FolkKB

Indian Ginseng

Withania somnifera

Withania somnifera, commonly known as Ashwagandha, is an adaptogenic herb traditionally used in Ayurvedic medicine. It has been employed for centuries to support overall well-being and manage stress. Scientific evidence suggests that Withaferin A, a compound extracted from the plant, demonstrates potential anti-breast-cancer activity through mechanisms involving redox homeostasis, autophagy, and apoptosis; however, further research is needed due to challenges in oral bioavailability and model heterogeneity. In clinical trials, Ashwagandha has been shown to reduce anxiety and stress markers, lower cortisol levels and triglycerides, with no serious adverse events reported among patients with pre-existing hypertension. High-dose root extract (2000 mg/day) was well-tolerated in healthy adults over a 12-week period. No major safety issues or significant drug interactions have been recorded to date.

At a glance
Best evidence
A
Cautions
—

Informational only. Traditional use does not mean proven effectiveness. Evidence and safety vary — check the cited sources.

What the science says

  • Withaferin A from Withania somnifera shows multi-targeted anti-breast-cancer activity by modulating redox homeostasis, autophagy, and apoptosis, but translation faces challenges due to limited oral bioavailability and model heterogeneity. D PMID
  • The study found that both traditional and PCSL extraction methods yielded Withania somnifera extracts with measurable Withaferin A content, though NMR was confirmed as a reliable quantification method. D PMID
  • Ashwagandha significantly reduced anxiety and stress markers, lowered cortisol levels and triglycerides, without serious adverse events, in patients with pre-existing hypertension. B PMID
  • High-dose Ashwagandha root extract (2000 mg/day) was well tolerated and showed a favorable safety profile in healthy adults over 12 weeks. B PMID
  • Preclinical and some clinical evidence suggests Withania somnifera may have potential for cognitive support and neuroprotection, though more standardized research is needed. D PMID
  • The distilled-water root extract and withanolide A from Withania somnifera showed anxiolytic-like activity in zebrafish larvae, comparable to diazepam. D PMID
  • Ashwagandha supplementation significantly improved cognitive function (memory, attention, processing speed, and executive function) and muscle strength in adults, but had no effect on body weight or body fat percentage. A PMID

Frequently asked questions

What is Indian Ginseng?

Indian Ginseng (Withania somnifera) is a plant documented in FolkKB's traditional-medicine reference, drawn from sourced literature and cross-checked against the evidence.

What does the scientific evidence say about Indian Ginseng?

7 sourced findings are recorded for Indian Ginseng; the strongest carries evidence grade A. For example: Withaferin A from Withania somnifera shows multi-targeted anti-breast-cancer activity by modulating redox homeostasis, autophagy, and apoptosis, but translation faces challenges due to limited oral bioavailability and model heterogeneity.

How strong is the evidence for Indian Ginseng?

The strongest finding for Indian Ginseng carries evidence grade A — strong evidence. Grades run A (strongest) to D (preliminary or traditional).

Is Indian Ginseng safe? What are the side effects?

No major safety issues are recorded for Indian Ginseng in our sources, but the data may be incomplete. Consult a qualified professional before use.

Does Indian Ginseng interact with medications?

No drug interactions are recorded for Indian Ginseng in our sources. This does not rule them out — check with a pharmacist.

What are the common names of Indian Ginseng?

Indian Ginseng is also known as: Ti poc-poc.

Is Indian Ginseng a proven treatment?

No. FolkKB is informational only. Traditional use and early findings are not proof of efficacy or safety — consult a qualified professional and never self-treat.

Sources

  1. T2 Safety and efficacy of ashwagen (a standardized withania somnifera extract) in stress and anxiety with hypertension and associated cardiometabolic risk factors: a randomized, placebo-controlled trial. literature abstract metadata
  2. T2 Effects of Withania somnifera (L.) Dunal (Ashwagandha) on cognitive and physical function in adults: a systematic review and meta-analysis. literature abstract metadata
  3. T2 Evaluation of Withaferin A Content in Withania somnifera Using NMR and HPLC: A Comparative Assessment of Traditional and PCSL Extraction Methods. literature abstract metadata
  4. T2 Safety and tolerability of Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera) root extract in healthy adults: a prospective, non-comparative study. literature abstract metadata
  5. T2 Withaferin A in breast cancer therapy: multi-targeted modulation of redox homeostasis, autophagy, and apoptosis. literature abstract metadata
  6. T2 Herbal Neurotherapeutics for Cognitive Disorders: Integrative Mechanisms Linking Neurotransmitter Systems, Neurodegeneration, and the Gut-Brain Axis. literature abstract metadata
  7. T2 Anxiety-related behavioural responses to light-dark transitions in zebrafish larvae treated with a Withania somnifera (L.) Dunal water extract and selected withanolides. literature abstract metadata