Ashwagandha, also known as king of herb or Indian ginseng has been used in Ayurvedic, Siddha, and Unani medicines to improve strength and stamina, enhance mental clarity, focus, support reproductive health, and treat ailments such as insomnia, arthritis, and fatigue for over 3,000 years.  The name "Ashwagandha" comes from a unique horse like smell in its roots. Botanically it is known as Withania somnifera. Its key bioactive compounds include alkaloids and withanolides (steroidal lactones) like withaferin A, and phenolic compounds mainly contribute to its medicinal properties.

The health benefits of Ashwagandha are vast. It is used as adaptogen to reduce stress and anxiety by lowering cortisol levels. Additionally, it improves brain function and memory. Ashwagandha has immunomodulatory properties and defends body by cell mediated immunity. It possesses anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects. Ashwagandha is known for its ability to alleviate glucose intolerance, gastric ulcers, cognitive decline and mental depression. Withaferin A has been shown to possesses anti-tumorigenic properties, inhibits the proliferation and survival of cancer cells and development of melanoma in mice. It has also been found effective in liver injury, systematic inflammation, and liver cancer. Ashwagandha was very effective against SARS-CoV-2 and gained widespread recognition during the COVID-19 pandemic. These remarkable attributes have made Ashwagandha highly sought after worldwide.