Abstract

WITHANIA SOMNIFERA: AN OVERVIEW

Anjitha Anil, Arjun R., Ashwathy P., Raghavi R. and Saritha A. Surendran*

ABSTRACT

Withania sominifera an Indian traditional medicinal herb belonging to solanaceae family also known as Ashwagandha used in medicine from the time of Ayurveda, ancient system of Indian medicine. It possesses anti-inflammatory, antistress, antioxidant, analgesic, antispasmodic, cardioprotective, adaptogenic, immunomodulatory & immunostimulant activities. It has significant stress relieving properties analogous to those of the powerful drugs used to treat depression and anxiety. Dried roots of the plant are used in treatment of nervous and sexual disorders. The drug contains biologically active constituent known as withanolides. Withaferin-A is considered as the most therapeutically active withanolide present in leaves. Anti-inflammatory activity was assessed by HRBC membrane stabilization method & Albumin denaturation assay and this experiment shows significant anti-inflammatory activity.

Keywords: Withanolides, Solanaceae, anti-inflammatory, Ashwangandha.