Holland & Barrett Ashwagandha 500mg Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera), also known as 'Indian Ginseng', is one of the most important herbs in Ayurvedic medicine, with over 3,000 years of traditional use. It is classified as an adaptogen - a substance that helps the body cope with physical and mental stress by modulating the stress-response system. Holland & Barrett's formulation uses a 10:1 concentrated root extract, standardised to contain 7% withanolides (the primary active constituents). This provides consistent potency equivalent to 5,000mg of raw root per capsule.