Medicinal properties, phytochemistry and pharmacology of Withania somnifera: an important drug of Unani Medicine

Withania somnifera Dunal. is a well known Indian medicinal plant widely used in the treatment of many clinical conditions in India. It is an important drug commonly known as Asgand which has been used either single or in combination with other drugs in Unani as well as Ayurvedic system of medicine for centuries. Withania somnifera holds a place in Ayurveda similar to that of ginseng has in Chinese medicine. Asgand is commonly known as Indian ginseng or Indian winter cherry. It has been described by Dioscorides (78 AD) in his book “Kitab-ul-Hashaish”. The objective of this paper is to review the literature regarding Withania somnifera Dunal. The search was carried out through Unani classical books via library, ethno botanical literature, journals and electronic search. Asgand consists of the roots of Withania somnifera which has various therapeutic actions such as female disorders, cough, rheumatism and dropsy and as a sedative in case of senile debility. Chemical analysis of Asgand shows that it contains several alkaloids such as withsomine, withaferinA, withanolide A and withanolide D and various other constituents. Research studies have shown that it possesses anti-inflamma¬tory, anti-oxidative, antimicrobial, anti-anxiety, aphrodisiac, immunomodulation, anti-diabettic, anti-ulcer, anticancer, central nervous system depressant and hepatoprotective activities. An extensive review of ancient literature of Unani medicine revealed that the drug having numerous therapeutic action such as Muhallile warm (anti-inflammatory), Moallide mani (semen producer), Musakkin (sedative), Muqawwie aam (General tonic) and Muqawwie Bah (aphrodisiac). Keeping in view the medicinal properties of Withania somnifera Dunal (Asgand), an attempt has been made in this review paper to explore various dimensions of the drug including botanical, chemical and pharmacological studies of plant besides its traditional uses in Unani Medicine.