Withania somnifera or Ashwagandha, also known as winter cherry or Indian ginseng, belongs to the nightshade family, and is a well-known herb that has numerous health benefits [ 14 , 15 ].
It is generally found in arid regions of South Asia, Central Asia, and Africa; it is also commonly used in Ayurveda (the traditional medicine of India) [ 16 , 17 ].
Withania somnifera has been used for thousands of years as a ‘Rasayana’ (Rasayana is a holistic therapy that helps suppress the aging process by developing positive physical and mental health, boosting the immune system, and maintaining youthfulness [ 18 ]), as well as providing numerous health benefits [ 19 ]. Withania somnifera is known as “Avarada” in Ayurvedic literature, indicating regeneration or youthfulness [ 20 ].
It is also included among medicinal plants in the World Health Organization (WHO) monographs [ 21 ]. Withania somnifera phytoconstituents are present throughout the plant such as roots, leaves and berries; however, the root section of Withania somnifera has the highest concentration of preferred bioactives. Withanolides and withaferins (steroidal lactones), saponins and alkaloids being some of the active biological components present in Withania somnifera [ 22 ].
Withania somnifera has various properties such as immune system modulation [ 23 ], antioxidant [ 24 ], anti-inflammatory [ 25 ], cardiorespiratory endurance [ 26 ], neuroprotection [ 27 ], treatment of male infertility [ 28 ], anticancer activity [ 29 ] and decreases cortisol levels, stress, anxiety and blood pressure in chronic stress.
