# Withania coagulans **Canonical URL:** https://ingredients.hermeticasuperfoods.com/ingredients/withania-coagulans **Data Source:** Hermetica Superfoods Ingredient Encyclopedia **Updated:** 2026-03-19 **Evidence Score:** 4 / 10 **Category:** Middle Eastern **Also Known As:** Withania coagulans, Rishyagandha, Indian Winter Cherry, Paneer Booti, Vegetable Rennet, Clustering Winter Cherry, Cheese Maker, Desert Winter Cherry ## Overview Withania coagulans is a shrub from the Solanaceae family containing withanolides as primary bioactive compounds that modulate glucose metabolism and cellular apoptosis pathways. The plant extract demonstrates anti-diabetic effects by enhancing [insulin sensitivity](/ingredients/condition/weight-management) and shows anti-proliferative activity against prostate cells. ## Health Benefits • May reduce benign prostatic hyperplasia symptoms by decreasing prostatic index and inducing cell apoptosis (animal studies only, PubMed 27878112) • Shows potential for blood sugar control with 52.9-54.1% reductions in fasting and post-meal glucose levels (diabetic rat studies, PubMed 25295146) • Demonstrates uric acid-lowering effects through xanthine oxidase inhibition and enhanced excretion (mouse studies, PubMed 40712280) • Exhibits gastric protective properties comparable to H2 receptor antagonists at 10 mg/kg (rat studies, PubMed 40636368) • Contains compounds with anticancer activity showing 2-4x higher potency than methotrexate in vitro (cell culture studies, PubMed PMC6026361) ## Mechanism of Action Withania coagulans works primarily through its withanolide compounds, which enhance [insulin sensitivity](/ingredients/condition/weight-management) and glucose uptake in peripheral tissues. The extract modulates apoptotic pathways by activating caspase enzymes and reducing Bcl-2 expression in prostate cells. Its anti-diabetic effects involve improved pancreatic beta-cell function and enhanced glucose transporter activity. ## Clinical Summary Current evidence is limited to animal studies with no human clinical trials available. In diabetic rat models, withania coagulans extract reduced fasting glucose by 52.9% and post-meal glucose by 54.1% over 4 weeks. Prostate studies in rats showed reduced prostatic index and increased apoptosis markers, but sample sizes were small (n=6-8 per group). Human efficacy and safety data are lacking. ## Nutritional Profile Withania coagulans (Indian rennet/paneer doda) is a medicinal plant whose fruits and seeds are primarily used therapeutically rather than as a staple food, so conventional macronutrient data is limited. Seeds contain approximately 15-20% protein (rich in essential amino acids), 20-25% fixed oils/lipids (including linoleic, oleic, and stearic acids), and 30-40% carbohydrates with notable dietary fiber content. Ash content approximately 5-8%. Key bioactive compounds include: withanolides (steroidal lactones, primarily withacoagulin A-K at ~0.1-0.5% dry weight), which are principal pharmacologically active constituents; coagulin-series compounds (coagulin A, B, C, L at trace concentrations); alkaloids including withanine, somniferine, and tropine (~0.2-0.4% alkaloid content); flavonoids and polyphenols (quercetin, kaempferol derivatives); saponins (~2-5% dry weight); phytosterols including beta-sitosterol and stigmasterol; and volatile oils (~0.1%). Micronutrients include iron, zinc, calcium, magnesium, and potassium, though precise concentrations are not well-characterized in the literature. Bioavailability notes: withanolides are lipophilic and absorption may be enhanced with dietary fat co-consumption; traditional aqueous decoctions likely yield lower bioavailability of fat-soluble constituents compared to ethanolic extracts; first-pass [metabolism](/ingredients/condition/weight-management) may significantly reduce systemic bioavailability of some alkaloids. The xanthine oxidase-inhibiting activity (relevant to uric acid reduction) is attributed primarily to flavonoid and polyphenol fractions. ## Dosage & Preparation Animal studies have used: 200 mg/kg for hyperuricemia, 10 mg/kg fruit extract for gastric protection. No human dosage recommendations can be established from available evidence. Consult a healthcare provider before starting any new supplement. ## Safety & Drug Interactions Safety data in humans is insufficient due to lack of clinical trials. Traditional use suggests general tolerability, but potential side effects remain unknown. No documented drug interactions exist, though theoretical interactions with diabetes medications and anticoagulants are possible. Pregnancy and breastfeeding safety is undetermined, so use should be avoided during these periods. ## Scientific Research Current evidence consists entirely of animal models and in vitro studies, with no human clinical trials identified. Key studies include rat models for BPH (PubMed 27878112), diabetic kidney protection (PubMed 25295146), and gastric ulcer prevention (PubMed 40636368), plus mouse models for hyperuricemia (PubMed 40712280). ## Historical & Cultural Context Withania coagulans has ethnopharmacological use in South Asian traditional medicine. In Ayurvedic medicine, it is known as Rishyagandha and traditionally used for Prameha, a classification encompassing metabolic disorders. ## Synergistic Combinations Ashwagandha, Saw Palmetto, Alpha-Lipoic Acid, Milk Thistle, Gymnema Sylvestre ## Frequently Asked Questions ### What is the active compound in withania coagulans? The primary active compounds are withanolides, steroidal lactones that provide the herb's therapeutic effects. These compounds are responsible for the anti-diabetic and anti-proliferative activities observed in animal studies. ### How much does withania coagulans lower blood sugar? Animal studies show 52.9% reduction in fasting glucose and 54.1% reduction in post-meal glucose levels. However, these results are from diabetic rats, and human studies are needed to confirm effectiveness and appropriate dosing. ### Is withania coagulans the same as ashwagandha? No, they are different species from the same Withania genus. Withania coagulans is also called Indian rennet, while ashwagandha is Withania somnifera, and they have different chemical profiles and traditional uses. ### Can withania coagulans help with enlarged prostate? Animal studies suggest potential benefits for benign prostatic hyperplasia by reducing prostate size and promoting cell death in enlarged tissue. However, no human studies exist to confirm these effects or establish safe dosing protocols. ### What are the side effects of withania coagulans? Side effects in humans are unknown due to lack of clinical trials. Traditional use suggests general safety, but potential interactions with diabetes medications and blood thinners are theoretically possible based on the herb's mechanisms of action. ### Is withania coagulans safe during pregnancy and breastfeeding? Withania coagulans should be avoided during pregnancy and breastfeeding due to insufficient safety data and its potential effects on hormonal and reproductive function. Traditional use does not establish safety in these populations, and animal studies have not adequately evaluated developmental toxicity. Consult a healthcare provider before use if you are pregnant, planning pregnancy, or nursing. ### Does withania coagulans interact with diabetes medications or other drugs? Withania coagulans may potentiate the effects of antidiabetic medications due to its blood glucose-lowering properties, increasing the risk of hypoglycemia when combined with insulin or oral diabetes drugs. It may also interact with medications metabolized by cytochrome P450 enzymes and could theoretically affect drugs metabolized by xanthine oxidase. Medical supervision is recommended if combining withania coagulans with prescription medications, particularly those for diabetes, heart disease, or immunosuppression. ### What does the current clinical evidence show about withania coagulans effectiveness? Most evidence for withania coagulans comes from animal studies and traditional use rather than human clinical trials, limiting definitive conclusions about efficacy and optimal dosing in people. Available research suggests potential benefits for blood sugar control and prostate health, but these findings require validation through rigorous human studies before strong recommendations can be made. The ingredient remains understudied compared to withania somnifera (ashwagandha), making it a less established herbal option for most health goals. --- *Source: Hermetica Superfoods Ingredient Encyclopedia — https://ingredients.hermeticasuperfoods.com* *License: CC BY-NC-SA 4.0 — Attribution required. Commercial use: admin@hermeticasuperfoods.com*