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Ashwagandha
(Withania somnifera) |
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| CHEMICAL
COMPOSITION |
The roots contain withaferin A and several
other steroidal lactones including pharmacologically active withanolides and saponins1,2,3. |
| PHARMACOLOGY |
Acetone soluble alkaloid fraction of the
roots showed C.N.S. depressant effect. It produced hypnosis in mice4.
Significant protection against aspirin and stress-induced ulcers was also observed in rats5.
Alcoholic extract induced depletion of acetyl choline and catacholamines in brain and
increased whole brain tissue levels of serotonin and histamine6.
In a double blind clinical trial carried out to study the effect of plant on prevention of
aging in males, results showed statistically significant increase in haemoglobin, R.B.C. ,
hair melanin and seated stature in treated group in comparison to placebo group. Decrease
in serum cholesterol was more and erythrocyte sedimentation rate much higher in treated
group than in placebo group7. |
| THERAPEUTIC
USES |
It is used in general debility, aging,
stress induced disorders, rheumatic disorders, anxiety neurosis, wounds and ulcers8. |
| REFERENCES |
- Abraham,A et al : Phytochemistry 14:189 (1975)
- Lavie D et al : J.Chem Soc. 7517;31(1965)
- Schwarting, A.E et al : Llyodia 26:273(1973)
- Prasad L and C.L. Malhotra : Ind.J.Physiol &
Pharmacol12:175(1986)
- Singh, N. et al : Int.J.crude Drug Res. 20:29 (1982)
- J.Res.Indian Med.Yoga & Homeo. 1979,14,49.
- J.Res. Ayurveda & Siddha 1980,1,247
- Selected Medicinal Plants of India CHEMEXCIL, Mumbai
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| SPECIFICATIONS:ASHWAGANDHA EXTRACT
General
Information:
| Type of extract |
: |
Dry powder |
| Plant parts used |
: |
Roots |
| Source |
: |
Wild crafted |
| Shelf life |
: |
24 months unopened |
| Storage |
: |
Keep in a cool, dry
place protected from moisture and heat |
| Active ingredient/s |
: |
Withanolides |
| Method of analysis |
: |
HPTLC |
Analytical
Specifications :
| Description |
: |
Brown powder, highly hygroscopic |
| Organoleptic characters |
: |
Bitter in taste with characteristic odour |
| Loss on drying |
: |
Not more than 5% W/W |
| Lead |
: |
Not more than 10 PPM |
| Arsenic |
: |
Not more than 2 PPM |
| Heavy metals |
: |
Not more than 20 PPM |
| Assay |
|
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| Withanolides
content on dry basis by HPTLC |
: |
Not less than 2.5% W/W |
| Microbiological profile |
|
|
| Total bacterial count |
: |
Not more than 10000 CFU/gm |
| Yeasts and moulds |
: |
Not more than 100 CFU/gm |
| E.coli |
: |
Absent |
| S.aureus |
: |
Absent |
| Salmonella typhi |
: |
Absent |
| Pseudomonas aeruginose |
: |
Absent |
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