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Zeitschrift für Phytotherapie 2025; 46(03): 155-161
DOI: 10.1055/a-2417-3391
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Withania somnifera (L.) Dunal, Ashwagandha, Schlafbeere

Withania somnifera (L.) Dunall, Ashwagandha, winter cherry
Matthias F. Melzig
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Zusammenfassung

Withania somnifera (L.) Dunall oder Ashwagandha (dt. Schlafbeere) ist eine traditionelle ayurvedische Arzneipflanze, deren Wurzeldroge heute weltweit Anwendung findet, v.a. als Adaptogen. Das komplexe Inhaltsstoffspektrum enthält u.a. Alkaloide (Tropanderivate), Steroidlaktone (Withanolide) und Sitoindoside, die die Stressverarbeitung und das Immunsystem beeinflussen sowie entzündungshemmend und neuroprotektiv wirken. Obwohl die Verträglichkeit von standardisierten Zubereitungen in klinischen Studien als generell gut eingeschätzt wird, gibt es zunehmend Hinweise auf eine Beeinträchtigung der Leberfunktion durch Nahrungsergänzungsmittel mit unzureichend deklarierten Extrakten oder Drogenpulvern von Ashwagandha.

Abstract

Withania somnifera (L.) Dunall or Ashwagandha (winter cherry) is a traditional Ayurvedic medicinal plant whose root is used worldwide today, primarily as an adaptogen. The complex spectrum of ingredients includes alkaloids (tropane derivatives), steroid lactones (withanolides) and sitoindosides, which influence stress management and the immune system as well as having an anti-inflammatory and neuroprotective effect. Although the tolerability of standardized preparations is generally considered to be good in clinical studies, there is increasing evidence that dietary supplements containing inadequately declared extracts or drug powders of ashwagandha have an adverse effect on liver function.

Schlüsselwörter

Withania somnifera (L.) Dunall - Ashwagandha - Schlafbeere - traditionelle Medizin - Toxizität

Key words

Withania somnifera (L.) Dunall - Ashwagandha - winter cherry - traditional medicine - toxicity


Publication History

Article published online:
12 June 2025

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