Withania somnifera as a potential nanomedicine: A review

Withania somnifera, commonly known as Ashwaganda, is an important medicinal plant for a long time. Roots, seeds and other parts of Ashwaganda have clinically important pharmacological properties. The phytochemicals present in the plant include flavonoids, alkaloids, phenols and withanolids which make it useful in treatment of cancer, cardiovascular diseases and diabetes. Withania somnifera possess anti-inflammatory, anticancer, antioxidant, antimicrobial and anti-aging activities. Nanobiotechnology is an emerging field as nanoparticles allow targeted and controlled drug delivery. Green synthesis of nanoparticles involves the use of plants for their ability to reduce harmful impacts associated with chemically synthesized nanoparticles. The green synthesis approach has been applied for the synthesis of nanoparticles form plant extracts obtained from Withania somnifera. Silver, gold, selenium, platinum and many more nanoparticles have been synthesized by mixing the root extracts of Ashwaganda and metal salts. Another approach involves the use of plant extracts encapsulated in niosomes and in combination with solid lipid nanoparticles which is pharmacologically helpful. The nanoparticles from Withania somnifera utilize anti-inflammatory, anticancer, antioxidant, antimicrobial and anti-aging activities of Ashwaganda and help in targeted delivery of the drug. The plant-based nanoparticles show better characteristics including bioavailability, solubility and improved shelf life. This approach can be developed further for agricultural and technological uses like sensors and imaging technology.