Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera) is sometimes referred to as Indian ginseng. This relates to the evidence that suggests ashwagandha is an adaptogen, thereby having similar properties to ginseng. Ashwagandha has a number of medicinal uses and some of these relate to the presence of withanolides within the plant tissue. Withanolides are thought to give the plant its adaptogenic properties. However, ashwagnadha may also possess antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects, and these may relate to a wide range of phytochemicals within the plant tissue. Both the aerial parts of the plant and the roots may possess anti-inflammatory effects although they may vary slightly in their effects on different parts of the inflammatory cascade. The anti-inflammatory effect of the plant may therefore contribute to the general tonic effects of the plant because inflammation is so detrimental to the health when it becomes excessive. The antioxidant effects of ashwagandha may contribute significantly to the anti-inflammatory effect.
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