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    Pharmacognosy Communications
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    Pharmacognosy Communications
    retyeyutreu
    Original Article

    A Review of the Sedative, Anti-anxiety and Immunosti-mulant Properties of Withania somnifera (L.) Dunal (Ashwagandha)

    Web AdminBy Web AdminJanuary 23, 2023Updated:January 23, 2023No Comments2 Mins Read
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    Tian Xu1, Ian E Cock1,2,*,

    1School of Environment and Science, Nathan Campus, Griffith University, Nathan, Brisbane, Queensland, AUSTRALIA.

    2Centre for Planetary Health and Food Security, Nathan Campus, Griffith University, Nathan, Brisbane, Queensland, AUSTRALIA.

    DOI: 10.5530/pc.2023.1.4

    ABSTRACT

    Background: Withania somnifera (L.) Dunal, commonly known as ashwagandha, is a small woody shrub whose roots are used traditionally to treat numerous diseases. It is particularly well known for its sedative, sleep-inducing and immunostimulant effects. Materials and Methods: We undertook an extensive search of reviews and primary scientific studies to identify therapeutic uses of W. somnifera and studies that have reported on the phytochemistry and validation of the traditional uses. This information was used to identify gaps in the current research that require further study. Results: Withania somnifera root preparations have widespread uses as sedatives and in the treatment of stress-related conditions. Additionally, there is extensive evidence of the use of W. somnifera to stimulate the immune system to protect against pathogenic disease. Numerous studies have examined the mechanisms of action, which are summarised herein. Conclusion: Despite the widespread usage of W. somnifera roots as a sedative and as an immunostimmulant, the mechanisms of action are not completely understood. Substantial further work is required into the therapeutic mechanism(s) of this useful traditional medicine.

    Keywords: Ashwagandha, Solonaceae, Ashwaghandq, Ayuverda, immunomodulation, Sedative, GABA.

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    About Journal
    About Journal

    Pharmacognosy Communications [Phcog Commn.] is a quarterly journal published by Phcog.Net. It is a peer reviewed journal aiming to publish high quality original research articles, methods, techniques and evaluation reports, critical reviews, short communications, commentaries and editorials of all aspects of medicinal plant research. The journal is aimed at a broad readership, publishing articles on all aspects of pharmacognosy, and related fields. The journal aims to increase understanding of pharmacognosy as well as to direct and foster further research through the dissemination of scientific information by the publication of manuscripts. The submission of original contributions in all areas of pharmacognosy are welcome.
    Indexed and Abstracted in : Chemical Abstracts, Excerpta Medica / EMBASE, Google Scholar, CABI Full Text, Ulrich’s International Periodical Directory, ProQuest, Journalseek & Genamics, PhcogBase, EBSCOHost, Academic Search Complete, Open J-Gate, SciACCESS.
    Rapid publication: Average time from submission to first decision is 30 days and from acceptance to In Press online publication is 45 days.
    Open Access Journal: Phcog Commn. is an open access journal, which allows authors to fund their article to be open access from publication.

    © 2025 Pharmacognosy Communications. Maintained by Manuscript TechnoMedia LLP.

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