Winter Cherry Medicinal Benefits and Uses in Ayurveda

Winter Cherry, also known as Ashwagandha, is a perennial shrub growing between 15 to 30 inches tall that presents green flowers shaped like bells.

Matte green leaves sprout from winter cherry’s branches, which culminate in small, tomato-like fruit that turns orange or reddish orange when ripe.

Cultivated in arid regions of Punjab, Gujurat and Pradesh, winter cherry is also grown in western Asia, Yemen and China. [1]

When dried, the fruit of the winter cherry plant is commonly used in Ayurvedic medicine. This traditional medicine system was founded in India and is one of the world’s oldest and most practiced methods of treating physical and psychological health issues.

Ayurvedic medicine relies on herbs, herbal compounds and specialized diets to address everything from a simple headache to heart disease. Winter Cherry extract and Ashwagandha supplements are one of the most widely used herbs in Ayurvedic practice.

Moreover, the government of India, as well as numerous respected institutes operating in Europe and the U.S., support lab and clinical research investigating the efficacy of Ayurvedic medicine. [2]

Ashwagandha

Adaptogen

Stress

Mood

Sleep

How It Works:

• Reduces stress and anxiety
• Improves concentration, fatigue & sleep
• Protects against oxidative stress

Dosage:

Between 300 - 1000 mg per day

Safety:

Rated Possibly Safe

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Winter Cherry Uses

In traditional Ayurvedic medicine, winter cherry is used to relieve [3]:

• Anxiety/insomnia/stress
• Arthritis
• Fibromyalgia
• Liver disorders
• Inflammation (pain and swelling)
• Skin irritations
• Infections
• Difficulty remembering and/or thinking clearly
• Diabetes
• Male infertility
• Many other health problems

Chemical Composition of Winter Cherry

Many plants included in the winter cherry plant’s genus Physalis contain numerous steroidal constituents called physalins, which have antiparasitic and antimicrobial properties. [4]

Physalins isolated from winter cherry and other Physalis plants also exhibit leishmanicidal and antibacterial activities as well. A protozoan disease endemic in nearly 90 countries, leishmaniasis produces ulcers, fever and enlarged spleen and/or liver.

Winter cherry also contains caffeic acid ethyl ester, a polyphenol that has shown to inhibit cytotoxicity (cell damage/death) and single-strand breaks in DNA when both are exposed to hydrogen peroxide. [5]

Steroidal lactones called withanolides found in winter cherry have been proven to exert beneficial therapeutic actions against various types of cancers, Parkinson’s disease and Alzheimer’s disease.

The leaves and roots of the winter cherry plant contain the richest amounst of withanolide. However, why winter cherry presents requires such high levels of withanolide for its growth is still unknown due to the lack of studies in the biosynthetic field of research. [6]

Winter Cherry Benefits

Nutritional benefits of winter cherry fruit include beta-carotene, calcium, vitamin C, iron and minimal amounts of vitamin B. In addition, winter cherry fruits contain all eight essential amino acids, 18 different variety of amino acids and are rich in polysaccharides. [7]

Utilized as energy sources, polysaccharides are complex carbohydrates that may promote stabilization of blood sugar and reduction of blood pressure and cholesterol. In addition, polysaccharides improve gastrointestinal health by regulating bacteria growth in the colon and small intestine. [8]

Winter Cherry Uses as an Antioxidant

Researchers investigated the known water soluble antioxidant compounds in winter cherry fruits (dried, fresh and frozen) to determine the fruit’s medicinal properties.

Results demonstrated that winter cherry fruits present radical scavenger activities when processed appropriately. [9] Free radical damage has been linked to numerous, age-related diseases and even the biological process of aging.

Culinary Uses of Winter Cherry

The fruit of the winter cherry can be safely consumed raw or cooked when ripe. Fruits have a succulent yet slightly bitter taste that enhance salads, jams or fruit pies. Be aware, however, that the calyx enveloping the fruit is toxic and should be discarded if still attached to the fruit.

Winter cherry leaves can also be cooked and eaten but never consume raw leaves. They are toxic and may cause severe stomach cramping, vomiting and diarrhea. [10]

Winter Cherry Side Effects

Research and traditional medicine literature reports that pregnant women eating winter cherry fruits and leaves may abort or miscarry. [11]

Other possible side effects of consuming ashwagandha supplements include abdominal pain and increased fertility in men. [12]

However, comprehensive literature regarding the side effects of consuming winter cherry fruit and leaves have not been extensively investigated. Reports of winter cherry effects on human health is mostly substantiated by subjective reports from traditional medicine practitioners and their patients.

Dosage and Usage Recommendations for Winter Cherry

Winter cherry root powder has been safely used at dosages of up to two grams. [13] Root powder may be mixed with warm water or milk that is sweetened with sugar or honey. It is also possible to purchase Ashwagandha capsules or tablets online or in stores.

Infusing winter cherry oil with sesame oil is also utilized as a salve to relieve the stiffness and pain of arthritis, sciatica, frozen shoulder or back pain. Winter cherry salve hydrates dry skin and may help reduce itchiness and scaling of psoriasis and eczema. [14]

Winter Cherry Contraintradications

Winter cherry may reduce blood glucose levels significantly. People taking diabetes medications such as Amaryl, Glucophage or Actos should monitor their blood glucose levels closely if taking winter cherry supplements.

Winter cherry is also known for its anti-hypertensive properties. People taking winter cherry in combination with antihypertensive medications should discuss whether it is safe for them to continue taking winter cherry and blood pressure medications simultaneously.

Because of its ability to stimulate immune system activity, Winter Cherry or Ashwagandha should be used with caution in conjunction with immunosuppressant medications. Drugs that reduce immune system functioning are usually prescribed to treat lupus, Crohn’s disease, psoriasis and multiple sclerosis. [15]

Speak to your doctor to find out if this supplement is appropriate for you.

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