Abstract
The Rasayanas are rejuvenators, nutritional supplements and possess strong antioxidant activity. They also have antagonistic action on the oxidative stress which leads to the formation of different free radicals. One popular and highly valued herb in Ayurveda, Withania somnifera (L.) Dunal (Ashwagandha) is classified as a rasayana (rejuvenator) in various Ayurvedic classical texts. Various parts of the plant are used in the preparation of different Ayurvedic formulations and home remedy recipes to increase health and longevity. It provides defence against diseases, adverse environmental factors and helps to retard the ageing process. Ashwagandha exhibits a wide range of therapeutic properties by tuning the endocrine, cardiopulmonary, central nervous system and sexual behaviour without any toxicity. The root has been used most frequently for therapeutic purposes and is a constituent of over 200 formulations in Ayurveda, Siddha and Unani medicines. There are several reports to establish its immune-modulatory, anti-inflammatory, anti-stress, memory enhancing, anti-parkinsonian, hypolipidemic, antibacterial, cardiovascular, antioxidant, antitumor and adaptogenic properties. These properties are because of present of bioactive phytochemicals such as alkaloids and phytosterols in the plant. Present communication deals with traditional uses, phytochemical composition and pharmacological properties of Ashwagandha with special reference to its Rasayana properties.
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