Ashwagandha, also known as Withania somnifera, is a herb that has been utilised in traditional Indian medicine since the time of Ayurveda. The plant's dried roots are used to treat neurological and sexual issues. This review article is provided to consolidate all the most recent data on its pharmacological and phytochemical actions, which were carried out using a variety of various techniques. According to studies, ashwagandha has anti-inflammatory, anticancer, memory-enhancing, anti-parkinsonian, adaptogen, antioxidant, and anxiolytic activities. There have also been studies on a number of other effects, including immunomodulation, hypolipidemia, antimicrobial, cardiovascular protection, sexual behaviour, tolerance, and dependency. These results are quite positive and suggest that more research on this plant is necessary to validate these findings and elucidate additional possible therapeutic benefits. The plant is a typically upright, branching, unarmed shrub that may grow up to 1.25 metres tall and is native to subtropical India and other dry regions of the world. It is mostly grown in Madhya Pradesh and Rajasthan, and both domestic and export use in India is enormous. It has to be carefully cultivated because it is vulnerable to a number of pests and illnesses. The two primary with anolides that contribute to the majority of biological effects are with aferin A and with anolide D. It has pharmacological effects on practically all bodily systems. Additionally, it has various negative effects and restrictions A variety of biological activities, including anti-inflammatory properties, hepatoprotective activity, infertility activity, anti-bacterial activity, psychotropic/anti-anxiety activity, anti-convulsant activity, skin care activity, healthy hair activity, immune-modulator activity, anti-peroxidative action, anti-ageing effect, macrophage activating effect, haemopoietic effect, antibiotic activity, and more, have been observed in pharmacological studies. The plant's morphology, geographic distribution, cultivation and market value, plant pathology, Ayurvedic properties, chemical components, medicinal uses in Ayurveda, side effects and contraindications, and pharmacological evidence are all covered in this review of Withania somnifera (Linn) Dunal (Ashwagandha).
