European Journal of Biomedical and Pharmaceutical Sciences

ASHWAGANDHA: MIRACULOUS IMMUNITY BOOSTER

Tulika Mishra*

ABSTRACT

Withania somnifera (Ashwagandha) is an adaptogenic plant used in traditional medicine from ancient times of Ayurveda in Indian pharmacopeia. Having a wide range of activities, W. somnifera is used to treat many disorders that affect human health. The present review discusses the biological activities of W. somnifera that show the usefulness of this species. The diverse active constituents present in different parts of the plant show various pharmacological activities such as anti-tumorigenic, anti-neurodegenerative, anti-anxiolytic, anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, and hypolipidemic activities, among others. Due to these potentials, Aswagandha is highly commercialized across the globe and many countries are exploring the possibilities of using W. somnifera as a food supplement and in a variety of other products. The most commonly used parts of this plant are its roots, which creates great pressure on the species population. The conservation and sustainable use of this species isof primordial importance to maintain this valuable plant resource.

Keywords: Withania somnifera, Ashwagandha, medicinal properties, chemical constituents.