| Botanical Name |
Withania
somnifera |
|
| Common Name |
English:
Cluster winter cherry |
| Family |
Solanaceae |
| Parts Used |
Roots,
leaves and fruits |
| Medicinal Property |
Roots
are used in Ayurvedic and Unani preparations. The roots are used as
aphrodisiacs, tonic and diuretic. It is useful in sexual and general
weakness and rheumatism. It promotes urination, acts as narcotic and
removes functional obstruction of body. Fruits are diuretic in nature. |
| Chemistry |
Several
types of alkaloids are found in this plant, out of which withanine and
somniferine are important. |
| Description |
Medium
sized under shrub, height of 1.5 cm. Stems and branches are covered with
minute star shaped hairs. Leaves ovate 10 cm long flowers greenish yellow
with 1 cm, born in auxiliary clusters. Fruits are smooth, red when ripe.
The fleshy roots when dry are cylindrical, gradually tapering down with
brownish white surface and pure white inside when broken. |
| Distribution |
Throughout
the drier parts of India in waste places and also cultivated in northern
parts of India. |
| Economics |
It
is otherwise called as “ Indian Ginseng”. Mainly used as rejuvenator
in all medicines. |
| Warning |
|
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