Abstract

A CRITICAL REVIEW OF ASHWAGANDHA (WITHANIA SOMNIFERA (L.) DUNAL.): AN AYURVEDIC HEALTH TONIC

*Dr. Shubham Bansal, Dr. Rosy Gupta, Dr. Vishavender Attri and Dr. Minakshi Kaundal

Abstract

Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera L. Dunal) is a medicinal plant widely used in Ayurveda as a Rasayana. It is well described for its strength promoting, bulking and rejuvenating properties, in all the three major classical texts of Ayurveda collectively called as Brihatryi. In a number of Nighantus, the Balya karma (strength promoting action) and Kshayahara (to alleviate consumption) actions of Ashwagandha are mentioned. Now, the modern-day researchers in health sciences are also considering its pacifying effects in various diseases and has been established as general health promoting supplement through a number of experimental studies.

Keywords: Ashwagandha, Withania somnifera (L.) Dunal, Rasayana, Balya and Brihana.