Withania somnifera: A Rejuvenating Ayurvedic Medicinal Herb for the Treatment of various Human ailments

India is one of the 12 mega-diversity countries. It is estimated that around 70,000 plant species, approximately 7500 species have been recorded to have medicinal value. The 300 species are used by 7800 medicinal drug manufacturing units in India, which consume about 2000 tons of herbs annually. There are estimated to be more than 717,319 registered practitioners of ayurveda, siddha, unani and homeopathy in India and in recent years, the growing demand for herbal products has led to the extinction of many important plant herbs. Ashwagandha is also a rare and endangered plant. Withania somnifera possess good immunomodulatory anti-inflammatory, anti-tumor, antioxidant, anticancer properties and many pharmacologically and medicinally important chemicals, they protect the cells from oxidative damage and diseases. In present paper we have tried to unveil the therapeutic knowledge about Ashwagandha, which is used to exploit novel medicines. Considering its relevance, further research is required to explore the potential from this medicinal herb.