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Withania somnifera, also known as Ashwagandha, Indian ginseng, Winter cherry, Ajagandha, Kanaje
(Hindi), Amukkara (Tami), is a member of Solanaceae or nightshade family. Ashwagandha has been used
as a sedative, a diuretic, a rejuvenating tonic, an anti-inflammatory agent, aphrodisiac and an immune
booster. Ashwagandha increases the count of white blood cells and prepares the body to produce
antigens against various infections and allergies. Ashwagandha is used to treat various disorders that
affect human health including central nervous system (CNS) disorders, particularly in epilepsy, stress and
neuro-degenerative diseases like Parkinson's and Alzheimer's disorders, cerebral ischemia, and even in
the management of drug addiction .The most useful usage is to reduce stress and perhaps aid in sleep.It is
an ingredient in many formulations prescribed for a variety of musculoskeletal conditions (e.g., arthritis,
rheumatism), and as a general tonic to increase energy, improve overall health and longevity, and
prevent disease in athletes, the elderly, and during pregnancy. Ashwaganda’s chemopreventive properties
make it a potentially valuable add-on for patients undergoing radiation and chemotherapy.
Keywords: Ashwagandha, Withania somnifera, withanolides, withaferins.