Ashwagandha and its many applications

Introduction

Ashwagandha, also known as Withania Somnifera or Indian Ginseng, is a plant with a long history in traditional Ayurvedic medicine. This plant, which thrives in arid climates and in the heights of the Himalayas, has been valued for thousands of years for its many health benefits. In this article, we will detail the production of ashwagandha, its efficacy, the benefits of its use in cosmetic products and its physicochemical data.

Description of the ashwagandha plant

Botany and appearance

Ashwagandha, botanically known as Withania somnifera, belongs to the nightshade family (Solanaceae). This perennial plant is native to India, the Middle East and parts of Africa and thrives in both dry and tropical climates.

Growth habit: Ashwagandha grows as a small shrub and reaches a height of around 30 to 150 cm.

Leaves: The leaves are oval, green and have a velvety surface. They are around 5 to 12 cm long.

Flowers: The plant produces small, bell-shaped, yellow-green flowers.

Fruits: the bears red, berry-like fruits that are about the size of a pea.

Roots: The roots are thick and fleshy, which makes them particularly valuable for medicinal use.

History and traditional use

Ashwagandha has a rich history in traditional medicine, especially in Ayurveda, which has been practised for over 3000 years. The name “Ashwagandha” is derived from Sanskrit and means “smell of the horse”, referring to the fresh root, which has a strong, horse-like odour and symbolises the strength and vitality of a horse.

Ayurveda: In Ayurvedic medicine, it is used as a rasayana, a remedy that strengthens and prolongs vital energy. It is used to treat stress, anxiety, insomnia and chronic fatigue.

Traditional medicine: Ashwagandha is also used in other traditional systems of medicine, such as Unani medicine, to strengthen the immune system and promote general health.

Use for humans

Ashwagandha has a wide range of applications for human use:

Medicinal: It is used to treat stress, anxiety, depression, insomnia, and chronic conditions such as arthritis.

Cognitive support: Studies have shown that ashwagandha can improve cognitive function and slow memory loss.

Sports: Ashwagandha is used by athletes to increase endurance and improve muscle strength.

Cosmetics: In cosmetics, ashwagandha is valued for its anti-ageing and antioxidant properties. It protects the skin from environmental damage, promotes cell regeneration and improves skin elasticity.

Use for animals

Ashwagandha is also used in veterinary medicine. It helps animals to cope with stress, strengthens their immune system and improves their general health.

Pets: In dogs and cats, ashwagandha is used to reduce anxiety and strengthen the immune system.

Livestock: In livestock such as horses and cattle, it is used to reduce stress and improve health, especially in intensive farming systems.

Production of ashwagandha extract

Ashwagandha is mainly extracted from the roots of the plant. The production takes place in several steps:

Harvesting: the roots of the ashwagandha plant are carefully harvested, usually in the dry regions of India or in the high altitudes of the Himalayas.

Cleaning: After harvesting, the roots are cleaned to remove impurities.

Drying: The cleaned roots are dried to reduce moisture and increase shelf life.

Extraction: A highly effective extract is obtained from the roots using modern biotechnological processes. This process ensures that the plant’s valuable ingredients are retained in high concentrations.

Effectiveness of ashwagandha

The effectiveness has been investigated in numerous scientific studies. Here are some of the most important results:

Stress reduction: ashwagandha is known for its adaptogenic properties, which help the body to cope better with stress. Studies have shown that it can reduce the production of cortisol, a stress hormone.

Improving cognitive function: Ashwagandha can improve memory and cognitive function by reducing oxidative stress in the brain.

Supporting the immune system: The plant strengthens the immune system by increasing the activity of natural killer cells, which play an important role in the immune system.

Antioxidant properties: it has strong antioxidant properties that help neutralise free radicals in the body, protecting cells from damage.

Benefits of use in cosmetic products

Ashwagandha is increasingly being used in cosmetic products, particularly for its skin-protecting and rejuvenating properties. Some of the most important benefits are

Protection from environmental damage: ashwagandha’s antioxidant properties protect the skin from damage caused by UV radiation and pollution.

Skin soothing: it has anti-inflammatory properties that help soothe skin irritation and calm the skin.

Anti-ageing: By promoting cell regeneration and fighting free radicals, ashwagandha can reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.

Moisturising: The plant helps to hydrate the skin and strengthen the skin’s moisture barrier, resulting in smoother and more radiant skin.

Physicochemical data of ashwagandha

INCI: Withania Somnifera Root Extract, Glycerin

Product form: Brown, viscous liquid, free from preservatives

Recommended use concentration: 1-2.5%

pH value: Neutral to slightly alkaline

Solubility: Soluble in water

Stability: Stable at room temperature, sensitive to light, should be stored in a dark container

Certifications: Cosmos-compliant, vegan, gluten-free

We like to work with these active ingredients based on ashwagandha:

Conclusion

Ashwagandha is a remarkable natural product with a multitude of health and cosmetic benefits. From reducing stress and improving cognitive function to skin care, this plant has numerous applications. Thanks to modern production methods, we can now utilise the valuable properties of ashwagandha in cosmetic products of the highest quality. Please ask us if you would like to have a product with this effective extract for your brand.

Literature:

Studies on Ashwagandha Ghrita with reference to murcchana process and storage conditions.

Gurav NS, Gurav SS, Sakharwade SN.J Ayurveda Integr Med. 2020 Jul-Sep;11(3):243-249

A Study of Efficacy and Safety of Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera) Lotion on Facial Skin in Photoaged Healthy Adults.

Narra K, Naik SK, Ghatge AS.Cureus. 2023 Mar 15;15(3):e36168

Effects of Withania somnifera root extract serum application on hair health in healthy adults: A prospective, double-blind, randomized, parallel, placebo-controlled study.

Yerram C, Jillella A, Reddy V.J Ayurveda Integr Med. 2023 Nov-Dec;14(6):100817