The scientific name of Ashwagandha is?

Appeared in: KPSC Staff Nurse - 2018

Explanation

The correct scientific name for Ashwagandha is Withania somnifera.
It is a prominent herb in Ayurveda, often referred to as 'Indian ginseng' or 'Indian winter cherry'.
It is classified as an adaptogen, meaning it helps the body resist and adapt to physical and mental stress.

Option B: Asparagus racemosus is the scientific name for Shatavari, not Ashwagandha.
Option C: Woodfordia fruticosa is the scientific name for Dhataki or Fire-flame bush.
Option D: Adhatoda vasica is the scientific name for Vasaka or Malabar nut.

Clinical Relevance

Nursing practice connection: This is primarily an exam-oriented knowledge point with limited direct bedside application, so retain Pharmacognosy: Scientific nomenclature of medicinal plants as background academic context rather than a clinical decision trigger.
Knowledge of botanical names is crucial for nurses to prevent medication errors, especially when patients use herbal supplements alongside prescribed allopathic medicines.
Nurses should be able to counsel patients about potential drug-herb interactions. For example, Ashwagandha may enhance the effects of sedatives, barbiturates, and anxiolytics.
What if? If a patient with an autoimmune disease like rheumatoid arthritis reports taking Ashwagandha, the nurse should advise caution. Ashwagandha can potentially increase immune system activity, which might worsen the condition, and the patient should discuss its use with their rheumatologist.

How to Approach the Question

This is a direct recall question testing knowledge of pharmacognosy.
Identify the keyword in the question, which is 'Ashwagandha'.
The task is to match this common name with its correct scientific (botanical) name from the given options.
Recall or deduce the scientific name. Withania somnifera is the internationally recognized botanical name for Ashwagandha.
Eliminate the other options if you recognize them as the names for other plants (e.g., Adhatoda vasica is Vasaka).

Concept Tested & Keywords

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E6 Pharmacology KD Tripathi Essentials 9e Part 3 p. 281-283

Practise the full KPSC Staff Nurse - 2018

Attempt every question from this paper in a timed mock, then review the full solution for each one.