Botanical Name:

Withania somnifera Dunal
Sanskrit Name: Ashvagandha
English Name: winter cherry
Family: Solanaceae
Occurrence: wasteland and cultivated
Habit: Shrub
Parts used:

Roots

Medicinal uses:

It has hypnotic and sedative properties due to the presence of an alkaloid somniferin . Roots are considered alternative aphrodisiac, tonic, deobstruent, diuretic abortifacient and narcotic. Roots are used in rheumatism, consumption debility from old age, and emaciation of children. Leaves are bitter and given in infusion in fever. Bruised leaves and ground roots are used as a local application to painful swellings, carbuncles and ulcers.


Chemical constituents :

 

 Volatile oil and somniferin alkaloid in root bark.
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