Withania somnifera (L.) Dunal (Ashwagandha): A promising Rasayana as preventive and curative for the management of human disorders

Abstract

Paper deals with a review on the application of Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera (L.) Dunal) in the Rasayana therapy. Its root plays a vital role in the management of disorders related with Rasayana therapy. Commonly lifestyle diseases like diabetes, hypertension, neural weakness, joint pains and arthritis are managed by the use of Ashwagandha root in the form of powder, capsule of various combination form. Studies have been carried out its role in the management of disorders occurring after cancer treatment through chemotherapy. Its leaves are used in diabetes and obesity whereas seed oil is useful in management of various kind of skin diseases. Its antibiotic, anti-convulsive, anti-hyperglycaemic, anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, immunomodulatory, morphine tolerance, musculotropic activities are well known. The presence of phytochemical compounds viz. withaferine A, withanone, withanolide A, B, C and D withanoside V, sominone, ashwagandhanoide etc, and various action of Withaferin A on various types of cancers are well known. The use of ashwagandha as Rasayana on regular basis maintains the health and acts as preventive and curative medicine.