18Trusted
Source).

In a 60-day study in 64 people with chronic stress, those in the group that supplemented
with ashwagandha reported a 69% reduction in anxiety and insomnia, on average,
compared with 11% in the placebo group (14Trusted Source).

In another 6-week study, 88% of people who took ashwagandha reported a reduction in
anxiety, compared with 50% of those who took a placebo (18Trusted Source).

SUMMARYAshwagandha has been shown to reduce stress and anxiety in both animal and human
studies.

6. May reduce symptoms of depression

Although it hasn't been thoroughly studied, a few studies suggest ashwagandha may help
alleviate depression (14Trusted Source, 18Trusted Source).

In one controlled 60-day study in 64 stressed adults, those who took 600 mg of high-
concentration ashwagandha extract per day reported a 79% reduction in severe
depression, while the placebo group reported a 10% increase (14Trusted Source).

However, only one of the participants in this study had a history of depression. For this
reason, the relevance of the results is unclear.

SUMMARYThe limited research available suggests that ashwagandha may help reduce depression.
7. Can boost testosterone and increase fertility in men

Ashwagandha supplements may have powerful effects on testosterone levels and

reproductive health (15Trusted Source, 19Trusted Source, 20Trusted Source, 21Trusted
Source).

In one study in 75 infertile men, the group treated with ashwagandha showed increased
sperm count and motility.

What's more, the treatment led to a significant increase in testosterone levels (21Trusted

Source).

The researchers also reported that the group who took the herb had increased antioxidant
levels in their blood.

In another study, men who received ashwagandha for stress experienced higher
antioxidant levels and better sperm quality. After 3 months of treatment, 14% of the
men's partners had become pregnant (15Trusted Source).

SUMMARYAshwagandha helps increase testosterone levels and significantly boosts sperm quality and
fertility in men.

8. May increase muscle mass and strength

Research has shown that ashwagandha may improve body composition and increase

strength (4Trusted Source, 20Trusted Source, 22Trusted Source).

In a study to determine a safe and effective dosage for ashwagandha, healthy men who
took 750–1,250 mg of pulverized ashwagandha root per day gained muscle strength after
30 days (4Trusted Source). has also been shown to decrease markers of
inflammation, such as C-reactive protein (CRP). This marker is linked to an
increased risk of heart disease.
In one controlled study, the group who took 250 mg of standardized
ashwagandha extract daily had a 36% decrease in CRP, on average, compared
with a 6% decrease in the placebo group

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Ashwagandha is an ancient medicinal herb.

It’s classified as an adaptogen, meaning that it can help your body manage stress.

Ashwagandha also provides numerous other benefits for your body and brain.

For example, it can boost brain function, lower blood sugar and cortisol levels, and help
fight symptoms of anxiety and depression.

Here are 12 benefits of ashwagandha that are supported by science.

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1. Is an ancient medicinal herb

Ashwagandha is one of the most important herbs in Ayurveda, a form of alternative

medicine based on Indian principles of natural healing.

It has been used for over 3,000 years to relieve stress, increase energy levels, and
improve concentration (1Trusted Source).

"Ashwagandha" is Sanskrit for "smell of the horse," which refers to both its unique smell
and ability to increase strength.

Its botanical name is Withania somnifera, and it’s also known by several other names,
including Indian ginseng and winter cherry.
The ashwagandha plant is a small shrub with yellow flowers that's native to India and
North Africa. Extracts or powder from the plant's root or leaves are used to treat a variety
of conditions.

Many of its health benefits are attributed to its high concentration of withanolides, which
have been shown to fight inflammation and tumor growth (1Trusted Source).

SUMMARYAshwagandha is a prominent herb in Indian Ayurvedic medicine and has become a popular
supplement due to its health benefits.

2. Can reduce blood sugar levels

In several studies, ashwagandha has been shown to lower blood sugar levels.

One test-tube study found that it increased insulin secretion and improved insulin
sensitivity in muscle cells (2Trusted Source).

Also, several human studies have suggested that it can reduce blood sugar levels in both
healthy people and those with diabetes (3, 4Trusted Source, 5Trusted Source, 6Trusted
Source).

Additionally, in a 4-week study in people with schizophrenia, those treated with

ashwagandha had an average reduction in fasting blood sugar levels of 13.5 mg/dL,
compared with 4.5 mg/dL in those who received a placebo (5Trusted Source).

What's more, in a small study in 6 people with type 2 diabetes, supplementing with
ashwagandha for 30 days lowered fasting blood sugar levels. However, the study didn’t
include a control group, making the results questionable (6Trusted Source).

SUMMARYLimited evidence suggests that ashwagandha reduces blood sugar levels through its effects
on insulin secretion and sensitivity.
3. Might have anticancer properties

Animal and test-tube studies have found that withaferin — a compound in ashwagandha
— helps induce apoptosis, which is the programmed death of cancer cells (7Trusted
Source).

It also impedes the growth of new cancer cells in several ways (7Trusted Source).

First, withaferin is believed to promote the formation of reactive oxygen species (ROS)
inside cancer cells, disrupting their function. Second, it may cause cancer cells to become
less resistant to apoptosis (8Trusted Source).

Animal studies suggest that it may help treat several types of cancer, including breast,
lung, colon, brain, and ovarian cancer (9Trusted Source, 10Trusted Source, 11Trusted
Source, 12Trusted Source, 13Trusted Source).

In one study, mice with ovarian tumors treated with withaferin alone or in combination
with an anti-cancer drug showed a 70–80% reduction in tumor growth. The treatment
also prevented the spread of cancer to other organs (13Trusted Source).

Although no evidence suggests that ashwagandha exerts similar effects in humans, the
current research is encouraging.

SUMMARYAnimal and test-tube studies have shown that withaferin, a bioactive compound in
ashwagandha, promotes the death of tumor cells and may be effective against several types of cancer.

4. Can reduce cortisol levels

Cortisol is known as a stress hormone given that your adrenal glands release it in
response to stress, as well as when your blood sugar levels get too low.

Unfortunately, in some cases, cortisol levels may become chronically elevated, which can
lead to high blood sugar levels and increased fat storage in the abdomen.
Studies have shown that ashwagandha may help reduce cortisol levels (3, 14Trusted
Source, 15Trusted Source).

In one study in chronically stressed adults, those who supplemented with ashwagandha
had significantly greater reductions in cortisol, compared with the control group. Those
taking the highest dose experienced a 30% reduction, on average (3).

SUMMARYAshwagandha supplements may help lower cortisol levels in chronically stressed individuals.

5. May help reduce stress and anxiety

Ashwagandha is perhaps best known for its ability to reduce stress.

Researchers have reported that it blocked the stress pathway in the brains of rats by
regulating chemical signaling in the nervous system (16Trusted Source).

Also, several controlled human studies have shown that it can reduce symptoms in people
with stress and anxiety disorders (14Trusted Source, 17Trusted Source, 18Trusted
Source).

In a 60-day study in 64 people with chronic stress, those in the group that supplemented
with ashwagandha reported a 69% reduction in anxiety and insomnia, on average,
compared with 11% in the placebo group (14Trusted Source).

In another 6-week study, 88% of people who took ashwagandha reported a reduction in
anxiety, compared with 50% of those who took a placebo (18Trusted Source).

SUMMARYAshwagandha has been shown to reduce stress and anxiety in both animal and human
studies.

6. May reduce symptoms of depression

Although it hasn't been thoroughly studied, a few studies suggest ashwagandha may help
alleviate depression (14Trusted Source, 18Trusted Source).
In one controlled 60-day study in 64 stressed adults, those who took 600 mg of high-
concentration ashwagandha extract per day reported a 79% reduction in severe
depression, while the placebo group reported a 10% increase (14Trusted Source).

However, only one of the participants in this study had a history of depression. For this
reason, the relevance of the results is unclear.

SUMMARYThe limited research available suggests that ashwagandha may help reduce depression.

7. Can boost testosterone and increase fertility in men

Ashwagandha supplements may have powerful effects on testosterone levels and

reproductive health (15Trusted Source, 19Trusted Source, 20Trusted Source, 21Trusted
Source).

In one study in 75 infertile men, the group treated with ashwagandha showed increased
sperm count and motility.

What's more, the treatment led to a significant increase in testosterone levels (21Trusted

Source).

The researchers also reported that the group who took the herb had increased antioxidant
levels in their blood.

In another study, men who received ashwagandha for stress experienced higher
antioxidant levels and better sperm quality. After 3 months of treatment, 14% of the
men's partners had become pregnant (15Trusted Source).

SUMMARYAshwagandha helps increase testosterone levels and significantly boosts sperm quality and
fertility in men.
8. May increase muscle mass and strength

Research has shown that ashwagandha may improve body composition and increase

strength (4Trusted Source, 20Trusted Source, 22Trusted Source).

In a study to determine a safe and effective dosage for ashwagandha, healthy men who
took 750–1,250 mg of pulverized ashwagandha root per day gained muscle strength after
30 days (4Trusted Source).

In another study, those who took ashwagandha had significantly greater gains in muscle
strength and size. It also more than doubled their reductions in body fat percentage,
compared with the placebo group (20Trusted Source).

SUMMARYAshwagandha has been shown to increase muscle mass, reduce body fat, and increase
strength in men.

9. May reduce inflammation

Several animal studies have shown that ashwagandha helps decrease

inflammation (23Trusted Source, 24Trusted Source, 25Trusted Source).

Studies in humans have found that it increases the activity of natural killer cells, which
are immune cells that fight infection and help you stay healthy (26Trusted
Source, 27Trusted Source).

It has also been shown to decrease markers of inflammation, such as C-reactive protein
(CRP). This marker is linked to an increased risk of heart disease.

In one controlled study, the group who took 250 mg of standardized ashwagandha extract
daily had a 36% decrease in CRP, on average, compared with a 6% decrease in the
placebo group (3).

SUMMARYAshwagandha has been shown to increase natural killer cell activity and decrease markers of
inflammation.
10. May lower cholesterol and triglycerides

In addition to its anti-inflammatory effects, ashwagandha may help improve heart health
by reducing cholesterol and triglyceride levels.

Animal studies have found that it significantly decreases levels of these blood fats.

One study in rats found that it lowered total cholesterol and triglyceride levels by 53%
and nearly 45%, respectively (28Trusted Source).

While controlled human studies have reported less dramatic results, they have observed
some impressive improvements in these markers (3, 4Trusted Source, 5Trusted
Source, 6Trusted Source).

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In a 60-day study in chronically stressed adults, the group taking the highest dosage of
standardized ashwagandha extract experienced a 17% decrease in LDL (bad) cholesterol
and an 11% decrease in triglycerides, on average (3).

SUMMARYAshwagandha may help reduce the risk of heart disease by decreasing cholesterol and
triglyceride levels.
11. May improve brain function, including memory

Test-tube and animal studies suggest that ashwagandha may mitigate memory and brain
function problems caused by injury or disease (29Trusted Source, 30Trusted
Source, 31Trusted Source, 32Trusted Source).

Research has shown that it promotes antioxidant activity that protects nerve cells from
harmful free radicals.

In one study, rats with epilepsy that were treated with ashwagandha had nearly a
complete reversal of spatial memory impairment. This was likely caused by a reduction
in oxidative stress (32Trusted Source).

Although ashwagandha has traditionally been used to boost memory in Ayurvedic

medicine, only a small amount of human research has been conducted in this area.

In one controlled study, healthy men who took 500 mg of standardized extract daily
reported significant improvements in their reaction time and task performance, compared
with men who received a placebo (33Trusted Source).

Another 8-week study in 50 adults showed that taking 300 mg of ashwagandha root
extract twice daily significantly improved general memory, task performance, and
attention (34Trusted Source).

SUMMARYAshwagandha supplements may improve brain function, memory, reaction time, and the
ability to perform tasks.

12. Is safe for most people and widely available

Ashwagandha is a safe supplement for most people, although its long-term effects are
unknown.

However, certain individuals should not take it, including pregnant and breastfeeding
women.
People with autoimmune diseases should also avoid ashwagandha unless authorized by a
healthcare provider. This includes people with conditions like rheumatoid arthritis, lupus,
Hashimoto's thyroiditis, and type 1 diabetes.

Additionally, those on medication for thyroid disease should be careful when taking
ashwagandha, as it may increase thyroid hormone levels in some people.

It may also decrease blood sugar and blood pressure levels, so medication dosages may
need to be adjusted if you take it.

Withania somnifera, commonly known as Ashwagandha, is an important medicinal plant that has been
used in Ayurvedic and indigenous medicine for over 3,000 years. In view of its varied therapeutic
potential, it has also been the subject of considerable modern scientific attention. The major chemical
constituents of the Withania genus, the withanolides, are a group of naturally occurring C28-steroidal
lactone triterpenoids built on an intact or rearranged ergostane framework, in which C-22 and C-26 are
appropriately oxidized to form a six-membered lactone ring. In recent years, numerous pharmacological
investigations have been carried out into the components of W. somnifera extracts. We present here an
overview of the chemical structures of triterpenoid components and their biological activity, focusing on
two novel activities, tumor inhibition and antiangiogenic properties of withaferin A and the effects of
withanolide A on Alzheimer's disease. The most recent attempts in biotechnological production of
withanolides are also discussed.

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/19633611

https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/12-proven-ashwagandha-benefits#19

Nom de la plante
Withania somnifera, “Ginseng indien”, Ashwagandha, Coqueret somnifère, shui
qie (chinois)

Dénomination latine internationale

Withania somnifera (L.) Dun., Physalis somnifera L., Withania kansuensis Kuang & A.
M. Lu.
Famille botanique
Solanaceae

Description et habitat

 Arbuste robuste originaire de l’Inde et cultivé sur les rocailles arides de la région
méditerranéenne, des Canaries, de l’Afrique du Sud
 Dressé, semi-ligneux, à rameaux flexueux
 Feuilles ovales, sub-aiguës et hispides à leur face inférieure
 Fleurs groupées par 3 à 6 en petits glomérules axillaires
 Calice à 5 dents, accrescent après la floraison, qui persiste autour du fruit sous la forme de
languettes
 Le fruit est une petite baie rouge brillant, pisiforme

Histoire et tradition

 Son nom qui signifie en hindi “odeur de cheval” évoque la puissance de cet animal, l’une des
plantes les plus fameuses de la médecine Ayurvédique
 Les Arabes s’y sont intéressés, utilisé dans la médecine traditionnelle africaine, surtout au
Maroc
 Faussement appelé “Ginseng indien” du fait de ses propriétés adaptogènes

Parties utilisées

 Racines surtout, feuilles, baies

Formes galéniques disponibles

Dosages usuels

 3 - 6 grammes de poudre de plante sèche

Composition
Composants principaux de la plante
 Alcaloïdes pyrazoliques : withasomnine et dérivés
 Lactones stéroïdales (whithanolides) dont la withaférine
A, glycowhithanolides, sitoindosides VII à X
 Fer
 Cuscohygrine, alcaloïde de la Coca
  une solasodine et des sitoindosides VII et VIII
 Huile grasse et huile essentielle
Composants principaux des bourgeons ou jeunes pousses
Composants principaux de l'huile essentielle
Propriétés
Propriétés de la plante
 Une des plus puissantes plantes adaptogènes, tonique et aphrodisiaque, diminue
l’hypertrophie surrénale due au stress
 Antioxydant, antibactérien [1], immunostimulant
 Améliore la mémoire, anti-inflammatoire et anti-âge [2], diminue les effets du stress sur les
cellules cérébrales du striatum [3]
 Neuroprotecteur [4], [5], potentialités dans la maladie d'Alzheimer et la maladie de Parkinson [6]
 Hépatoprotecteur [7]
 Sédatif, hypnotique, prévient la dyskinésie tardive induite par l'halopéridol [8]
 Antiseptique
 Anti-inflammatoire [9] et antalgique dans la goutte, sans induire de dommage gastrique [10]
 Les withanolides déclenchent l’apoptose et diminuent l’action des ostéoclastes en inhibant
l’activation du NF-kappaB [11]
 Diurétique, antirhumatismal
 Hypotenseur (les alcaloïdes abaissent la TA) et hypocholestérolémiant
 Les whithanolides ont une analogie avec les hormones stéroïdiennes humaines
 Augmentation de l’hématopoïèse et de l’hémoglobine, de la mélanine pileuse
 La withaférine A est antifongique et antitumorale
 Anti-inflammatoire de l'intestin [12]
Propriétés du bourgeon
 Les extraits gemmothérapiques sont cardioprotecteurs par augmentation des enzymes
antioxydantes (superoxyde dismutase, catalase, glutathion peroxydase) [13]
Propriétés de l'huile essentielle
Indications
Indications de la plante entière (phytothérapie)
 Adaptogène, asthénies, résistance au stress, surmenage, médecine sportive
 Infertilité masculine
 Hypertension artérielle, anémie (teneur en Fer)
 Hypercholestérolémie
 Favorise repos et relaxation
 Anti-inflammatoire, traiterait les inflammations chroniques (lupus, rhumatismes articulaires)
 Ostéoporose (?)
 Dermatoses immunodépendantes
 Rectocolite, maladie de Crohn (?)
 Potentialités dans les maladies neuro-dégénératives, la maladie d'Alzheimer, de
Parkinson [14], [15], [16], [17], [18]
Indications du bourgeon (gemmothérapie)
Indications spécifiques de l'huile essentielle (aromathérapie)
Mode d'action connu ou présumé

 Les whithanolides sont des molécules stéroïdiennes spécifiques

des Solanaceae : Withania, Physalis, Nicandra, Lycium, Datura