Title : Ashwagandha: Potential drug candidate from ancient ayurvedic remedy
Abstract:
Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera), also known as Indian ginseng and Indian Winter Cherry, is an important ancient plant has been employed in Indian traditional systems of medicine, Ayurveda and Unani, for over 3000 years. The roots, leaves and fruits (berry) possess tremendous medicinal value. The plant has been used as an aphrodisiac, liver tonic, anti-inflammatory agent and more recently to treat asthma, ulcers, insomnia and senile dementia. Clinical trials and animal research support the use of Ashwagandha for anxiety, cognitive and neurological disorders, inflammation, and Parkinson’s disease and many types of cancers.
Complex etiologies and pathologies cause major challenges to disease treatment. On the other hand, several herbs are known for their health-caring and disease-curing activities. Ashwagandha, a popular herb in Indian traditional home medicine, Ayurveda, has gathered increasing recognition in recent years when the chemically synthesized drugs for single target therapies showed limited success and adverse toxic effects. Ashwagandha is known as a powerful adaptogen and trusted to enhance function of the brain, reproductive system, cell-mediated immunity and increase the body's defence against disease, and possess anti-inflammatory, anticancer and anti-arthritic activities. In this presentation, I will provide a complete portrait on scientific understanding of the effects of Ashwagandha and its active principles for a variety of preventive and therapeutic activities.
