Ashwagandharishta: Uses, Benefits, Side Effects & More!

Introduction

Ashwagandharishta is an Ayurvedic polyherbal preparation known for its varied potential uses. Ashwagandharishta is widely used in the branch of Rasayana, which lengthens lifespan and rejuvenates the body. The name Ashwagandharishta comes from its chief ingredient Ashwagandha, a herb¹.

Ingredients of Ashwagandharishta

The list of ingredients of Ashwagandharishta are: 

• The roots of Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera)  
• Kali musali (Curculigo orchioides)  
• The roots of Manjistha (Rubia cordifolia) 
• Haritaki (Terminalia chebula)  
• Haridra (Curcuma longa)  
• Daruharidra (Berberis aristata)  
• The roots of Yasti (Glycyrrhiza glabra)  
• The roots of Rasna (Alpinia chinensis)  
• Vidari (Pueraria tuberosa)  
• The bark of Arjuna (Terminalia arjuna)  
• The rhizomes of Mustaka (Cyperus rotundus)  
• Trivrt (Ipomoea turpethum)  
• Svet Sariva (Hemidesmus indicus)  
• Krisna sariva (Ichnocarpus frutescens) 
• Svet Chandan (Santalum album)  
• Rakta Chandan (Pterocarpus santalinus)  
• Vacha (Acorus calamus)  
• Chitraka (Plumbago zeyleynica)  
• Dhataki (Woodfordia floribunda)  
• Sonth (Zingiber officinalis)  
• Marica (Piper nigrum) 
• Pippali (Piper longum)  
• The inner bark of Tvak (Cinnamomum zeyleynicum)  
• Tejpatra (Cinnamomum tamala)  
• Priyangu (Callicarpa microphylla) 
• Elaichi (Eletteria cardamomum)  
• stamens of Nagakesara (Mesua ferrea)  
• Madhu (Honey)  
• Water for decoction¹. 

Potential Uses of Ashwagandharishta

Ashwagandharishta is a well-known Ayurvedic remedy with immense potential uses. The roots of Ashwagandha are used as an adaptogen in both Ayurveda and Unani medicine². Some of the key medicinal qualities of Ashwagandharishta are: 

• Neuroprotective² 
• Memory-boosting² 
• Hematopoietic² 
• Sleep-stimulating² 
• Anxiolytic² 
• Antioxidant² 
• Cardioprotective³ 
• Anti-Hyperlipidaemic⁴ 
• Anti-inflammatory
• Collagenase inhibitor
• Antimicrobial
• Anticonvulsant
• Antidepressant
• Anti-epileptic 
• Removal of sodium and potassium in urine¹ 

Did you know that the fermentation process known as “Asava-Arishta” is used to make Ashwagandharishta. In this method, the herbs are soaked in water or a decoction with honey or jaggery, and then they are fermented for a predetermined amount of time. The medicinal qualities of the herbs are enhanced by this fermentation¹⁰.

Dr. Siddharth Gupta, B.A.M.S, M.D (Ayu)

Benefits of Ashwagandharishta

1. Benefits of Ashwagandharishta for Diuresis

• High Blood pressure (hypertension) and oedema associated with congestive heart failure, nephrotic syndrome (kidney disorder) and liver cirrhosis are generally handled by diuresis therapy⁸. 
• Ashwagandharishta is one of the excellent Ayurvedic remedies proven to help manage this disorder in laboratory settings.
• It is proven to be equivalent to the allopathic drug furosemide, a diuretic medication available in the market.
• Ashwagandharishta may be able to remove excess fluids by increasing the excretion of urine and removal of excess sodium, potassium, or chloride in such patients.
• Further studies are required to prove the efficacy in humans, but the studies so far have been promising¹.

2. Benefits of Ashwagandharishta for Heart

• Heart attack is a fatal outcome of an imbalance between the coronary blood supply and demand.
• Ashwagandharishta can protect the heart muscles owing to its antioxidant properties.
• Ashwagandharishta can reduce serum cholesterol, LDL, and triglycerides, subsequently increasing the HDL.
• The accumulation of LDL and triglycerides on the arteries and aorta is the primary cause of heart attack, which may be prevented by using Ashwagandharishta³.                                                 

3. Benefits of Ashwagandharishta for Gastric Ulcer

• Ashwagandharishta may be effective in relieving the symptoms of gastric ulcers.
• It can significantly reduce the total secretion of acid and protect the gastric mucosa lining⁷.
• Ashwagandharishta is also used for enhancing the power of digestion and preventing fainting due to weakness⁶

4. Benefits of Ashwagandharishta for Cholesterol

• Ashwagandharishta consists of the roots of ashwagandha that are very efficient in reducing low-density lipoprotein (bad cholesterol), triglycerides and total cholesterol.
• In addition, it can also increase the levels of high-density lipoprotein (good cholesterol).
• Further investigations are necessary to prove the efficacy in humans⁵.

5. Benefits of Ashwagandharishta for Memory disorders

• Ashwagandharishta can be helpful in memory disorder therapies due to its use as an anti-depressant.
• In Ayurvedic therapy, Ashwagandharishta is used in psychiatric disorders like epilepsy, depression, anxiety, schizophrenia, sluggishness, dullness, and other memory-related disorders⁴.
• The roots of ashwagandha are very efficient in promoting memory, attention and concentration.
• Therefore, Ashwagandharishta may be used to manage the symptoms of neurodegenerative diseases like Parkinson’s disease and Alzheimer’s⁹.
• Ashwagandharishta works by boosting neurotransmission, synaptic flexibility, and acts as an anti-depressant.
• It may be used to prevent stress and anxiety⁶. 

6. Benefits of Ashwagandharishta for Longevity

• Ashwagandharishta is an Ayurvedic tonic known to stimulate health and long life.
• It can prevent the ageing process and rejuvenate the body.
• It helps the body preserve and maintain energy throughout the day and enables good sleep which helps one feel re-energized the next day.
• It can also improve the haemoglobin levels by increasing the red blood count in adults.
• In children, it is used to promote growth^6,9. 

7. Benefits of Ashwagandharishta for Stress and Anxiety

• The anti-stress property of the Ashwagandharishta makes it an excellent remedy to improve mental well-being in obese and overweight adults.
• It can reduce stress and improve eating behaviours while sustaining the endocrinological balance. 
• It is also found that the roots of Ashwagandha can significantly reduce the levels of stress hormone and improve the quality of sleep².

According to Ayurveda, Ashwagandharishta might help in reducing stress and anxiety by balancing the Vata and Pitta doshas. The Vata and Pitta are said to be involved in maintaining the energy flow and various bodily functions. Additionally, Ashwagandha, one of the major ingredients of Ashwagandharishta is said to have adaptogenic properties that can help in reducing stress and anxiety^11,12.

Dr. Rajeev Singh, BAMS

Also Read: Lavender – Uses, Benefits & Side Effects

How to Use Ashwagandharishta?

Ashwagandharishta is an ayurvedic tonic that is prescribed by the physician to be taken as directed⁶.

Your Ayurvedic physician will prescribe you the form and dosage as per your health condition. 

Also Read: Gokshura – Uses, Benefits, Side Effects & Precautions

Side Effects of Ashwagandharishta

 The most common side effects of Ashwagandha, which is the chief ingredient of Ashwagandharishta are: 

• Intestinal disorders in hyperthyroid patients and pregnant women⁹
• Hypnotic effect in high doses⁹
• Drowsiness or sleepiness⁹

Ashwagandharishta might help in increasing sperm count. According to a small-scale study, root extracts of ashwagandha, which is the main ingredient of Ashwagandharishta powder are believed to have spermatogenic activities which can stimulate sperm count^13,14.

Dr. Smita Barode, B.A.M.S, M.S.

Precautions to Take with Ashwagandharishta

Ashwagandha, which is one of the significant ingredients of Ashwagandharishta, must be used with caution in certain health conditions like 

• Pregnancy⁹ 
• Hyperthyroidism⁹
• Due to the risk of causing hypnotic effect, the dosage of Ashwagandha must be charted out thoughtfully⁹.
• Kidney patients should undergo a kidney function test before starting Ashwagandharishta and must be followed up regularly to keep a close watch on any complications⁶.

Also Read: Triphala – Uses, Benefits & Side Effects

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

References

1. Salve J, Pate S, Debnath K, Langade D. Adaptogenic and Anxiolytic Effects of Ashwagandha Root Extract in Healthy Adults: A Double-blind, Randomized, Placebo-controlled Clinical Study. Cureus [Internet]. 2019 Dec 26 [cited 2022 Feb 28];11(12). Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6979308/ 

2. Ingale Dhanashri, Koppikar Soumya, Kulkarni Padmakumar, Harsulkar Abhay Madhukar. Benefits of Ashwagandharishta and Balarishta in Osteoarthritis are through Reduction of Inflammation and Inhibition of Collagenase | Request PDF. In: 2nd International Conference on Biotechnology and Bioinformatics [Internet]. 2015 [cited 2022 Feb 28]. Available from: https://www.researchgate.net/publication/280066103_Benefits_of_Ashwagandharishta_and_Balarishta_in_Osteoarthritis_are_through_Reduction_of_Inflammation_and_Inhibition_of_Collagenase 

3. Tanna IR, Aghera HB, K AB, Chandola HM, of Roga Nidana D, Vijnana V. Protective role of Ashwagandharishta and flax seed oil against maximal electroshock induced seizures in albino rats. Pharmacological Research [Internet]. 2012 [cited 2022 Feb 28];33(1). Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3456848/pdf/Ayu-33-114.pdf 

4. Munaweera RRKW, Pandithavidana DR. Molecular Docking Analysis to Elucidate the Potential Drug Action of Phytochemicals Present in Ashwagandharishta towards Memory Related Disorders. In: International Postgraduate Research Conference 2018– University of Kelaniya [Internet]. 2018 [cited 2022 Feb 28]. Available from: https://www.researchgate.net/publication/329415276_Molecular_docking_analysis_to_elucidate_the_potential_drug_action_of_phytochemicals_present_in_Ashwagandharishta_towards_memory_related_disorders

5. Rahman T, Salahuddin Bhuiya M, Hasan R, Choudhuri MSK. Effect of Ashwagandharishta on the lipid profile of male and female rats. Jahangirnagar University Journal of Biological Sciences [Internet]. 2020 Jun 1 [cited 2022 Feb 28];9(1–2):59–68. Available from: https://www.banglajol.info/index.php/JUJBS/article/view/53707

6. Rahman T, Rakib Hasan M, K Choudhuri MS. Effect of Ashwagandharista (Withania somnifera) on the kidney functions of male and female rats. Jahangirnagar University Journal of Biological Sciences [Internet]. 2019 Aug 3 [cited 2022 Feb 28];8(1):1–7. Available from: https://www.banglajol.info/index.php/JUJBS/article/view/42462

7. Somuvel Uma, Venugopalan Rajesh, Jayakumar Vinothkumar, Kavitha K.N.V, Vijaykumar P.R.P, Perumal Perumal. Effect of a polyherbal liquid formulation on pylorus ligated gastric mucosal damage in albino wistar rats. Journal of Pharmacy Research [Internet]. 2011 [cited 2022 Feb 28];1115–7. Available from: https://www.researchgate.net/publication/283268849_Effect_of_a_polyherbal_liquid_formulation_on_pylorus_ligated_gastric_mucosal_damage_in_albino_wistar_rats

8. Furosemide | C12H11ClN2O5S – PubChem [Internet]. PubChem – National Library of Medicine. [cited 2022 Feb 28]. Available from: https://pubchem.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/compound/furosemide 

9. Kumar Meher S, Das B, Panda P, Bhuyan G, Rao M. Uses of Withania somnifera (Linn) Dunal (Ashwagandha) in Ayurveda and its Pharmacological Evidences INTRODUCTION. Research Journal of Pharmacology and Pharmacodynamics [Internet]. [cited 2022 Feb 28];8(1). Available from: https://rjppd.org/HTMLPaper.aspx?Journal=Research%20Journal%20of%20Pharmacology%20and%20Pharmacodynamics;PID=2016-8-1-6

10. Kushwaha R, Karanjekar S. Standardization of Ashwagandharishta formulation by TLC method. Int J ChemTech Res. 2011 Jul–Sep;3(3):1033-1036. Available from: https://sphinxsai.com/Vol.3No.3/Chem/pdf/CT=04(1033-1036)JS11.pdf

11. The Art of Living. Knowing vata imbalance: its symptoms, causes and remedies [Internet]. [cited 2025 Oct 08]. Available from: https://www.artofliving.org/in-en/ayurveda/remedies/vata-imbalance-manage

12. Salve J, Pate lwe Rahul, Kanchan A, Abbasi AR, Selvakumar S, Mohan A. Adaptogenic and anxiolytic effects of Withania somnifera (Ashwagandha) root extract in healthy adults: A double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled clinical study. Indian J Psychol Med. 2019 Mar-Apr;41(3):242-51. PMCID: PMC6979308. Available from: https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC6979308/

13. Singh N, Bhalla M, de Jager P, Gilca M. An overview on Withania somnifera: a Rasayana (rejuvenator) of Ayurveda. Afr J Tradit Complement Altern Med. 2011;8(5 Suppl):208-213. PMCID: PMC3252722. doi:10.4314/ajtcam.v8i5S.9. Available from: https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC3252722/

14. Ambiye VR, Langade D, Dongre S, Aptikar P, Kulkarni M, Dongre A. Clinical Evaluation of the Spermatogenic Activity of the Root Extract of Withania somnifera in Oligospermic Males: A Pilot Study. Evid Based Complement Alternat Med. 2013;2013:571420. doi:10.1155/2013/571420. PMCID: PMC3863556. PMID: 24371462. Available from: https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC3863556/

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