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Introduction

Ashwagandha scientifically known as Withania somnifera is the member of Solanaceae family . Root is the useful part of ashwagandha .Often used into a powder  or processed into tabalet or Arishta from .Ashwagandga adaptogenic drug means when a person take ashwagandha , it modulates the body's stress response ,enhancing its ability to cope with physical , chemical and biological stressor .The chemical constituent of Ashwagandha is Witanolides an alkaloids. Witanolides are compound whose essential structure is that of estrogen.  Alkaloids include witanin , somniferin , somnin ,tropin , somniferinin , isopeletierin and anaferin . Ashwagandha also contain steroidal saponine , sterole, chlorogenic acid etc, Perimenopause and menopause women various hormonal changes occurs in the body that causes several physical and mental symptoms -

Physical symptoms – Hot Flashes , Night sweat , Insomnia , palpitation, joint pain Slow metabolism and weight gain , decreased libido , vaginal dryness Mental symptoms – Mood swing , depression , irritability , anxiety , loss of confidence and mental fog etc, During menopause the ovaries produces less estrogen .This drop in estrogen directly affect the hypothalamus. The hypothalamus mis interprets these slight temperature , increase as a need to cool down leading to hot flash. Decreasing estrogen level can affect cardiovascular system leading to increase heart  rate i.e palpitation. The estrogen play  important  role in protecting joint and reducing  inflammation. The decline estrogen during menopause can lead to increase joint pain and stiffness. Menopause women lead to mood swing,  irritability and increased anxiety due to the fluctuating and decreased level of estrogen and progesterone . Declination  of estrogen level also affect the production of neurotransmitter like serotonin which further creates the brain fog . In menopause women cortisol level in the body increase that cause anxiety, disturb sleep. Basically all these physical and mental symptoms cause due to the reduction in estrogen, progesterone level in the body. In that case ashwagandha plays important role to relief from all these symptoms. According to the research Daily intake of 200 – 400 mg ashwagandha churna or vati for 8 weeks showed increase in estrogen level and also decrease in the cortisol level . Increased estogen level gives relife from all symptoms. Case study 46 yrs old female patients visited the outpatients department for the complaining of hot flashes(lasting for more than 1 month) ,irritability ,night sweating ,palpitation , joint pain  for more than 1 month General  Examination  Pallor – absent , Icterus – absent , Cyanosis – absent , Clubbing – absent , Lymph node – non palpable, edema – absent , oral mucosa – normal BP – 130/80 mm of Hg, Pulse – 84/min  Temperature 96.4*F. Systemic examination RS – Air entry Bilaterally Equal , CVS – No any abnormality detected , CNS – Conscious and Oriented

Personal History of patients Kshudha (Appetite)- reduced , Nidra – (sleep) – Disturbed , Mala – (Bowel) – some time constipated more gases formation , Mutra - Normal Addiction – no any , Aahar – Vegetarian and non- vegetarian

 In this case we given Ashwagandha vati 300 mg for twice a day for 4 weeks

Observation

Ashwagandha has a tikta , katu , madhur rasa, having Madhir vipak and Ushna virya that why it decreased KaphaVata . In menopause women vata prakop and also act as a rasayana. 2021  research study showed Ashwagandha consumption increases serum estradiol and significantly lower the cortisol level . 2019 research suggest ashwagandha impacts the endocrine system which governs mood swing, stress response and reproduction. This influence can help with hormonal imbalance including anxiety,  depression. So we decided to use Ashwagandha in menopause. The study present a case involving 45 yrs old female patients suffering  from hot flashes, palpitation, joint pain, irritability, night sweating since 1 month. Prior to seeking ayurvedic treatment the  patients had received allopathic medication with no significant improvement. After initiating  treatment with Ashwagandha vati the patients showed a marked reduction in hot flashes, palpitation , joint pain also decreased irritability and improved in sleep .

Discussion

Menopause, described in Ayurveda as Rajonivritti or Jara Pakwa Avastha, is a natural transition in a woman’s life, marked by cessation of ovarian activity and hormonal decline, predominantly estrogen and progesterone. These hormonal changes manifest as physical symptoms such as hot flashes, night sweats, insomnia, palpitations, joint pain, weight gain, and vaginal dryness, along with psychological disturbances like irritability, anxiety, depression, mood swings, and mental fog. The imbalance of Vata dosha during this stage further aggravates these complaints. Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera), traditionally categorized as a Rasayana, Vrushya, and Vajikarana drug, possesses adaptogenic, aphrodisiac, and rejuvenative properties. Its pharmacological profile reveals the presence of withanolides, alkaloids, and steroidal saponins which contribute to its therapeutic effects. Notably, withanolides share a structural similarity to estrogen, which may explain their modulatory role in hormonal balance.

In the present case study, administration of Ashwagandha vati (300 mg twice daily) for four weeks resulted in significant relief in both physical and mental symptoms of menopause. Improvement was observed in hot flashes, palpitations, joint pain, irritability, night sweats, and sleep disturbances. These outcomes are consistent with modern research findings. A 2021 study reported that Ashwagandha consumption increased serum estradiol and significantly lowered cortisol levels, while a 2019 study suggested its positive influence on the endocrine system, mood regulation, and stress response. By reducing cortisol and enhancing estrogen levels, Ashwagandha addresses both the physiological and psychological dimensions of menopausal symptoms. Thus, Ashwagandha demonstrates a dual mechanism of action: balancing doshas (particularly pacifying Vata) according to Ayurveda, and modulating hormonal and neuroendocrine pathways as evidenced by modern research. This integrative perspective reinforces the potential of Ashwagandha as a safe, natural, and effective option in the management of menopausal complaints.

Conclusion

Ashwagandha root traditionaly used as vajikar or an Aphrodisiac so most are suggested in male patient but early research suggest that it helpful in premenopausal and menopause women. Ashwagandha relive menopause symptoms such as hot flashes, anxiety, palpitation, joint pain etc,, The potential  for these traditional remedies to contribute to women health care. We need further exploration and validation in  clinical study. It is especially important to consult a doctor if a person is already any health condition such as thyroid disease or taking any medication.