What is Ashwagandha Made Of? A Look at its Roots, Leaves, and Potent Compounds

January 14, 2026 •

4 min read

Ashwagandha has been a cornerstone of Ayurvedic medicine for over 3,000 years, traditionally used for rejuvenation and vitality. But what is ashwagandha made of, and what specific parts and compounds are responsible for its renowned adaptogenic and therapeutic properties?

Quick Summary

Ashwagandha is derived from the Withania somnifera plant, primarily its root, and contains bioactive withanolides, alkaloids, and other phytochemicals. These compounds define its therapeutic effects.

Key Points

Source Plant: Ashwagandha comes from the Withania somnifera plant, native to Asia and Africa.
Primary Part Used: The root is the most common part of the plant used for supplements and medicinal preparations.
Main Active Compounds: The herb's primary active ingredients are steroidal lactones called withanolides, including withaferin A and withanolide A.
Root vs. Leaf: The root is traditionally preferred for internal use due to its safety profile and specific compound concentrations, while leaves may contain different withanolides and are sometimes used topically.
Preparation Forms: Ashwagandha is available in various forms, including powder (churna), standardized extracts in capsules, and teas.
Therapeutic Actions: Its compounds are responsible for its adaptogenic, anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and neuroprotective properties.
Traditional Use: As a "Rasayana" in Ayurveda, ashwagandha is used as a rejuvenating tonic to promote overall vitality and longevity.

The Botanical Origin: The Withania Somnifera Plant

Ashwagandha comes from the Withania somnifera plant, a small evergreen shrub native to India, Africa, and parts of the Middle East. The name "ashwagandha" is from Sanskrit, combining "ashva" (horse) and "gandha" (smell), referring to the fresh root's earthy scent and the belief that consuming it imparts strength. The plant belongs to the Solanaceae family, which also includes nightshades like tomatoes. In Ayurvedic practice, different parts of the plant, including the roots, leaves, and berries, have been used, but the root remains the most prominent source for internal consumption.

The Primary Source: Ashwagandha Root

For centuries, the root of the ashwagandha plant has been the favored source for medicinal preparations due to its rich concentration of powerful active compounds. The therapeutic benefits linked to ashwagandha, such as stress reduction, are predominantly associated with root extracts. Reputable supplement manufacturers focus on using root-only extracts to ensure safety and consistent efficacy, aligning with established Ayurvedic texts and modern scientific research.

Bioactive Compounds: The Building Blocks

The medicinal effects of ashwagandha are primarily due to a class of naturally occurring steroidal lactones called withanolides, and other phytochemicals.

Withanolides

Withanolides are the most studied active ingredients in ashwagandha. They are structurally similar to ginseng's active compounds, which is why ashwagandha is sometimes called "Indian ginseng". Key withanolides include:

Withaferin A: Found in both the roots and leaves, but often in higher concentrations in the leaves. It has demonstrated anti-inflammatory and anti-cancer potential, though higher levels in supplements from leaves may raise safety concerns for internal consumption.
Withanolide A: A well-tolerated and potent compound with neuroprotective and anti-inflammatory properties, found in higher levels in the root.
Withanosides and Sitoindosides: These are glycosidic forms of withanolides. Sitoindosides, in particular, are known for their anti-stress activity. Withanosides are found exclusively in the roots and contribute to the plant's adaptogenic effects.

Alkaloids

Ashwagandha also contains various alkaloids, which are nitrogen-containing organic compounds that have pharmacological effects. Notable alkaloids include withanine, somniferin, and anaferine. These compounds work alongside withanolides to produce the herb's holistic effects.

Other Phytochemicals

Beyond withanolides and alkaloids, the ashwagandha root contains other beneficial compounds, including flavonoids, steroidal saponins, and phenolic compounds. Flavonoids and phenolic compounds contribute to the herb's antioxidant properties, helping to combat oxidative stress.

Root vs. Leaf: A Critical Comparison

The distinction between using ashwagandha root versus leaves is important, especially for supplement consumers. While both parts contain beneficial compounds, their chemical profiles and traditional applications differ significantly.


Feature	Ashwagandha Root	Ashwagandha Leaf
Primary Traditional Use	Internal tonic, adaptogen for stress, sleep, and overall vitality.	Primarily topical applications for skin conditions.
Withanolide Profile	Rich in withanolide A, withanosides, and sitoindosides. Traditionally safer for internal use.	Higher concentration of withaferin A; different overall profile.
Safety for Internal Use	Generally considered safe for internal consumption in studied doses.	Considered less safe for internal consumption due to higher concentrations of withaferin A and limited research.
Market Availability	Widely available as capsules, powders, and teas. Preferred for systemic benefits.	Limited in internal-use supplements due to traditional practice and safety concerns.

From Plant to Supplement: Processing Methods

The final ashwagandha product you consume goes through a processing method that determines its form and potency. The most common forms include:

Ashwagandha Powder (Churna): Traditionally, the dried and finely sieved root is prepared as a powder, which can be mixed with water, milk, ghee, or honey.
Standardized Extracts: This involves extracting the active compounds, usually withanolides, to ensure a consistent concentration in each dose. These are often found in capsules and have been used in many clinical trials.
Other preparations: Ashwagandha can also be found in teas, liquid extracts, and sometimes as an ingredient in other Ayurvedic formulas.

The preparation method can influence the final product's composition. For instance, some extracts combine root and leaf material, which can alter the withanolide profile. For traditional and evidence-based systemic benefits, root-only extracts are the standard.

Conclusion

In summary, ashwagandha is a plant with a complex chemical makeup that has been used for its medicinal properties for thousands of years. The powerful effects of ashwagandha are not due to a single ingredient but a synergistic blend of compounds found predominantly in its root. While both the root and leaves contain bioactive ingredients, the root is the most established and safest source for internal supplementation, containing a rich profile of withanolides, alkaloids, and antioxidants that act as adaptogens. When considering an ashwagandha supplement, understanding its composition—especially whether it is derived from the root or leaf—is crucial for ensuring you receive the intended traditional benefits and safety profile. Responsible sourcing and traditional preparation methods remain key to harnessing this ancient herb's full potential.

The Future of Ashwagandha Research

Continued scientific inquiry aims to further elucidate the mechanisms behind ashwagandha's health benefits. Research focuses on understanding the specific actions of individual withanolides and other phytochemicals. For instance, studies are investigating the role of withanolides in mitigating inflammation and their effects on mitochondrial function. The potential applications in neurological conditions, as an anti-tumor agent, and for athletic performance continue to be explored, providing a modern scientific basis for this time-honored herbal remedy. Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera) and Its Effects on Well-Being

Frequently Asked Questions

The main active components of ashwagandha are a class of steroidal lactones called withanolides, which are responsible for most of its therapeutic effects.

Most high-quality ashwagandha powder is made exclusively from the root of the Withania somnifera plant. However, some supplements may contain a mix of root and leaf material.

Yes, the roots and leaves have different chemical compositions. The root contains a higher concentration of certain compounds traditionally used for systemic health, while the leaves contain higher levels of other withanolides, such as withaferin A.

While ashwagandha leaves have been used topically in some traditional practices, they are considered less safe for internal consumption due to higher concentrations of withaferin A, which has potential safety concerns.

Withanolides are a group of naturally occurring steroidal lactones found in ashwagandha. They are key bioactive compounds known for their anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and adaptogenic properties.

Ashwagandha is called 'Indian ginseng' because its active withanolide compounds are structurally similar to the ginsenosides found in Panax ginseng, leading to comparable adaptogenic effects.

Ashwagandha powder, or churna, can be mixed into a variety of liquids or foods. Traditional preparations often use warm milk with honey or ghee, but it can also be added to smoothies, water, or teas.

In addition to withanolides, ashwagandha also contains other bioactive compounds, including alkaloids, flavonoids, and saponins, all of which contribute to its overall therapeutic effects.