title: Withania somnifera: an Indian ginseng.
abstract: Withania somnifera, popularly known as Ashwagandha is widely considered as the Indian ginseng. In Ayurveda, it is classified as a rasayana (rejuvenation) and expected to promote physical and mental health, rejuvenate the body in debilitated conditions and increase longevity. Having wide range of activity, it is used to treat almost all disorders that affect the human health. The present review discusses the pharmacological basis of the use of W. somnifera in various central nervous system (CNS) disorders, particularly its indication in epilepsy, stress and neurodegenerative diseases such as Parkinson's and Alzheimer's disorders, tardive dyskinesia, cerebral ischemia, and even in the management of drug addiction.
authors.affiliation: Pharmacology Division, University Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Panjab University, Chandigarh - 160 014, India. skpu@yahoo.com
authors.forename: S K
authors.initials: SK
authors.lastname: Kulkarni
authors.forename: Ashish
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Dhir
mesh_terms: D000818:Animals; D002493:Central Nervous System Diseases / Q000188:drug therapy*; D006801:Humans; D008517:Phytotherapy / Q000379:methods*; D028321:Plant Preparations / Q000737:chemistry / Q000494:pharmacology / Q000627:therapeutic use; D032341:Withania / Q000737:chemistry
chemical_list: D028321:Plant Preparations