Aparajita Pal
Diamond Harbour Women’s University, Sarisha, West Bengal-743368, India.
https://orcid.org/0000-0001-9985-3481
Sunita Jhulki
Diamond Harbour Women’s University, Sarisha, West Bengal-743368, India.
Sukanya Kundu
Diamond Harbour Women’s University, Sarisha, West Bengal-743368, India.
DOI: https://doi.org/10.52756/bhietm.2022.e01.002
Keywords: Withania somnifera, Ethno-botanical, Phytochemicals, Ayurveda, Therapeutics
Abstract:
Ashwagandha [Withania somnifera (L.) Dunal] has been used as an Indian traditional medicine for a long time. Traditional uses of this plant include a plethora of medical conditions like hypertension, diabetes, stress, asthma, cancer, bronchitis, ulcers, conjunctivitis, epilepsy, insomnia, senile dementia, Parkinson’s disease, nervous disorders, arthritis, intestinal infections, impotency etc. Different parts of this plant, specifically the roots, have been used as a traditional Rasayana herb to treat various ailments. The plant also possesses sedative, diuretic, anti-inflammatory properties and demonstrates strong immunostimulatory activity. According to Ayurveda, Ashwagandha is considered one of the most important medicinal herbs with varied functions. The multipurpose uses of Ashwagandha have numerous other beneficial health effects that are relevant in light of pharmaceutical perspectives. In this chapter, we present a comprehensive sketch of geographical distribution, description, phytochemistry and pharmacological activities of W. somnifera along with its active constituents. A brief description of the uses of W. somnifera against various cancer and its relevant signaling pathways are also descried. Preclinical studies with the extracts of various parts of Ashwagandha are also elucidated in this chapter. However, more detailed studies are required on the clinical use of Ashwagandha (W. somnifera) against human diseases.
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How to Cite:
Aparajita Pal, Sunita Jhulki and Sukanya Kundu (2022). A comprehensive analysis of ethnopharmacological and pharmacotherapeutics of Withania somnifera (L.) Dunal (Ashwagandha). © International Academic Publishing House (IAPH), B. Sarkar (eds.), The Basic Handbook of Indian Ethnobotany and Traditional Medicine,Vol. 1, pp. 20-35.
DOI: https://doi.org/10.52756/bhietm.2022.e01.002