Withania somnifera (ASHWAGANDHA) AND ITS THERAPEUTIC FUNCTIONS: A REVIEW
ABHIJIT GUPTA *
University Institute of Biotechnology, Chandigarh University, Gharuan, Punjab, India
*Author to whom correspondence should be addressed.
Abstract
Withania somnifera is commonly known as ashwagandha (winter cherry) and is widely used as medicinal plant in ayurvedic medicines. It possesses various properties such as antitumor and can be used as antivenom, anti-inflammatory, anti-arthritic and memory enhancing product. Extract of Withania somnifera obtained from its roots and stems when blended with certain chemicals can be used to treat various types of tumor such as breast cancer and uterus cancer. It is also considered effective to normalize the body chemicals which get affected because of chemotherapy .It has many rejuvenating properties, and has less harmful side effects. Treatment with Withania somnifera have shown positive effects in case of uterine fibroids, long memory deficit and stress. It is widely used in treatment of Rheumatoid and Osteoarthritis. This plant as a whole can be used for best therapeutic purposes.
Keywords: Withania somnifera, anti-tumor, anti-arthritic, cell carcinoma, ayurveda, diseases.