Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera) is a prominent medicinal plant used in Ayurveda, the traditional system of medicine in India. Also known as Indian ginseng, sleeping berry, or winter cherry, Ashwagandha belongs to the nightshade family (Solanaceae).
In Ayurveda, Ashwagandha is considered a 'Rasayana' herb, meaning it promotes overall health, vitality, and longevity. It is also classified as an adaptogen—a natural substance that helps the body adapt to stress and balance the neuroendocrine and immune systems.
Though used in Indian medicine for centuries, scientific studies on Ashwagandha have gained momentum only in recent decades.