Chemistry and pharmacology of Withania coagulans : an Ayurvedic remedy

Abstract

The use of Withania coagulans, a member of the solanaceae family, has been highlighted in Ayurveda. We have reviewed the chemical constituents and pharmacological properties of W. coagulans, as well as its morphology. This has included therapeutic effects of the whole plant and its extracts, fractions and isolated withanolides. The hepatoprotective, anti-inflammatory, antihyperglycaemic, hypolipidaemic, free radical scavenging, antimicrobial, cardiovascular, central nervous system depressant, immunomodulating, antitumour and cytotoxic activities of W. coagulans have been described.