Origin
Withania somnifera is found in India and used in Ayurvedic medicine (from Ayur – meaning life – and veda – meaning knowledge) as a tonic, in fact it is also known as Indian ginseng.
We also find it in the Mediterranean, especially in Sicily and Sardinia.
Bioactive principles
Its main action is due to alkaloids, steroid lactones (withanolides) and amino acids. in the preparations, contain flavonoids, triterpene compounds, essential oil and procyanidins.
Therapeutic properties
It has always been used as a tonic-adaptogen . It has anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. It exerts a neurotrophic and neuroprotective action on the central nervous system.
Mechanism of action
Whitania is an immunomodulator that is able to vary the activity of the immune system according to the needs of the body.
One of the underlying mechanisms seems to be the inhibition of nitric oxide synthase (NO-synthase) which then leads to a reduction in nitric oxide production (NO – stands for Nitric Oxide).
Tolerability
There are no known major health risks or side effects associated with the appropriate use of Withania.
Excessive use or high doses may cause gastrointestinal disturbances such as nausea, vomiting and abdominal cramps.
Withania has a hypnotic-sedative effect and therefore may potentiate other sedatives.
It is contraindicated (like echinacea) in patients with autoimmune disorders, during pregnancy and lactation.