Withania Somnifera: a Potent Unani Aphrodisiac Drug

Withania somnifera Dunal commonly known as Asgandh or Ashvaganadha is one of the most potent aphrodisiacs used in traditional systems of medicine. It is common herb found throughout the dried and subtropical parts of India. The root and leaves of plants are used for medicinal purposes. In traditional systems of medicine particularly Ayurveda and Unani the plant is thought to possess anti-inflammatory, stomachic, semenogogue, nervine tonic, sedative, aphrodisiac, lithotriptic, galactogogue and many other important medicinal properties. The plant is also used in preparations of many compound Unani formulations. The review reveals that many phytochemically active constituents have been separated from the plant which act as sedative, hypnotic, GABA mimetic, hypertensive, bradycardiac, anti-stress, antitumor, antiarthritic and antibacterial agents. The separation of chemical constituents from plants and modern scientific studies revalidate Unani and Ayurvedic medicines. This review encompasses the available literature on Withania somnifera Dunal, which might be supportive for researchers and scientists to uncover new chemical entities responsible for its claimed traditional uses.