Withania somnifera, also known as Indian ginseng or ashwagandha, is a unique plant which has been used in Indian medicine for centuries because of its extraordinary properties. The plant owes its effect to several substances with a proven pharmacological effect.
Because of a wide range of healthy properties, ashwagandha can be called a panacea for nearly every ailment; however, it exhibits the greatest activity when it comes to the nervous system. The compounds of the glycowithanolide group present in the plant stimulate brain function, improve memory and concentration and stimulate fact association.
Regular consumption of ashwagandha contributes to the increase of tolerance and resistance in upsetting situations, which helps to fight stress. It also ensures calm and deep sleep without causing drowsiness and apathy. Sportspeople often choose ashwagandha, as it helps them to increase physical capacity, contributes to the improvement of psychomotor coordination and shortens reaction time.
In medicine, ashwagandha fruits and roots are used most frequently. It can be found in the form of both powder and an extract in capsules. When choosing a supplement, it is worth to pay attention to the content of withanolides, which should not be lower than 1.5%.
Not only is ashwagandha an effective agent, but it is also absolutely safe. Even during long periods of using it, not side effects were observed. It is often recommended for young people in particular, for whom other agents can be too stimulating.