Ashwagandha is one of a class of plants known as adaptogens. These are consumed as teas, tinctures, powders and supplements – as well as in their raw form.
Withania somnifera, also known as “Indian ginseng”, “winter cherry” or most commonly as simply “Ashwagandha”, has been used in traditional ayurvedic medicine for thousands of years.
Ayurveda is an alternative medicine system which has historical roots in India but has proven to be an effective natural, root-cause solution across the modern world – where it is widely used to treat common ailments.
As the ashwagandha plant only grows in its native India, it is not usually available fresh outside of here and so is mostly consumed in powder or supplement form.
Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera) is an incredible adaptogenic herb that has been used in Ayurvedic medicine for centuries. This potent plant contains a range of bioactive compounds like withanolides, alkaloids, and steroidal lactones that provide a wide array of health benefits.
There are actually several different types varieties and species of the ashwagandha plant. Each has its own unique properties, chemical composition, and medicinal uses. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll explore the diverse world of ashwagandha varieties so you can make informed decisions about which types best suit your needs.
A Brief Background on Ashwagandha
The name “ashwagandha” comes from the Sanskrit words “ashva” meaning horse, and “gandha” meaning smell. This refers to the distinct horsey aroma of the plant’s roots. Another common name for it is Indian ginseng, since it provides similar benefits to Panax ginseng.
Ashwagandha belongs to the Solanaceae or nightshade family. It is native to India, the Middle East, and parts of Africa. The main parts used medicinally are the leaves and roots.
For over 3000 years, Ayurvedic healers have prescribed ashwagandha for a wide range of health concerns. It was traditionally used as a rasayana or rejuvenative tonic to promote longevity, enhance energy, and boost immunity.
Now modern research is confirming many of ashwagandha’s legendary benefits. Studies show it can help reduce anxiety and stress, improve focus and memory, boost fertility and testosterone in men, ease arthritis, balance blood sugar levels, and more.
Major Varieties of Ashwagandha
There are over 200 species in the Withania genus. However, Withania somnifera is the most highly prized species used for medicinal purposes. Within this species, there are several major varieties cultivated in India and other parts of the world:
JA-20
This is the variety called Jawahar Ashwagandha-20 developed by the National Botanical Research Institute in India. It is a high-yielding variety that produces large roots averaging 35-55g each. The withanolide content ranges from 0.2 to 0.5%.
JA-134
Another variety created by the National Botanical Research Institute, Jawahar Ashwagandha-134 produces medium-sized roots with higher withanolide content from 0.35 to 1.4%.
RVA-100
Raj Vijay Ashwagandha-100 was developed at the University of Horticultural Sciences in India. It produces large roots weighing 80-120g each with withanolide content of 0.55%.
Poshita
This variety was also cultivated at the University of Horticultural Sciences. Its name “poshita” means “well-nourished” referring to its large, robust roots. The roots contain 0.7% withanolides on average.
Pratap
Pratap is an early maturing ashwagandha variety created by the Central Institute for Medicinal and Aromatic Plants in India. The plants reach maturity quickly and produce medium-sized roots.
Sanjeevani
This is a high-yielding hybrid variety developed for commercial cultivation in arid regions. It is drought tolerant and resistant to common root rot diseases.
AWS-1
The variety Anand Withania somnifera-1 was developed at Anand Agricultural University in India. It produces large roots weighing over 80g each and containing withanolide levels around 0.7%.
As you can see, the various ashwagandha varieties have been optimized for characteristics like root size, withanolide content, disease resistance, and climate adaptability.
Different Species of Ashwagandha
In addition to Withania somnifera, there are also several other species that have therapeutic value:
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Withania coagulans – This species is also known as Indian cheese maker because it has historically been used to coagulate milk in cheese production. It also has gastroprotective effects and can treat gastrointestinal diseases.
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Withania aristata – Commonly called Indian physic nut, this species has similar bioactive compounds as W. somnifera. It is used in traditional medicine as an antimicrobial, antitumor, and immunomodulating herb.
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Withania obtusifolia – Native to Africa, this species is referred to as sharp-leafed physique in South Africa. It is used by traditional healers to treat neurodegenerative diseases.
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Withania adpressa – Also called Uzbekistan ashwagandha, this Central Asian species has very high withanolide content. It shows promise for cancer therapy.
So while W. somnifera remains the most popular, other Withania species also have unique therapeutic properties worthy of further exploration.
Key Differences Between Varieties
Ashwagandha varieties and species can differ in some key ways:
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Root size – Some varieties like Poshita and AWS-1 have larger roots while others like JA-134 have smaller roots. Larger roots tend to contain higher levels of withanolides.
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Withanolide content – This is the main bioactive compound responsible for ashwagandha’s benefits. Levels vary significantly from 0.2% to 1.4% between varieties.
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Cultivation climate – Varieties like Sanjeevani are optimized for arid climates while others grow better in more moderate conditions.
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Maturation rate – Some early maturing varieties like Pratap reach maturity faster than others.
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Disease resistance – Varieties can differ in susceptibility to fungal root rots and other diseases.
So when choosing an ashwagandha supplement, it pays to know which variety it uses and how that aligns with your needs. A variety bred for high withanolides may be a better choice for enhancing therapeutic effects.
How Ashwagandha Varieties Are Classified
Ashwagandha varieties are scientifically classified based on:
Family
All ashwagandha plants belong to the Solanaceae or nightshade family. This also includes tomatoes, eggplants, peppers, and potatoes.
Genus
The genus is Withania, which encompasses all species thought to have medicinal value. There are over 200 Withania species across Africa, the Mediterranean, and Asia.
Species
The most prized species used in herbal medicine is Withania somnifera. This species has the highest amounts of therapeutic withanolides and alkaloids.
Variety
Within Withania somnifera, there are different varieties bred selectively for certain characteristics. As we saw earlier, these include traits like root size, bioactive content, and climate adaptability.
So in scientific nomenclature, a variety like JA-20 would be classified as:
Kingdom: Plantae
Division: Magnoliophyta
Class: Magnoliopsida
Order: Solanales
Family: Solanaceae
Genus: Withania
Species: somnifera
Variety: JA-20
Learning this classification system can help you better evaluate products made from different ashwagandha varieties.
How Ashwagandha Varieties Are Grown
Ashwagandha cultivation follows these basic steps:
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Seeds are planted in nursery beds or directly in fields during the rainy season. Germination takes 1-2 weeks.
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Young seedlings are transplanted to fields once they reach 10-15 cm in height.
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Plants are spaced 30-60 cm apart in rows spaced 60-90 cm apart.
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Farmers must weed regularly and provide adequate irrigation until plants are established.
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Flowers appear in 6-8 months and fruits ripen about 2 months later.
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Roots are harvested manually after 1-2 years when the withanolide content peaks.
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Leaves can also be collected for use. The whole plant is uprooted and roots are separated from aerial parts.
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Roots are washed, cut into smaller pieces, and dried in sunlight before sale or use in supplements.
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Ashwagandha grows best in hot, dry regions with minimal humidity. Major production areas are in India, China, Africa, and the Middle East.
While simple in concept, achieving maximum yields and potency requires expertise. Medicinal herb growers must carefully monitor soil health, irrigation, pest control, and harvest timing.
Comparing the Medicinal Uses
All ashwagandha varieties share common therapeutic properties as adaptogens, antioxidants, and immune boosters. However, Ayurvedic healers have long understood that different types have affinity for different body systems.
According to Ayurveda, the major varieties have specialized uses as:
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Nagori – General tonic and rejuvenator
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Paushtik – Improving resistance against infections
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Kanchuki – Benefiting muscles and structural
Side effects of KSM-66 Ashwagandha
Like every variety of ashwagandha and all other adaptogens, KSM-66 should be avoided during pregnancy.
There is no research to suggest that it might be harmful to mother or baby. However, as there is little research into the safety of adaptogens during pregnancy, it is always better to be safe until more conclusive evidence is available.
The same applies to using ashwagandha during childhood, there is just not enough research to say conclusively that it is safe – so it is best consumed only by those aged 16 or older.
Aside from children and pregnant women, ashwagandha is completely natural and safe to use for everyone. Of course, if somebody has a medical condition or is taking medications – it is always best to discuss any food or supplements with a GP or medical professional.
Health Benefits of Ashwagandha
Ashwagandha has some powerful properties which can help to promote overall health and prevent poor health, as well as manage existing symptoms. It has even been shown to have potential as an adjuvant therapy for medical treatment in conventional healthcare.
Here are some of the best health benefits of ashwagandha.
- Relieves stress & anxiety – Ashwagandha is one of the most potent natural adaptogens. These are compounds which help the body to respond better to stress, anxiety and fatigue – as well as supporting overall wellbeing.
- Blood sugar regulation – Studies have also shown that ashwagandha supplements can help to control blood sugar levels. This is thought to be explained by the fact that blood sugar levels are controlled by a hormone named insulin – and ashwagandha has been shown to promote hormonal balance.
- Hormonal balance – Ashwagandha has been shown to help balance hormone levels throughout the body. This can effect everything from sex hormones and sexual function to thyroid health and cortisol levels which create stress. For this reason, ashwagandha is particularly useful to help women at changing stages of the life cycle.
- Cognitive Function – Studies have shown that ashwagandha supplementation has had a positive effect on many aspects of brain performance – including attention span, memory, processing speed and reaction times. This is promising evidence to support the impact of ashwagandha on focus and memory, in everyday life and in the long-term.
- Enhances strength & endurance – Small studies have found that ashwagandha supplementation could help to improve elements of exercise performance including strength, muscle size, stamina and endurance. Ashwagandha could be a good natural supplement to get the most out of your workout.
- May help to fight disease – Ashwagandha contains an active component of Withaferin A (WFA), which has been shown to have a number of benefits against many human illnesses. It is thought that its antibiotic, antibacterial and cytotoxic function could make ashwagandha an effective adjuvant treatment alongside medical interventions.
Whether you are considering an ashwagandha supplement to help manage existing symptoms and health issues, or simply to get the most out of your day – science agrees that it is an effective health boosting herb.
Not all ashwagandha supplements are created equal and when it comes to choosing the best ashwagandha, KSM-66 really is the gold standard.
It is derived using a unique extraction process which harnesses a full spectrum extract from just the ashwagandha root – not the leaves. The result is an ashwagandha extract which has the highest quality and best bioavailability.
Clinical studies have consistently shown that KSM-66 ashwagandha has the highest concentration of all major root-only extracts available on the market. These studies have also provided further evidence to support the use of ashwagandha for stress relief, enhanced cognitive function, physical performance and sexual function.
The effectiveness of KSM-66 ashwagandha has been verified in 22 human clinical trials. These trials all comply with the gold standards of research and are placebo-controlled, double-blind and randomised.
Together with good manufacturing processes which use no solvents or added active ingredients, KSM-66 is the most natural, potent and effective formulation of ashwagandha root.
Ashwagandha: Different types?
FAQ
What is the difference between the different types of ashwagandha?
Why is KSM-66 ashwagandha better?
What is a ashwagandha plant?
Withania somnifera is a small shrub that can grow up to 1.5 meters in height. The leaves of the plant are ovate or elliptical, and the flowers are small and yellow-green in color. Another type of Ashwagandha plant is Withania coagulans, which is commonly known as Indian Rennet.
Are there different types of ashwagandha?
There are different types of ashwagandha out there that come in many forms, but it’s important to remember that no matter what type of ashwagandha you choose, it contains ashwagandha root—primarily because of the active compound withanolide.
How do I choose the right ashwagandha form?
Potency is a significant factor to consider when choosing the right ashwagandha form. Ashwagandha root powder is the most potent form as it is the whole plant powder and may contain traces of plant bits, making it the most effective. Capsules come second in terms of potency, as they contain a standardized extract of ashwagandha.
How to grow ashwagandha?
The cultivation of ashwagandha involves planting the seeds in well-drained soil and providing adequate water and sunlight. The roots and leaves of the plant are harvested and used for medicinal purposes. Ashwagandha belongs to the Solanaceae family, which also includes other important plants such as tomato, potato, eggplant, and tobacco.