ABSTRACT
Withania somnifera, otherwise called as Ashwagandha or Indian ginseng, is cultivated in dry regions of Africa and Asia. In the ancient Indian practice of medicine called Ayurveda, W. somnifera has been recognized for preventing ill from stress as well as for treating stress induced disorders by rejuvenation to regenerate bodily functions by means of healing, increase the immunity of the body against diseases and infections, and resuscitate the body in incapacitating conditions, and improve the life existence. Moreover, several pharmacological studies including in vitro and in vivo models have demonstrated the capability of W. somnifera to exhibit properties, such as anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, antimicrobial, anti-anxiety, aphrodisiac, anti-diabetic, anti-ulcer, anti-cancer, anti-depressant and hepato-protective activities. The above delineated properties give hands to support the justification behind several traditional uses of W. somnifera. In addition, widely used to treat neurological disorders, including Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s diseases. Moreover, various parts of W. somnifera and its components are effective in preventing various types of cancers. The molecules, such as withaferin A, withanolide A and withanolide D present in the parts of W. somnifera are the potential bioactive molecules, which exhibit most of the biological activities. In this chapter, the scientific assessments of above-delineated properties of W. somnifera have been discussed about in detail.
