Volume 3 ; Issue 2 ; in Month : July-Dec (2026) Article No : 126
Bharti S, Kumar P, B Fazal, et al.

Abstract

Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera (L.) Dunal) is a Solanaceae medicinal plant with a long history of use in Ayurveda as a rasayana and adaptogenic remedy. The present review integrates the botanical and ethnomedicinal information contained in the submitted undergraduate project with contemporary peer-reviewed evidence on phytochemistry, pharmacology, clinical efficacy, quality control and safety. Withanolides, including withaferin A, withanolide A and withanolide D, together with sitoindosides, alkaloids, flavonoids and other metabolites, constitute the major chemically diverse groups reported from W. somnifera. Experimental research supports antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, immunomodulatory, neuroprotective, anticancer, metabolic and cardioprotective activities, although the strength of evidence differs substantially by indication. Evidence for physical performance and reproductive health is promising but remains formulation- and population-dependent. Importantly, the traditional reputation of Ashwagandha as well tolerated should not obscure emerging pharmacovigilance data: rare clinically apparent liver injury has been reported, and authoritative guidance recommends avoiding use during pregnancy and breastfeeding and exercising caution in thyroid and autoimmune disorders and with several medicines. Future research should prioritize authenticated plant material, chemically standardized preparations, transparent reporting of withanolide profiles, clinically meaningful endpoints, longer follow-up and systematic adverse-event surveillance. Taken together, Ashwagandha represents a pharmacologically rich medicinal plant with credible but indication-specific clinical potential rather than a uniformly established treatment for all conditions.

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