Withania somnifera, known commonly as ashwagandha,Indian ginseng, poison gooseberry or winter cherry is a plant in the Solanaceae or nightshadefamily. Several other species in the genus Withania are morphologically similar: Although commonly used as a medicinal herb in Ayurvedic medicine, there is no conclusive clinical evidence that it is effective for treating any ailment.
Withania somnifera is cultivated in many of the drier regions of India. It is also found in Nepal, China and Yemen. It prefers dry stony soil with sun to partial shade. To propagate it can be grown from seed in the early spring, or from greenwood cuttings in the later spring.
The plant, particularly its root powder, has been used for centuries in traditional Indian medicine. There is insufficient evidence that it has any medicinal effects.Dietary supplements containing ashivagandha are marketed in the U.S.,but there is insufficient evidence they provide any benefit.
