Ashwagandha: 8 Amazing Withania Somnifera Benefits to Know!

Dr. Adapaka Nishita

Medically reviewed by

Dr. Adapaka Nishita

Ayurvedic General Medicine

4 min read

Key Takeaways

  • Withania somnifera has been in medical use for more than 3,000 years
  • Withania somnifera uses include relieving stress and boosting energy
  • Withania somnifera has anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties

Withania somnifera is commonly known as ashwagandha. It is a shrub popular in India, the Middle East, and some parts of Africa. It is also referred to as Indian ginseng or winterberry and has been in ayurvedic use for more than 3,000 years [1]. This small shrub with yellow flowers has anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and immunomodulatory properties. 

The herb is traditionally used to relieve stress and improve concentration and energy. Its extract and biotic compounds offer many medicinal benefits for the treatment of several diseases. They include:  

  • Amnesia 
  • Impotence 
  • Arthritis 
  • Anxiety 
  • Cardiovascular diseases

Read on to know about withania somnifera uses and its benefits.

Additional Read: Benefits of AshwagandhaAshwagandha side effects

Ashwagandha or Withania somnifera benefits

1. Improves athletic performance 

Withania somnifera is a valuable supplement for athletes to improve their performance. In fact, a study found that people who took 120 mg to 1,250 mg of this herb every day had enhanced physical performance. It also reported improvement in strength and use of oxygen during exercise [3]. Another study with male participants taking a dose of ashwagandha had a significant gain in muscle strength and size [4].

Additional Read: Ashwagandha Benefits for Men

2. Reduces stress and anxiety 

This herb is an adaptogen, a substance that helps your body cope with stress. It has a soothing or calming effect that reduces symptoms of anxiety more than lorazepam, an anxiety medication. People who take it get better sleep too. A study conducted in 2019 noted that consuming 240 mg of withania somnifera daily reduces stress significantly [2].

3. Increases fertility in men 

Studies have revealed the benefits of withania somnifera in improving male fertility and testosterone levels. Its reproductive benefits include improvement in sperm quality. A review confirmed that it sperm booster foods, sperm motility, and sperm concentration in males with low sperm count [6].

Ashwagandha -14

4. Lowers blood sugar levels 

Some studies suggest that withania somnifera benefits diabetics. A review in 2020 found that it lowers blood sugar, insulin, lipids, hemoglobin, and oxidative stress in people with high blood sugar [7]. Withaferin A (WA) and other compounds in withania somnifera have anti-diabetic properties that encourage cells to use glucose from the bloodstream. 

5. Reduce the risk of mental health conditions 

The antidepressant properties of ashwagandha may reduce symptoms of mental health conditions like depression. It helps improve memory, cognition, and attention span. In a study, people with schizophrenia had reduced anxiety and depression after taking 1,000 mg of withania somnifera every day for 12 weeks [5]. 

Additional Read: Ashwagandha Benefits for Females

6. Lowers inflammation 

This herb contains WA and other compounds that may reduce inflammation in your body [8]. A study on adults with stress found that withania somnifera reduced C-reactive proteins, an inflammatory marker. In another study, COVID-19 patients who took ayurvedic medicine containing 0.5 mg of this and other herbs saw a decrease in levels of inflammatory markers [9].

Ashwagandha

7. Improves heart health 

Another benefit of this herb may be to improve heart health. It can lower blood pressure, reduce cholesterol, ease chest pain, and prevent heart disease. A 2015 study suggests that the root extract of withania somnifera can enhance cardiorespiratory endurance, thus improving heart health [11].

8. Improves sleep 

People who take this herb get a peaceful sleep too. A study of adults aged 65-80 years reported that consuming 600 mg of withania somnifera every day for 12 weeks greatly improves the quality of sleep [10].

Besides the above, withania somnifera benefits people in treating erectile dysfunction, fighting depression, boosting immunity, lowering cholesterol, and boosting thyroid function.

Additional Read: Ashwagandha Side Effects

Now that you know what is its benefits, consult with your doctor before you take any dose of this herb. Consult a doctor online with AYUSH specialists on Bajaj Finserv Health and get to know the various withania somnifera medicinal uses. Understand the benefits of nutrition so you can have these herbs to boost your overall health. 

Published on 7 Apr 2022Last updated on 30 May 2023
  1. https://www.sciencedirect.com/topics/pharmacology-toxicology-and-pharmaceutical-science/withania-somnifera
  2. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6750292/
  3. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC8006238/
  4. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/26609282/
  5. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/31046033/
  6. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/30466985/
  7. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/31975514/
  8. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7696210/
  9. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7857981/
  10. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7096075/
  11. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4687242/

Please note that this article is solely meant for informational purposes and Bajaj Finserv Health Limited (“BFHL”) does not shoulder any responsibility of the views/advice/information expressed/given by the writer/reviewer/originator. This article should not be considered as a substitute for any medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Always consult with your trusted physician/qualified healthcare professional to evaluate your medical condition. The above article has been reviewed by a qualified doctor and BFHL is not responsible for any damages for any information or services provided by any third party.

Dr. Adapaka Nishita

Medically reviewed by

Dr. Adapaka Nishita

, BAMS 1

Dr. A Nishita Has a very Rich of 22 years Experience in Ayurveda,has Completed BAMS in 2005 from Dr NRSGAC, Vijayawada. Completed six months diploma course in PANCHAKARMA from Shantigiri Ayurvedic Hospital, Chennai. Worked as an Assitant doctor under an experienced and well known Gynecologist for 2yrs till 2008. Completed MD Ayurveda.Got Govt job in March 2009, worked as Govt Medical officer in PHC, Peddamajjipalem, Vijayanagaram district till 2012 may. In 2012, rendered services as Medical officer in ESI Hospital, Visakhapatnam. Specialization in male & female Infertility, Diabetes Mellitus.

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