Talk:Withania somnifera (botany)

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.

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

• Sedation and Stimulation - Ashwagandha has sedating as well as stimulating effects on the user at all dosages.
• Muscle relaxation - at heavy doses, ashwagandha induces light muscle relaxation.

Cognitive effects

• Anxiety suppression - Ashwagandha produces anxiolytic effects which are comparable to a mild dose of a benzodiazepine but without the accompanying disinhibition.
• Depression reduction
• Motivation enhancement
• Thought deceleration
• Thought organization
• Analysis enhancement
• Focus enhancement
• 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:

• Erowid Experience Vaults: Ashwagandha

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

Tolerance and addiction potential

Ashwaghanda is not habit-forming.

• Nootropic

• Withania somnifera (Wikipedia)
• Ashwagandha (r/Nootropics FAQ)