• Dr. Siddique Rashid
• Dr. Saba Nazli
• Dr. Qutbuddin Shaikh
• Dr. Badiuzzaman Shaikh
• Dr. Ashfak Iqbal Mansuri

Asgandh (Withania somnifera Dunal) is a well-known Indian medicinal plant widely used in the treatment of many clinical conditions in Asian countries and. It is an important drug commonly known as Asgand which has been used either single or in combination with other drugs in Unani as well as Ayurvedic system of medicine for centuries. Withania somnifera holds a place in Ayurveda similar to that of ginseng has in Chinese medicine. Asgand is commonly known as Indian ginseng or Indian winter cherry. It has been described by Dioscorides (78 AD) in his book “Kitab-ul-Hashaish”. Asgandh exhibits a wide range of therapeutic properties by tuning the endocrine, cardiopulmonary, central nervous system and sexual behavior without any toxicity. The root has been used most frequently for therapeutic uses and is a constituent of over 200 formulations in Ayurveda, Siddha and Unani medicines. There are several reports to establish its immunomodulatory, anti-inflammatory, antistress, memory enhancing, antiparkinsonian, hypolipidemic, antibacterial, cardiovascular, antioxidant, antitumor and adaptogenic properties. These properties stem from the characteristic bioactive phytochemicals such as alkaloids and phytosterols present in the plant. This review presents a detailed survey on various traditional uses, phytochemical composition and pharmacological properties of Withania somnifera. An extensive review of ancient literature of Unani medicine revealed that the drug having numerous therapeutic action such as Muhallile warm (anti-inflammatory), Moallide mani (semen producer), Musakkin (sedative), Muqawwie aam (General tonic) and Muqawwie Bah (aphrodisiac). Keeping in view the medicinal properties of Withania somnifera Dunal (Asgand), an attempt has been made in this review paper to explore various dimensions of the drug including botanical, chemical and pharmacological studies of plant besides its traditional uses in Unani Medicine.

Asgandh, Withanolide, Photochemistry, Unani Medicine.

"Medicinal properties and pharmacology of Asgandh Nagori (Withania somnifera): An important drug of Unani Medicine", International Journal of Emerging Technologies and Innovative Research (www.jetir.org), ISSN:2349-5162, Vol.8, Issue 3, page no.1536-1549, March-2021, Available :http://www.jetir.org/papers/JETIR2103198.pdf

"Medicinal properties and pharmacology of Asgandh Nagori (Withania somnifera): An important drug of Unani Medicine", International Journal of Emerging Technologies and Innovative Research (www.jetir.org | UGC and issn Approved), ISSN:2349-5162, Vol.8, Issue 3, page no. pp1536-1549, March-2021, Available at : http://www.jetir.org/papers/JETIR2103198.pdf