AN AYURVEDIC DRUG FOR TRUE INTEGRATION: THERAPEUTIC BENEFITS OF ASHWAGANDHA AND CURRENT STATE-OF-THE-ART.

Ashwagandha [Withania somnifera Dunal] is known for health benefits from thousands of years. Its therapeutic benefits can be dated back to most ancient Ayurvedic texts Sushrut samhita and Charaka samhita. The paper reviews ancient and latest state-of-the-art of this medicinal plant. This review focuses on traditional Ayurvedic methods of using Ashwagandha and its main formulations for various actions, mainly rejuvenator and life enhancing. It also review the current state-of-the-art , and promotes use of Ashwagandha as a integrative adjuvant for treatment of neuropsychological diseases, cancer, infertility and in sports medicine. In this paper, The most recent primary research from based on Ashwagandha were reviewed. Information from traditional ancient Ayurvedic classics have been reviewed in the paper with focus on the traditional formulations and efficacy. Articles from PubMed/ MEDLINE database published after 2017 till August 2019 have been selected. The unique methods of medicine formulations and extraction methods of Ayurveda are highlighted. Ashwagandha is a largely studied plant and its ethnopharmacological uses are justified by latest researches. True integration of Ayurveda and allopathic medicine is necessary for effective healthcare. Promising anti-cancer action of this herb justifies its benefits for integrative treatment. The traditional formulations of Ashwagandha are easy to prepare, easy to use and low on cost. The review highlights therapeutic potential of Ashwagandha, and highlights classical formulations. Keywords: Ashwagandha, Withania somnifera Dunal, Ayurveda, cancer, cardiorespiratory endurance, athletes, integration, integrativ