Withania somniferum. Indian ginseng.

ASHWAGANDA
Traditional Names: Kuthmithi, Withania somnifera. Ashwagandha:
Family: Solanaceae (Potato family).

Pharmacological research shows that ashwagandha is both an adaptogen and an immune system modulator. It also has antistress, anti-epileptic, cytoprotective, tumoricidal, emmanagogic, anti-inflammatory, diuretic, sedative, anti-bacterial, antifungal, and amebecidal activity. Primary contituents include alkaloids, steroidal lactones, and especially withanolides.anti-inflamatory, & diuretic properties and increases blood circulation.

Habitat; This shrub is common in Bombay and Western India,
Materials: Root-bark of shrub found in open places and disturbed areas of South Africa, tropical Africa and India. Other parts of plant used medicinally as local pain reliever, leaves to rid lice, fruit to make soap.
Usage: Root-bark boiled as infusion, leaves, fruits and seeds.
Active Constituents: Somniferine, withaferin, and other alkaloids.
Effects: Sedative, tonic, alterative, astringent, aphrodisiac and nervine sedative. Leaves and root are narcotic.
Contraindications: No apparent undesirable side effects. Given safely to infants in North Africa.

Ashwagandha: Pharmacological research shows that ashwagandha is both an adaptogen and an immune system modulator. It also has antistress, anti-epileptic, cytoprotective, tumoricidal, emmanagogic, anti-inflammatory, diuretic, sedative, anti-bacterial, antifungal, and amebecidal activity. Primary contituents include alkaloids, steroidal lactones, and especially withanolides.anti-inflamatory, & diuretic properties and increases blood circulation.