Warning
This is an unofficial archive of PsychonautWiki as of 2025-08-11T15:14:44Z. Content on this page may be outdated, incomplete, or inaccurate. Please refer to the original page for the most up-to-date information.

Talk:Withania somnifera (botany): Difference between revisions

From PsychonautWiki Archive
Jump to navigation Jump to search
>Catharsis
Created page with "{{proofread}} {{substanceBox/Ashwagandha}} {| |- |- | ''Summary sheet: Ashwagandha'' |} '''Ashwagandha''', also known as '''Withania somnifera''', '''I..."
 
>Nomessin4bout
The effects related to Theanine were removed, and overall, the entire article was further aligned with Ashwagandha by removing additional artifacts from the Theanine page.
 
(20 intermediate revisions by 10 users not shown)
Line 1: Line 1:
{{proofread}}
{{headerpanel|{{approval}}}}
{{substanceBox/Ashwagandha}}
{{BotanyBox/Withania somnifera}}
{|
|-
|-
| ''[[Ashwagandha/Summary|Summary sheet: Ashwagandha]]''
|}
'''Ashwagandha''', also known as '''Withania somnifera''', '''Indian ginseng''', '''poison gooseberry''' and '''winter cherry''', is a [[Adaptogenic]]<ref>Withania somnifera: an Indian ginseng. |http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/17959291</ref> plant in the Solanaceae or nightshade family. It is used as a herb in Ayurvedic medicine. Ashwagandha contains flavonoids such as Withanolide A and Withaferin-A, which are believed to be responsible for Ashwagandha's psychoactive properties.


Ashwagandha has been well-researched for a multitude of health benefits, including anxiety reduction<ref> Naturopathic care for anxiety: a randomized controlled trial ISRCTN78958974. | http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/19718255</ref>, Stress reduction<ref>A prospective, randomized double-blind, placebo-controlled study of safety and efficacy of a high-concentration full-spectrum extract of ashwagandha root in reducing stress and anxiety in adults. | http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/23439798</ref>, physical performance enhancing<ref>Effects of Withania somnifera (Ashwagandha) and Terminalia arjuna (Arjuna) on physical performance and cardiorespiratory endurance in healthy young adults. | http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/21170205</ref><ref>Examining the effect of Withania somnifera supplementation on muscle strength and recovery: a randomized controlled trial.| http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/26609282</ref>, depression relief<ref>A double-blind, placebo-controlled evaluation of the anxiolytic efficacy ff an ethanolic extract of withania somnifera. | http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/21407960 </ref>, and fatigue relief<ref>Naturopathic care for anxiety: a randomized controlled trial ISRCTN78958974. | http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/19718255</ref>.
'''''Withania somnifera''''' (Commonly known as '''Ashwagandha''', '''Indian ginseng''', '''Poison gooseberry''' and '''Winter cherry''') is an adaptogenic<ref>Withania somnifera: an Indian ginseng. |http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/17959291</ref> plant in the ''Solanaceae'' or Nightshade family that is used as a herbal treatment in Ayurvedic medicine. Ashwagandha contains flavonoids such as Withanolide A and Withaferin-A, which are believed to be responsible for Ashwagandha's psychoactive properties.
 
Ashwagandha has been well-researched for a multitude of health benefits, including [[anxiety suppression|anxiety reduction]]<ref> Naturopathic care for anxiety: a randomized controlled trial ISRCTN78958974. | http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/19718255</ref>, stress reduction<ref>A prospective, randomized double-blind, placebo-controlled study of safety and efficacy of a high-concentration full-spectrum extract of ashwagandha root in reducing stress and anxiety in adults. | http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/23439798</ref>, physical performance enhancing<ref>Effects of Withania somnifera (Ashwagandha) and Terminalia arjuna (Arjuna) on physical performance and cardiorespiratory endurance in healthy young adults. | http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/21170205</ref><ref>Examining the effect of Withania somnifera supplementation on muscle strength and recovery: a randomized controlled trial.| http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/26609282</ref>, depression relief<ref>A double-blind, placebo-controlled evaluation of the anxiolytic efficacy of an ethanolic extract of withania somnifera. | http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/21407960 </ref>, and fatigue relief<ref>Naturopathic care for anxiety: a randomized controlled trial ISRCTN78958974. | http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/19718255</ref>.


==Chemistry==
==Chemistry==
{{Chemistry}}
{{Chemistry}}
==Pharmacology==
Withanolides are present in all plants in the Solanaceae family of plants{{citation needed}}, of which Withania Somnifera(Ashwagandha) is the highest in concentrations. These Withanolides are believed to be the prime component of Ashwagandha's psychoactive profile.<ref>A standardized root extract of Withania somnifera and its major constituent withanolide-A elicit humoral and cell-mediated immune responses by up regulation of Th1-dominant polarization in BALB/c mice. | https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/17336338</ref>There has been reported to be high variability in the amount of active withanolides in common nutritional supplements, which may be due to lack of standardization of root powder.
Theanine is structurally similar to the excitatory [[neurotransmitter]] [[glutamate]], and in accordance, binds to glutamate [[receptor]]s, though with much lower affinity in comparison. Specifically, it binds to ionotropic glutamate receptors including the [[AMPA]] and [[kainate]] receptors and, to a lesser extent, the [[NMDA]] receptor.<ref>The neuropharmacology of L-theanine(N-ethyl-L-glutamine): a possible neuroprotective and cognitive enhancing agent (PubMed.gov / NCBI) | https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/17182482</ref><ref>Inhibition by theanine of binding of [3H]AMPA, [3H]kainate, and [3H]MDL 105,519 to glutamate receptors (PubMed.gov / NCBI) | https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/12596867</ref><ref>Neuroprotective effects of theanine and its preventive effects on cognitive dysfunction (PubMed.gov / NCBI) | https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/21477654</ref><ref>Neuroprotective effects of the green tea components theanine and catechins (PubMed.gov / NCBI) | https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/12499631</ref> It acts as an [[antagonist]] of the former two sites<ref>Neuroprotective effects of the green tea components theanine and catechins (PubMed.gov / NCBI) | https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/12499631</ref> and as an [[agonist]] of the latter site.<ref>Behavioral and molecular evidence for psychotropic effects in L-theanine (PubMed.gov / NCBI) | https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/21861094</ref> In addition, it inhibits glutamine transporters and glutamate transporters, and thus acts as [[reuptake inhibitor]] of glutamine and glutamate.<ref>Neuroprotective effects of the green tea components theanine and catechins (PubMed.gov / NCBI) | https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/12499631</ref><ref>Inhibition of glutamate transporter by theanine enhances the therapeutic efficacy of doxorubicin (PubMed.gov / NCBI) | https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/11325559</ref><ref>Theanine and glutamate transporter inhibitors enhance the antitumor efficacy of chemotherapeutic agents (PubMed.gov / NCBI) | https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/14643924</ref>


Theanine increases [[dopamine]], [[GABA]], and [[glycine]] levels in various areas of the brain.<ref>The neuropharmacology of L-theanine(N-ethyl-L-glutamine): a possible neuroprotective and cognitive enhancing agent (PubMed.gov / NCBI) | https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/17182482</ref><ref>Behavioral and molecular evidence for psychotropic effects in L-theanine (PubMed.gov / NCBI) | https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/21861094</ref><ref>Theanine, r-glutamylethylamide, increases neurotransmission concentrations and neurotrophin mRNA levels in the brain during lactation (PubMed.gov / NCBI) | https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/17904164</ref><ref>Effect of theanine, r-glutamylethylamide, on brain monoamines and striatal dopamine release in conscious rats (PubMed.gov / NCBI) | https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/9566605</ref> It also effects [[serotonin]] in a manner which is still a matter of debate in the scientific community, with separate studies showing increases and decreases in brain serotonin levels using similar experimental protocols.<ref>Effect of theanine, r-glutamylethylamide, on brain monoamines and striatal dopamine release in conscious rats (PubMed.gov / NCBI) | https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/9566605</ref><ref>Theanine-induced reduction of brain serotonin concentration in rats (PubMed.gov / NCBI) | https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/9614715</ref>


These various changes in neurotransmitter levels contribute to the calming and nootropic properties of theanine.
==Pharmacology==
[[File:Withanolide_series.png|400px|thumb|Chemical structure of Withanolides found in Ashwagandha]]


==Subjective effects==
==Subjective effects==
The effects listed below are based upon the [[subjective effect index]] and personal experiences of [[PsychonautWiki]] [[Special:TopUsers|contributors]]. The listed effects will rarely (if ever) occur all at once, but heavier dosages will increase the chances and are more likely to induce a full range of effects.
The effects listed below are based upon the [[subjective effect index]] and personal experiences of [[PsychonautWiki]] [[Special:TopUsers|contributors]]. The listed effects will rarely (if ever) occur all at once, but heavier dosages will increase the chances and are more likely to induce a full range of effects.
===Physical effects===
===Physical effects===
*'''[[Effect::Sedation]]''' ''and'' '''[[Effect::Stimulation]]''' - Theanine is mildly stimulating at [[Dosage#light|light]] to [[Dosage#common|common]] dosages but becomes sedating with [[Dosage#Strong|strong]] dosages at around 300mg.
*'''[[Effect::Sedation]]''' ''and'' '''[[Effect::Stimulation]]''' - Ashwagandha has sedating as well as stimulating effects on the user at all dosages.
*'''[[Effect::Muscle relaxation]]''' - at [[Dosage#Heavy|heavy]] doses, theanine induces muscle relaxation comparable to that of [[benzodiazepines]].
*'''[[Effect::Muscle relaxation]]''' - at [[Dosage#Heavy|heavy]] doses, ashwagandha induces light muscle relaxation.
*'''[[Effect::Spontaneous tactile sensations]]''' - Theanine produces a physical feeling of glowing warmth that is present across the entirety of ones body. This occurs at dosages around 300mg.


===Cognitive effects===
===Cognitive effects===
*'''[[Effect::Anxiety suppression]]''' - Theanine produces anxiolytic effects which are comparable to a mild dose of a benzodiazepine but without the accompanying [[disinhibition]].  
*'''[[Effect::Anxiety suppression]]''' - Ashwagandha produces anxiolytic effects which are comparable to a mild dose of a benzodiazepine but without the accompanying [[disinhibition]].  
*'''[[Effect::Mindfulness]]''' - Theanine induces distinctive states of mindfulness more consistently than perhaps any other known psychoactive compound.
*'''[[Effect::Depression reduction]]'''  
*'''[[Effect::Memory enhancement]]'''<ref>A combination of green tea extract and l-theanine improves memory and attention in subjects with mild cognitive impairment: a double-blind placebo-controlled study. (PubMed.gov / NCBI) | http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/21303262</ref> - Theanine has been shown to improve memory and attention in subjects with mild cognitive impairments.
*'''[[Effect::Motivation enhancement]]'''
*'''[[Effect::Thought deceleration]]'''  
*'''[[Effect::Thought deceleration]]'''  
*'''[[Effect::Thought organization]]'''
*'''[[Effect::Thought organization]]'''
*'''[[Effect::Perception of increased weight]]'''
*'''[[Effect::Analysis enhancement]]'''
*'''[[Effect::Analysis enhancement]]'''
*'''[[Effect::Focus enhancement]]'''
*'''[[Effect::Focus enhancement]]'''
*'''[[Effect::Motivation enhancement]]'''
*'''[[Effect::Perception of increased weight]]'''
 
===Experience reports===
There are currently no anecdotal reports which describe the effects of this compound within our [[experience index]]. Additional experience reports can be found here:
* [https://www.erowid.org/experiences/subs/exp_Ashwagandha.shtml Erowid Experience Vaults: Ashwagandha]


==Toxicity and harm potential==
==Toxicity and harm potential==
Theanine is non-addictive, is not known to cause brain damage, and has an [[Toxicity::extremely low toxicity]] relative to dose. Similar to many other [[nootropics]] drugs, there are relatively few physical side effects associated with acute theanine exposure. Various studies have shown that in reasonable doses in a careful context, it presents no negative cognitive, psychiatric or toxic physical consequences of any sort.  
It is strongly recommended that one use [[responsible drug use|harm reduction practices]] when using this drug.


It is strongly recommended that one use [[responsible drug use|harm reduction practices]] when using this drug.
===Tolerance and addiction potential===
===Tolerance and addiction potential===
Theanine is [[Addiction potential::not habit-forming]] and the desire to use it can actually decrease with use. It is most often self-regulating.
Ashwaghanda is [[Addiction potential::not habit-forming]].
 
Tolerance to the effects of theanine are built [[Time to full tolerance::after prolonged and repeated usage]]. After that, it takes about [[Time to half tolerance::7 days]] for the tolerance to be reduced to half and [[Time to zero tolerance::14 days]] to be back at baseline (in the absence of further consumption). Theanine presents cross-tolerance with [[Cross-tolerance::no other known compounds]], meaning that after the consumption of theanine all other psychoactive compounds will not have a reduced effect.


==Legal issues==
==Legal issues==
{{LegalStub}}
{{LegalStub}}
Theanine is unscheduled across the world and is not known to be specifically illegal within any country.
*'''United Kingdom''' - This drug is illegal under the Psychoactive Substance Act, which came into effect on May 26th, 2016.<ref>Psychoactive Substances Act 2016 (Legislation.gov.uk) | http://www.legislation.gov.uk/ukpga/2016/2/contents/enacted</ref>


==See also==
==See also==
*[[Nootropic]]
*[[Nootropic]]
*[[Caffeine]]
*[[Glutamate]]


==External links==
==External links==
*[https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Theanine Theanine (Wikipedia)]
*[https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Withania_somnifera Withania somnifera (Wikipedia)]
*[https://examine.com/supplements/theanine/ Theanine (Examine)]
*[https://www.reddit.com/r/nootropics/wiki/beginners#wiki_ashwagandha Ashwagandha (r/Nootropics FAQ)]
 
==References==
==References==
<references/>
{{reflist|2}}
[[Category:Psychoactive substance]] [[Category:Nootropic]]
 
[[Category:Solanaceae (family)]]

Latest revision as of 10:14, 14 February 2024

This page has not been fully approved by the PsychonautWiki administrators.

It may contain incorrect information, particularly with respect to dosage, duration, subjective effects, toxicity and other risks. It may also not meet PW style and grammar standards.

Withania somnifera
An ashwagandha plant found in nature.
Taxonomical nomenclature
Kingdom Plantae
Unranked Angiosperms
Unranked Eudicots
Unranked Asterids
Order Solanales
Family Solanaceae
Genus Withania
Species W. somnifera
Common nomenclature
Common names Ashwagandha, Indian ginseng, Poison gooseberry and Winter cherry
Constituents
Active constituents Tropine, withanolides, cuscohygrine

Withania somnifera (Commonly known as Ashwagandha, Indian ginseng, Poison gooseberry and Winter cherry) is an adaptogenic[1] plant in the Solanaceae or Nightshade family that is used as a herbal treatment in Ayurvedic medicine. Ashwagandha contains flavonoids such as Withanolide A and Withaferin-A, which are believed to be responsible for Ashwagandha's psychoactive properties.

Ashwagandha has been well-researched for a multitude of health benefits, including anxiety reduction[2], stress reduction[3], physical performance enhancing[4][5], depression relief[6], and fatigue relief[7].

Chemistry

This chemistry section is incomplete.

You can help by adding to it.

Withanolides are present in all plants in the Solanaceae family of plants[citation needed], of which Withania Somnifera(Ashwagandha) is the highest in concentrations. These Withanolides are believed to be the prime component of Ashwagandha's psychoactive profile.[8]There has been reported to be high variability in the amount of active withanolides in common nutritional supplements, which may be due to lack of standardization of root powder.


Pharmacology

Chemical structure of Withanolides found in Ashwagandha

Subjective effects

The effects listed below are based upon the subjective effect index and personal experiences of PsychonautWiki contributors. The listed effects will rarely (if ever) occur all at once, but heavier dosages will increase the chances and are more likely to induce a full range of effects.

Physical effects

Cognitive effects

Experience reports

There are currently no anecdotal reports which describe the effects of this compound within our experience index. Additional experience reports can be found here:

Toxicity and harm potential

It is strongly recommended that one use harm reduction practices when using this drug.

Tolerance and addiction potential

Ashwaghanda is not habit-forming.

This legality section is a stub.

As such, it may contain incomplete or wrong information. You can help by expanding it.

See also

References

  1. ↑ Withania somnifera: an Indian ginseng. |http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/17959291
  2. ↑ Naturopathic care for anxiety: a randomized controlled trial ISRCTN78958974. | http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/19718255
  3. ↑ A prospective, randomized double-blind, placebo-controlled study of safety and efficacy of a high-concentration full-spectrum extract of ashwagandha root in reducing stress and anxiety in adults. | http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/23439798
  4. ↑ Effects of Withania somnifera (Ashwagandha) and Terminalia arjuna (Arjuna) on physical performance and cardiorespiratory endurance in healthy young adults. | http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/21170205
  5. ↑ Examining the effect of Withania somnifera supplementation on muscle strength and recovery: a randomized controlled trial.| http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/26609282
  6. ↑ A double-blind, placebo-controlled evaluation of the anxiolytic efficacy of an ethanolic extract of withania somnifera. | http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/21407960
  7. ↑ Naturopathic care for anxiety: a randomized controlled trial ISRCTN78958974. | http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/19718255
  8. ↑ A standardized root extract of Withania somnifera and its major constituent withanolide-A elicit humoral and cell-mediated immune responses by up regulation of Th1-dominant polarization in BALB/c mice. | https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/17336338
Retrieved from "http://psy.st/w/index.php?title=Talk:Withania_somnifera_(botany)&oldid=135811"