Ashwagandha (Indian Ginseng): Characteristics And Uses Of This Plant
There are many plants that have traditionally been used to combat some 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 the medicinal properties and benefits that this plant has to treat a host of health conditions, many of them related to mental disorders.
Ashwagandha is a plant that according to traditional medicine (and therefore not subject to the scientific method) has a large number of uses, depending on the case. It belongs to the family of Solanaceae, and is originally from India. It has become very popular in several countries to treat conditions, despite not having firm support for its curative properties. However, there is some evidence that it helps combat stress
In the Ayurveda tradition (science of life) India’s own medical system, which has been practiced for many years, this plant is used to make a revitalizing tonic ; 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 bufera.
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. Steroid 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 those that stand out the most at a pharmacological level These have an effect on the human body as if they were steroid hormones.
3. Triethylene glycol
The effectiveness of this component to improve sleep quality It is quite supported, since there are tests where it improves the symptoms of insomnia in mice. It is a component that is also used in chemistry as a solvent.
4. Flavonoids
The flavonoids have antioxidant capabilities that help the body 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 oxidizing agent is slowed down.
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 charge 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, and also works 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 its real effectiveness in treating them:
Ashwagandha is also used to control high levels of fat and sugar in the blood.
Some people consume this plant daily, 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 analysis capacity. However, there is no evidence that it works for anything other than stress regulation.
Is its use effective?
The competent authority to determine the effectiveness of natural medicines; “Natural Medicines Comprehensive Database” gives ashwagandha a high efficacy in treating stress.
But As for the other conditions for which it is usually used, there is no support that can validate its implementation in the treatments referring to the cases that we will see below:
The Comprehensive Database of Natural Medicines requires more evidence to give a positive opinion on the use of ashwagandha in the treatment of the previously mentioned cases.
