A Study of Phytochemical Analysis and Pharmacological Activities of Withania somnifera

Abstract

Ashwagandha roots (Withania somnifera L. Dunal) have a history of utilization in Ayurveda to address conditions such as fever, asthma, arthritis, rheumatism, inflammation, tuberculosis, mental disorders, and male sexual issues. Through phytochemical analyses, it has been determined that the plant predominantly contains alkaloids (such as withanine, sominiferine, tropine, isopelletierine, and anaferine) and steroidal lactones (including withanolides A-Y, withaferine A, withasominiferols A-C, withanone, and sitoindosides) as the active compounds. These constituents and extracts exhibit various pharmacological effects, encompassing antioxidant, antitumor, antimicrobial, antivenom, and anti-parkinsonian properties. This review provides an up-to-date overview of ashwagandha, focusing on its phytochemistry and pharmacology. The plant and numerous secondary metabolites have displayed efficacy in ameliorating diverse human ailments. Nonetheless, additional research is imperative to ascertain the precise mechanisms underlying their actions.