Withania somnifera (An Indian ginseng) – An Overview of Medicinal Properties and Uses Running title: Withania somnifera – An Overview

Abstract

Background: The Solanaceae family includes the woody evergreen shrub, Withania somnifera, which is notable for its various medicinal properties and is used in folk, conventional, and natural therapies in India. It has been a part of traditional Indian medicine for around 3,000 years.

Objective: To critically highlight the therapeutic relevance of Withania somnifera by evaluating its antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, antidiabetic and anticancer properties.

Methodology: Relevant literature from scientific databases like PubMed, Google Scholar, ScienceDirect, Web of Science and ResearchGate was reviewed to evaluate the pharmacological potential of Withania somnifera.

 Results: Withania somnifera exhibits significant antioxidant potential by neutralizing free radicals and reducing oxidative stress. It shows marked anti-inflammatory activity through inhibition of pro-inflammatory cytokines. It possesses considerable antimicrobial effects against multiple bacterial and fungal strains. Withania somnifera effectively lowers blood glucose levels, demonstrating its antidiabetic properties. Moreover, it displays strong anticancer activity by inducing apoptosis and inhibiting proliferation in cancerous cells. Withania somnifera can limit the onset of particular diseases like insomnia, diabetes, Parkinson's and Alzheimer's diseases, epilepsy, hyperlipidemia and heart attack, etc.

Conclusion: Withania somnifera is a medicinal herb known for its diverse therapeutic properties, including antioxidant, antidiabetic, antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory and anticancer activities. Its bioactive compounds, particularly withanolides, contribute to the modulation of oxidative stress, immune function, and metabolic balance, making it a promising candidate for managing chronic diseases.

KEYWORDS: Antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, hemolytic, antidiabetic, antimicrobial