Afghan Ashwagandha vs Nhan Sam Vietnam

Side-by-side comparison of medicinal herbs

Herb

Afghan Ashwagandha

Withania somnifera var. afghana

Adaptogen

Panax vietnamensis

Adaptogen

Afghan Ashwagandha

❌ Not recommended in pregnancy

❌ Not recommended while nursing

Nhan Sam Vietnam

❌ Not recommended in pregnancy

❌ Not recommended while nursing

Description

Withania variety growing wild in Afghanistan and Pakistan used in Unani medicine as a rejuvenating adaptogen.

The most valuable Vietnamese medicinal herb, grown only in the Ngoc Linh mountains, with highest ginsenoside content.

Active Compounds

withanolides, alkaloids, saponins, iron

ginsenoside MR2, majonoside R2, ginsenoside Rb1, Rg1

Traditional Uses

rejuvenation tonic in Unani medicine, treatment of fatigue and debility, aphrodisiac

fatigue, immune weakness, cognitive decline, adaptogen

Modern Uses

adaptogenic, anti-stress, immunomodulatory

adaptogenic, immunomodulatory, anti-stress, nootropic

Adult Dosage

300-600mg root extract daily

200-400mg extract daily

Contraindications

thyroid disorders - increases T4, pregnancy

insomnia from excess, hormone-sensitive conditions

Side Effects

drowsiness, GI upset

insomnia, palpitations

Drug Interactions

0 known interactions

Reviewed by: HerbAlly Editorial Team, Medical herbalists and healthcare professionals

Sources: WHO Monographs · NCCIH · PubMed · Commission E