page_title: Withania somnifera
section_title: Traditional medicine
hierarchical_section_title: Withania somnifera / Traditional medicine
caption_attribution_description: English: Withaniae radix, Withania somnifera
context_page_description: Withania somnifera, known commonly as ashwagandha, Indian ginseng, poison gooseberry, or winter cherry, is a plant in the Solanaceae or nightshade family. Several other species in the genus Withania are morphologically similar. Although thought to be useful as a medicinal herb in Ayurveda, trials supporting its clinical use are limited. However, many in vitro and animal experiments suggest effects on the immune, endocrine, and CNS systems, as well as in the pathogenesis of cancer and inflammatory conditions.
context_section_description: The plant, particularly its root powder, has been used for centuries in traditional Indian medicine. Mainly due to the poor quality of clinical research, there is no high-quality evidence that it provides any medicinal benefit and may cause adverse effects if taken together with prescription drugs. Dietary supplements containing ashwagandha are marketed in the U.S., but there is no evidence they have any effect.
caption: Druggist's jar containing dried roots of Withania somnifera.
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