Botany and Ethnopharmacological Potential of Ashwagandha

Abstract

Ashwagandha [Withania somnifera (L.) Dunal] roots have been used for Indian traditional medicine applications including for the control of fever, asthma, arthritis, rheumatism, inflammation, tuberculosis, mental diseases, and male sexual disorders.  The multipurpose use of Ashwagandha has numerous other beneficial health effects that are relevant in light of pharmaceutical perspectives. This review aims to provide a comprehensive evaluation of the botanical description and ethnobotanical uses of ashwagandha. An online survey was accompanied for traditional applications of ashwagandha extracts. Appropriate data was obtained from several electronic scientific databases, and additional information was also obtained from other relevant sources like textbooks and local prints and scripts. This review investigates and presents the relevant information on ashwagandha, and its botany and ethnopharmacological uses. Future online survey studies are needed to understand the bioactive mechanisms of alkaloids and steroidal lactone compounds and their effects upon their consumption, through which we can facilitate the protection of human health from several diseases.