Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera) – a herb with versatile medicinal properties empowering human physical and mental health

Introduction. Ashwagandha is a rasayana of Ayurveda system of medicines. It is a real potent regenerative tonic possessing several pharmacological properties like neuro-protective, anti-stress, anti-arthritic, antitumor, analgesic and anti-inflammatory. Objective. To illustrate applications and limitations of Ashwagandha in detail. Materials and method. Data was collected from various review and research publications. Literature review involved animal studies and human studies. Emphasis was given on versatility of medicinal properties. Results. Ashwagandha plays an important role in improving quality of life and performance at work and possess several pharmacologic actions. Each part of this herb i.e. from root to fruit possess medicinal properties. Conclusions. Ashwagandha possesses wide variety of therapeutic uses in each and every system of human body. The plant has also been widely studied for its various pharmacological activities like antioxidant, anxiolytic, adaptogen, memory enhancing, antiparkinsonian, antiinflammatory, antitumor properties. Irrespective of such large network of benefits this herb has some limitations of use in certain situations.