Abstract

AYURVEDIC, PHYTOCHEMICAL AND PHARMACOLOGICAL ASPECT ON Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera Linn.): A REVIEW ARTICLE

Dr. Manu Kushwaha*, Dr. Prachi A. Khaire and Dr. Shankar P. Vyavahare

Abstract

Withania somnifera Linn. member of Solanaceae family popularly known as Ashwagandha, Indian ginseng, or winter cherry has been used in Ayurveda, Indian system of traditional medicine. Withania sominifera having small white flowers mainly in rainy and winter seasons that can be develop into fruit during the winter seasons. Plants products can be obtained from the roots, leaves, and branches, by using many different biological techniques. Ashwagandha having effective property can also use in blends and supplements which are designed to show many multiple effects. Ashwagandha has long been revered as a superb rejuvenator, a general health tonic, and a treatment for a variety of ailments. It has sedative, diuretic, anti-inflammatory, and generally positive effects on energy and endurance. It also functions as an adaptogen and has potent anti-stress and immuno-stimulatory effects. Ashwagandha is used as a suppressor in HIV/AIDS patients as well as to treat ulcers, emaciation, diabetes, conjunctivitis, epilepsy, sleeplessness, senile dementia, leprosy, Parkinson's disease, mental disorders, rheumatism, arthritis, intestinal infections, bronchitis, and asthma. Ashwagandha is known to increase the production of bone marrow, semen, and acts anti-aging. Ashwagandha anti-tumor and anti-inflammatory agents are approved in several studies. Its steroidal is much higher than that of hydrocortisone which is a common treatment in cancer cases.

Keywords: Ashwagandha, Withania somnifera, Ayurvedic aspect, Pharmacological activities.