Ashwagandha | Winter cherry

Ayurvedic Classification	Description
Sanskrit Name	Ashwagandha (अश्वगंधा)
English Name	Winter cherry, Indian ginseng
Botanical Name	Withania somnifera
Family	Solanaceae
Parts Used	Roots, leaves
Taste (Rasa)	Bitter (Tikta), astringent (Kashaya), sweet (Madhura)
Energy (Virya)	Heating (Ushna)
Post-Digestive Effect (Vipaka)	Sweet (Madhura)
Dosha Effect	Balances all three doshas (Vata, Pitta, Kapha)
Tissue (Dhatu) Affinity	All tissues, especially nerve and reproductive tissues
Channel (Srotas) Affinity	Respiratory, reproductive, and nervous system
Action (Karma)	Rejuvenative (Rasayana), adaptogenic, calming (Sattvic), immune-stimulating, aphrodisiac, cognitive enhancer (Medhya Rasayana)

Active compounds and benefits of Ashwagandha:

Active Compounds	Benefits
Withanolides	Anti-inflammatory, anti-tumor, immunomodulatory, neuroprotective, anxiolytic
Alkaloids (such as somnine and somniferine)	Sedative, analgesic, smooth muscle relaxant, anti-inflammatory
Saponins (including sitoindosides)	Adaptogenic, anti-stress, immune-boosting, anti-inflammatory
Amino acids (including tryptophan)	Calming, anti-anxiety
Choline	Cognitive enhancer, memory improvement
Iron	Nutritional support for healthy blood cells