Abstract

A COMPREHENSIVE REVIEW OF ASGANDH (WITHANIA SOMNIFERA) IN UNANI MEDICINE

*Dr. Arifa Khatoon, Dr. Najam us Saher, Dr. Hiba Rehman (M.B.B.S), Dr. Kaynat Fatma (B.U.M.S), Dr. Minhajul Haque Ansari (B.U.M.S)

ABSTRACT

Asgandh (Withania somnifera (L.) Dunal) or winter cherry, is a highly valued medicinal plant belonging to the family Solanaceae. In the Unani system of medicine (Tibb-e-Unani), it is traditionally known as Asgandh.[26] The plant has been extensively used as a folk remedy, either independently or in polyherbal formulations.[27] within both Unani and Ayurvedic medical systems. Historically, Asgandh (Withania somnifera (L.) Dunal) was documented by Dioscorides around 78 AD in his seminal work Kitab-ul-Hashaish.[28] Over centuries, Asgandh has gained recognition as a powerful rejuvenator, an effective general health tonic, and a remedy for various physiological and psychological ailments.[29] Asgand (Withania somnifera) is extensively documented in classical Unani literature forits diverse therapeutic applications. It is described with actions such as: Musakkin (sedative), Muqawwi (tonic), Muhallil-e-Waram (anti-inflammatory), Muaddil (alterative), Muqawwi-e-Bah (aphrodisiac).In clinical Unani practice, Asgand is prescribed for the management of conditions including rheumatism, gynecological disorders, cough, hiccups, dropsy, and as a sedative in cases of senile debility. Phytochemical investigations reveal that Asgand contains numerous bioactive constituents. Among these, several key alkaloids—withsomine, withaferin A, withanolide A, and withanolide D—have demonstrated pharmacological significance. These compounds are responsible for a range of biological effects, including immunomodulation, neuroprotection, and anti-inflammatory activity. Given the breadth of its medicinal value, this review aims to explore the multifaceted dimensions of Asgandh (Withania somnifera), with emphasis on its phytochemistry, traditional applications, and evidence-based pharmacological studies.

Keywords: Withania somnifera, Asgand, Anti-inflammatory activity, Immunomodulatory activity, Unani medicine.