Hypoglycemic, diuretic and hypocholesterolemic effect of winter cherry (Withania somnifera, Dunal) root
Andallu, B.; Radhika, B.
Indian Journal of Experimental Biology 38(6): 607-609
2000
ISSN/ISBN: 0019-5189 PMID: 11116534 Document Number: 517525
Hypoglycaemic, diuretic and hypocholesterolaemic effects of roots of W. somnifera (ashvagandha) were assessed in man. Six mild NIDDM subjects and 6 mild hypocholesterolaemic subjects were treated with the powder of roots for 30 days. Suitable parameters were studied in the blood and urine samples of the subjects along with dietary pattern before and at the end of treatment period. Decrease in blood glucose was comparable to that of an oral hypoglycaemic drug. Significant increase in urine sodium, urine volume, significant decrease in serum cholesterol, triglycerides, LDL (low density lipoproteins) and VLDL (very low density lipoproteins) cholesterol were observed indicating that root of W. somnifera is a potential source of hypoglycaemic, diuretic and hypocholesterolaemic agents. Clinical observations revealed no adverse effects.