herbal medicine

Ashwagandha is one of the versatile ayurvedic herbal remedies
with adaptogenic, anti-stress, anti-anxiety, antioxidant, anticancer, immunity enhancing, rejuvenating and fertility and stamina enhancing properties.

It benefits our system in so many different ways that it will be better to use the word 'versatile herb' for this botanical of ayurvedic medicine. People call it Indian Ginseng.

Withania somnifera has been in use since thousands of years in Ayurveda. Most of its traditional uses have been validated by modern research in several ways. WS affects our mind and psychology and memory. Its effects are distinguished on nervous system and immune system.

It will be good to consider both traditional and ayurvedic properties and modern clinical herbal research approved benefits.
Traditional Uses Of Ashwagandha:

Most of these properties and benefits are taken from the literature of Ancient Ayurvedic Medicine.
Aphrodisiac Herb & Semen Quality Promoting Herb:

This herb exerts its aphrodisiac action by being an herbal rejuvenate and nerve's herb. It is able to tone up the nervous system additionally. The quality and quantity of semen is raised.

Withania somnifera is equally effective in females. It is not a stimulant herb that give good result in the short term and are not a healthier choice for the long term. WS is a good choice for dysmenorrhea associated with physical weakness.

Few herbal remedies have conclusively demonstrated any positive effect on humans, possibly due to inadequate testing.^[72] Many of the studies cited refer to animal model investigations or in-vitro assays and therefore cannot provide more than weak supportive evidence.

• Aloe vera has traditionally been used for the healing of burns and wounds.^[73] A systematic review (from 1999) states that the efficacy of aloe vera in promoting wound healing is unclear, while a later review (from 2007) concludes that the cumulative evidence supports the use of aloe vera for the healing of first to second degree burns.^[73][74]
• Agaricus blazei mushrooms may prevent some types of cancer.^[75]
• Artichoke (Cynara cardunculus) may reduce production cholesterol levels according to in vitro studies ^[76] and a small clinical study.^[77]
• Blackberry (Rubus fruticosus) leaf has drawn the attention of the cosmetology community because it interferes with the metalloproteinases that contribute to skin wrinkling.^[78]
• Black raspberry (Rubus occidentalis) may have a role in preventing oral cancer.^[79][80][81]
• Boophone (Boophone disticha) This highly toxic plant has been used in South African traditional medicine for treatment of mental illness ^[82]. Research demonstrate in vitro and in vivo effect against depression.^[83][84][85]
• Butterbur (Petasites hybridus)
• Calendula (Calendula officinalis) has been used traditionally for abdominal cramps and constipation.^[86] In animal research an aqueous-ethanol extract of Calendula officinalis^[86] There is "limited evidence" that calendula cream or ointment is effective in treating radiation dermatitis.^[87][88] flowers was shown to have both spasmolytic and spasmogenic effects, thus providing a scientific rationale for this traditional use.
• Cranberry (Vaccinium oxycoccos) may be effective in treating urinary tract infections in women with recurrent symptoms.^[89]
• Echinacea (Echinacea angustifolia, Echinacea pallida, Echinacea purpurea) extracts may limit the length and severity of rhinovirus colds; however, the appropriate dosage levels, which might be higher than is available over-the-counter, require further research.^[90][91]
• Elderberry (Sambucus nigra) may speed the recovery from type A and B influenza.^[92]avian influenza because the immunostimulatory effects may aggravate the cytokine cascade.^[93] However it is possibly risky in the case of
• Feverfew (Chrysanthemum parthenium) is sometimes used to treat migraine^[94] Although many reviews of Feverfew studies show no or unclear efficacy, a more recent RTC showed favorable results^[95][96][97] Feverfew is not recommended for pregnant women as it may be dangerous to the fetus.^[98][99] headaches.
• Gawo (Faidherbia albida), a traditional herbal medicine in West Africa, has shown promise in animal tests ^[100]
• Garlic (Allium sativum) may lower total cholesterol levels^[101]
• German Chamomile (Matricaria chamomilla) has demonstrated antispasmodic, anxiolytic, antiinflammatory and some antimutagenic and cholesterol-lowering effects in animal research.^[102] In vitro chamomile has demonstrated moderate antimicrobial and antioxidant properties and significant antiplatelet activity, as well as preliminary results against cancer.^[103][104] Essential oil of chamomile was shown to be a promising antiviral agent against herpes simplex virus type 2 (HSV-2) in vitro.^[105]
• Ginger (Zingiber officinale), administered in 250 mg capsules for four days, effectively decreased nausea and vomiting of pregnancy in a human clinical trial.^[106][107]
• Grapefruit (Naringenin) components may prevent obesity.
• Green tea (Camelia sinensis) components may inhibit growth of breast cancer cells^[108]scars faster.^[109] and may heal
• Purified extracts of the seeds of Hibiscus sabdariffa may have some antihypertensive, antifungal and antibacterial effect. Toxicity tested low except for an isolated case of damage to the testes of a rat after prolonged and excessive consumption.^[110]
• Honey may reduce cholesterol.^[111] May be useful in wound healing.^[112]
• Lemon grass (Cymbopogon citratus), administered daily as an aqueous extract of the fresh leaf, has lowered total cholesterol and fasting plasma glucose levels in rats, as well as increasing HDL cholesterol levels. Lemon grass administration had no effect on triglyceride levels.^[113]
• Magnolia
• Meadowsweet (Filipendula ulmaria, Spiraea ulmaria) can be used for a variety of anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial purposes due to presence of salicylic acid. Effective for fevers and inflammations, pain relief, ulcers and bacteriostatic. Listed as therapeutical in 1652 by Nicholas Culpeper. In 1838, salicylic acid was isolated from the plant. The word Aspirin is derived from spirin, based on Meadowsweet's synonym name Spiraea ulmaria.^[114]
• Milk thistle (Silybum marianum) extracts have been recognized for many centuries as "liver tonics.".^[115] Research suggests that milk thistle extracts both prevent and repair damage to the liver from toxic chemicals and medications.^[116]
• Morinda citrifolia (noni) is used in the Pacific and Caribbean islands for the treatment of inflammation and pain.^[117] Human studies indicate potential cancer preventive effects.^[118]
• Nigella sativa (Black cumin) has demonstrated analgesic properties in mice. The mechanism for this effect, however, is unclear. In vitro studies support antibacterial, antifungal, anticancer, anti-inflammatory and immune modulating effects.^{[119][120][121][122][123][124][125][126][127][128][129][130]} However few randomized double blind studies have been published.
• Ocimum gratissimum^[131][132] and tea tree oil can be used to treat acne.
• Oregano (Origanum vulgare) may be effective against multi-drug resistant bacteria.^[133]
• Pawpaw can be used as insecticide (killing lice, worms).^[134],^[135]
• Peppermint oil may have benefits for individuals with irritable bowel syndrome.^[136][137]
• Phytolacca or Pokeweed can be applied topically or taken internally. Topical treatments have been used for acne and other ailments. It is used as a treatment for tonsilitis, swollen glands and weight loss.^{[citation needed]}
• Pomegranate contains the highest percentage of ellagitannins of any commonly consumed juice. Punicalagin, an ellagitannin unique to pomegranate, is the highest molecular weight polyphenol known.^[138] Ellagitannins are metabolized into urolithins by gut flora, and have been shown to inhibit cancer cell growth in mice.^[138][139]
• Rauvolfia Serpentina, high risk of toxicity if improperly used^{[citation needed]}, used extensively in India for sleeplessness, anxiety, and high blood pressure.^[140]
• Rooibos (Aspalathus linearis) contains a number of phenolic compounds, including flavanols, flavones, flavanones, flavonols, and dihydrochalcones.^[141] Rooibos has traditionally been used for skin ailments, allergies, asthma and colic in infants.^[142] In an animal study with diabetic mice, aspalathin, a rooibos constituent improved glucose homeostasis by stimulating insulin secretion in pancreatic beta cells and glucose uptake in muscle tissue.^[143]
• Rose hips – Small scale studies indicate that hips from Rosa canina may provide benefits in the treatment of osteoarthritis.^{[144][145][146]} Rose hips show anti COX activity.^[147]
• Salvia lavandulaefolia may improve memory^[148]
• Saw Palmetto can be used for BPH. Supported in some studies,^[149] failed to confirm in others.^[150]
• Shiitake mushrooms (Lentinus edodes) are edible mushrooms that have been reported to have health benefits, including cancer-preventing properties.^[151] In laboratory research a shiitake extract has inhibited the growth of tumor cells through induction of apoptosis.^[151]antimicrobial activity against pathogenic bacteria and fungi in vitro.^[152][153] Both a water extract and fresh juice of shiitake have demonstrated
• Soy and other plants that contain phytoestrogens (plant molecules with estrogen activity) (black cohosh probably has serotonin activity) have some benefits for treatment of symptoms resulting from menopause.^[154]
• St. John's wort, has yielded positive results, proving more effective than a placebo for the treatment of mild to moderate depression in some clinical trials^[155] A subsequent, large, controlled trial, however, found St. John's wort to be no better than a placebo in treating depression^[156] However, more recent trials have shown positive results^{[157][158][159]} or positive trends that failed significance.^[160] A 2004 meta-analysis concluded that the positive results can be explained by publication bias^[161] but later analyses have been more favorable.^[162][163] The Cochrane Database cautions that the data on St. John's wort for depression are conflicting and ambiguous.^[164]
• Stinging nettle In some clinical studies effective for benign prostatic hyperplasia^[165] and the pain associated with osteoarthritis.^[166] In-vitro tests show antiinflammatory action.^[167] In a rodent model, stinging nettle reduced LDL cholesterol and total cholesterol.^[168] In another rodent study it reduced platelet aggregation.^[169]
• Valerian root can be used to treat insomnia. Clinical studies show mixed results and researchers note that many trials are of poor quality.^{[170][171][172]}
• Vanilla
• Willow bark (Salix alba) can be used for a variety of anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial purposes due to presence of salicylic acid and tannins. Has been in use for aprox. 6000yrs and was described in the 1st century AD by Dioscorides.^[114]

Four approaches to the use of plants as medicine include:

1. The magical/shamanic

Almost all non-modern societies recognise this kind of use. The practitioner is regarded as endowed with gifts or powers that allow him/her to use herbs in a way that is hidden from the average person, and the herbs are said to affect the spirit or soul of the person.

2. The energetic

This approach includes the major systems of TCM, Ayurveda, and Unani. Herbs are regarded as having actions in terms of their energies and affecting the energies of the body. The practitioner may have extensive training, and ideally be sensitive to energy, but need not have supernatural powers.

3. The functional dynamic

This approach was used by early physiomedical practitioners, whose doctrine forms the basis of contemporary practice in the UK. Herbs have a functional action, which is not necessarily linked to a physical compound, although often to a physiological function, but there is no explicit recourse to concepts involving energy.

4. The chemical

Modern practitioners - called Phytotherapists - attempt to explain herb actions in terms of their chemical constituents. It is generally assumed that the specific combination of secondary metabolites in the plant are responsible for the activity claimed or demonstrated, a concept called synergy.

Most modern herbalists concede that pharmaceuticals are more effective in emergency situations where time is of the essence. An example would be where a patient had an acute heart attack that posed imminent danger. However they claim that over the long term herbs can help the patient resist disease, and that in addition, they provide nutritional and immunological support that pharmaceuticals lack. They view their goal as prevention as well as cure.

Herbalists tend to use extracts from parts of plants, such as the roots or leaves but not isolate particular phytochemicals.^[42] Pharmaceutical medicine prefers single ingredients on the grounds that dosage can be more easily quantified. It is also possible to patent single compounds, and therefore generate income. Herbalists often reject the notion of a single active ingredient, arguing that the different phytochemicals present in many herbs will interact to enhance the therapeutic effects of the herb and dilute toxicity.^[43] Furthermore, they argue that a single ingredient may contribute to multiple effects. Herbalists deny that herbal synergism can be duplicated with synthetic chemicals. They argue that phytochemical interactions and trace components may alter the drug response in ways that cannot currently be replicated with a combination of a few putative active ingredients.^[44][45] Pharmaceutical researchers recognize the concept of drug synergism but note that clinical trials may be used to investigate the efficacy of a particular herbal preparation, provided the formulation of that herb is consistent.^[46]

In specific cases the claims of synergy^[47] and multifunctionality^[48] have been supported by science. The open question is how widely both can be generalized. Herbalists would argue that cases of synergy can be widely generalized, on the basis of their interpretation of evolutionary history, not necessarily shared by the pharmaceutical community. Plants are subject to similar selection pressures as humans and therefore they must develop resistance to threats such as radiation, reactive oxygen species and microbial attack in order to survive.^[49] Optimal chemical defenses have been selected for and have thus developed over millions of years.^[50] Human diseases are multifactorial and may be treated by consuming the chemical defences that they believe to be present in herbs. Bacteria, inflammation, nutrition and ROS (reactive oxygen species) may all play a role in arterial disease.^[51] Herbalists claim a single herb may simultaneously address several of these factors. Likewise a factor such as ROS may underlie more than one condition.^[52] In short herbalists view their field as the study of a web of relationships rather than a quest for single cause and a single cure for a single condition.

In selecting herbal treatments herbalists may use forms of information that are not applicable to pharmacists. Because herbs can moonlight as vegetables, teas or spices they have a huge consumer base and large-scale epidemiological studies become feasible. Ethnobotanical studies are another source of information.^[53] For example, when indigenous peoples from geographically dispersed areas use closely related herbs for the same purpose that is taken as supporting evidence for its efficacy.^{[citation needed]} Herbalists contend that historical medical records and herbals are underutilized resources.^[54] They favor the use of convergent information in assessing the medical value of plants. An example would be when in-vitro activity is consistent with traditional use.

The fifteenth, sixteenth, and seventeenth centuries were the great age of herbals, many of them available for the first time in English and other languages rather than Latin or Greek. The first herbal to be published in English was the anonymous Grete Herball of 1526. The two best-known herbals in English were The Herball or General History of Plants (1597) by John Gerard and The English Physician Enlarged (1653) by Nicholas Culpeper. Gerard’s text was basically a pirated translation of a book by the Belgian herbalist Dodoens and his illustrations came from a German botanical work. The original edition contained many errors due to faulty matching of the two parts. Culpeper’s blend of traditional medicine with astrology, magic, and folklore was ridiculed by the physicians of his day yet his book - like Gerard’s and other herbals - enjoyed phenomenal popularity. The Age of Exploration and the Columbian Exchange introduced new medicinal plants to Europe. The Badianus Manuscript was an illustrated Aztec herbal translated into Latin in the 16th century.

The second millennium, however, also saw the beginning of a slow erosion of the pre-eminent position held by plants as sources of therapeutic effects. This began with the Black Death, which the then dominant Four Element medical system proved powerless to stop. A century later, Paracelsus introduced the use of active chemical drugs (like arsenic, copper sulfate, iron, mercury, and sulfur). These were accepted even though they had toxic effects because of the urgent need to treat Syphilis. The rapid development of chemistry and the other physical sciences, led increasingly to the dominance of chemotherapy - chemical medicine - as the orthodox system of the twentieth century.

In the written record, the study of herbs dates back over 5,000 years to the Sumerians, who described well-established medicinal uses for such plants as laurel, caraway, and thyme. Ancient Egyptian medicine of 1000 B.C. are known to have used garlic, opium, castor oil, coriander, mint, indigo, and other herbs for medicine and the Old Testament also mentions herb use and cultivation, including mandrake, vetch, caraway, wheat, barley, and rye.

Indian Ayurveda medicine has used herbs such as turmeric possibly as early as 1900 B.C.^[15]herbs and minerals used in Ayurveda were later described by ancient Indian herbalists such as Charaka and Sushruta during the 1st millenium BC. The Sushruta Samhita^[16] Many other attributed to Sushruta in the 6th century BC describes 700 medicinal plants, 64 preparations from mineral sources, and 57 preparations based on animal sources.

The first Chinese herbal book, the Shennong Bencao Jing, compiled during the Han Dynasty but dating back to a much earlier date, possibly 2700 B.C., lists 365 medicinal plants and their uses - including ma-Huang, the shrub that introduced the drug ephedrine to modern medicine. Succeeding generations augmented on the Shennong Bencao Jing, as in the Yaoxing LunTreatise on the Nature of Medicinal Herbs), a 7th century Tang Dynasty treatise on herbal medicine. (

The ancient Greeks and Romans made medicinal use of plants. Greek and Roman medicinal practices, as preserved in the writings of Hippocrates and - especially - Galen, provided the pattern for later western medicine. Hippocrates advocated the use of a few simple herbal drugs - along with fresh air, rest, and proper diet. Galen, on the other hand, recommended large doses of drug mixtures - including plant, animal, and mineral ingredients. The Greek physician compiled the first European treatise on the properties and uses of medicinal plants, De Materia Medica. In the first century AD, Dioscorides wrote a compendium of more than 500 plants that remained an authoritative reference into the 17th century. Similarly important for herbalists and botanists of later centuries was the Greek book that founded the science of botany, Theophrastus’ Historia Plantarum, written in the fourth century B.C.