Preprint / Version 1

Biodiversity, Biochemical Profiling, and Pharmaco-Commercial Applications of Withania somnifera: A Review

Authors

  • Harshita Gaurav Department of Botany, University of Lucknow, Lucknow 226007, India
  • Divyanshu Yadav Department of Botany, University of Lucknow, Lucknow 226007, India
  • Ankita Maurya Department of Botany, University of Lucknow, Lucknow 226007, India
  • Himanshu Yadav Department of Botany, University of Lucknow, Lucknow 226007, India
  • Ramanand Yadav Department of Botany, University of Lucknow, Lucknow 226007, India
  • Amritesh Shukla Department of Botany, University of Lucknow, Lucknow 226007, India
  • Minaxi Sharma Haute Ecole Provinciale de Hainaut-Condorcet, 11 Rue de la Sucrerie, 7800 Ath, Belgium
  • Vijai Gupta Biorefining and Advanced Materials Research Center, SRUC, Kings Buildings, West Mains Road, Edinburgh EH9 3JG, UK
  • Javier Palazon Department of Biology, Healthcare and the Environment, University of Barcelona, 08028 Barcelona, Spain

Keywords:

Withania somnifera, ashwagandha, traditional use, botany, phytochemistry, pharmacological and biological activity

Abstract

Withania somnifera L. Dunal (Ashwagandha), a key medicinal plant native to India, is used globally to manage various ailments. This review focuses on the traditional uses, botany, phytochemistry, and pharmacological advances of its plant-derived constituents. It has been reported that at least 62 crucial and 48 inferior primary and secondary metabolites are present in the W. somnifera leaves, and 29 among these found in its roots and leaves are chiefly steroidal compounds, steroidal lactones, alkaloids, amino acids, etc. In addition, the whole shrub parts possess various medicinal activities such as anti-leukotriene, antineoplastic, analgesic, anti-oxidant, immunostimulatory, and rejuvenating properties, mainly observed by in vitro demonstration. However, the course of its medical use remains unknown. This review provides a comprehensive understanding of W. somnifera, which will be useful for mechanism studies and potential medical applications of W. somnifera, as well as for the development of a rational quality control system for W. somnifera as a therapeutic material in the future. Keywords: Withania somnifera, ashwagandha, traditional use, botany, phytochemistry, pharmacological and biological activity

Author Biography

Vijai Gupta, Biorefining and Advanced Materials Research Center, SRUC, Kings Buildings, West Mains Road, Edinburgh EH9 3JG, UK

Department of Biotechnology, Graphic Era Deemed to Be University, Dehradun 248002, India

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