By the Zespo team · Updated 26 October 2026
Ashwagandha is Withania somnifera, a small shrub in the nightshade family, grown widely in Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan and other dry parts of India. Its Sanskrit name is often translated as "smell of the horse", a reference to the strong odour of the fresh root.
Root or leaf?
The root is the part traditionally used in Ayurveda. Some extracts also include leaf, which has a different composition. A good label says whether it uses root only, or root and leaf.
What are withanolides?
Withanolides are natural compounds found in ashwagandha. Extracts are often standardised to a percentage of withanolides, commonly 2.5% to 5%, while plain root powder has no guaranteed amount.
Ashwagandha is not suitable for everyone. Speak to a doctor before use if you are pregnant, nursing, take medication or have a thyroid condition.
What to check before you buy
- The amount of each ingredient per serving, not just per capsule
- How many capsules make one serving and how many servings are in the pack
- Whether any ingredient sits inside an undisclosed "proprietary blend"
- An FSSAI licence number and the veg/non-veg mark on the pack
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Zespo products are food supplements, not medicines. This article is for general information and is not medical advice. Take supplements as directed on the label and speak to a qualified healthcare professional if you are pregnant, nursing, taking medication or have a medical condition.
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