Plant Remedies  Winter Cherry

Winter Cherry 
Latin name: Withania somnifera (L.) Dunal
Sanskrit/Indian name: Ashvagandha

The main constituents of this erect shrubs roots are the alkaloids somnine, withanine, somniferine, pseudotropine, anaferine and tropine.It is used in the treatment of asthma and as a uterine sedative. Relaxant and antispasmodic effects against many spasmogens in intestinal, bronchial, uterine, tracheal and blood vascular muscles have been shown due to it's alkaloids.

In experimental models of stress, anti-stress activity was assessed as well as greater physiological endurance, protection from stress ulsers in animals and CCI4 induced hepato-toxicity supported it's use as tonic and vitalizer. It is clinically used in the prevention and treatment of stress related conditions such as premature aging, arthritis, arteriosclerosis, hypertension, diabetes and malignancy. 

References:

• Malhotra, S.C. Edr. Pharmacological Investigations of Certain Medicinal Plants and Compound Formulations Used in Ayurveda and Siddha. CCRAS, New Delhi. 1996, 39.
• Singh, N. et al. Withania somnifera - a rejuvenating herbal drug which enhances survival during stress. Int. J. Crude Drug Res. 1982, 20: 29.