A Review Article on Aswagandha (Withania somnifera) – The Natural Immunity Booster
Keywords:
Ayurveda, Aswagandha, Immunity, TridoshaAbstract
Introduction - Ayurveda a holistic system of medicine, originated in India more than 3000 yrs ago. The main objective of Ayurveda is to “Maintain the health of healthy person and to pacify the disease of a diseased person”. Immunity is the ability of the body to resist against the various foreign agents. The concept of immunity, in fact had been rooted in Ayurvedic system of medicine much before 600 BC. Material and Methods - In Ayurvedic classics Acharya’s has mentioned a lot of immune boosters, both single drugs and formulations. Ashwagandha, is one among them, which has got immense popularity recently, due to its ability to boost body immunity and also, it can increases body’s natural ability to fight viruses. Discussion- Ashwagandha, a special herb, used extensively in Ayurveda and is known for its capacity to boost the immunity. The pharmacodynamic action of Aswagandha itself proves the immunomodulatory effects. The herb is ushna in potency thereby reduces Kapha Vata, providing more strength to the immune system of our body. Being Madhura in rasa it provides ojas, bala and nourishment to the Dhatus. Conclusion- An effort to compile the details about Aswagandha in relation to its immune boosting power was done here.
Downloads
References
Murthy K.R, Vagbhata’s Ashtanga Hridaya, English transilation, Chikitsa thana, Volume 1,Chaukambha Orientalia, Varanasi, Reprint 2010.
Acharya YT, Caraka- Samhita by Agnivesa elaborated by Caraka and Dridabala, with Ayurvedadipika Commentry of Cakrapanidatta, Acharya, Sutra sthana, Chaukhamba Surbharati Prakashan, Reprint 2018.
Acharya YT, Caraka- Samhita by Agnivesa elaborated by Caraka and Dridabala, with Ayurvedadipika Commentry of Cakrapanidatta, Vimana Sthana, Chaukhamba Surbharati Prakashan, Reprint 2018.
Sharma M, Gallery of Medicinal plants, Thieme Medical and Scientific Publishers Private Limited:2020 5. The Ayurvedic Pharmacopeia of India, Part I, Vol I, New Delhi: Department of AYUSH, Ministry of Health and Family Wealfare, Government of India :1989 6.Chunekar K.C, Bhavaprakasha Nighantu of Bhavamisra, English Commentary, Guduchyadhi Varga, Chowkhamba Vishvabharati Academy, Varanasi, Reprint 2017, 274, Page No: 238
Sharma PC, Yelne MB, Dennis TJ. Database Medicinal Plants used in Ayurveda, Vol 3. New Delhi: CCRAS; 2001 8. Halder T, Gosh B. Phytochemical and Pharmacological activity of Withania somnifera (L) Dunal. Int J Econ Plant 2015;2(4):192-196
Kritikar KR. Withania somnifera, Indian Medicinal Plants. 2nd ed. IIIrd. Allahabad: Lalit Mohan Basu;1935 10.Murthy K.R, Susruta Samhita, English translation, Uttara Sthana, 54/ 38-40, Chaukambha Orientalia, Varanasi, Reprint 2013.pp.360
Sharma P, Gada Nigraha, ShodalmVirachita, Kayachikitsa khanda, Khandatmak bhaga, Part 2 9/66, Chowkhamba Sanskrit Sansthana, reprint edition,2009. 12.Murthy K.R, Vagbhata’s, Ashtanga Hridaya, English transilation, Nidana Sthana 39/61, Chaukambha Orientalia, Varanasi, Reprint 2010.
Sharma R.K, Charaka Samhita, Text with English Translation and Critical Exposition Based on Cakrapani Datta’s Ayurveda Dipika, Chikitsa Sthana, 17/ 117, Chowkhamba Sanskrit Series, Varanasi;2009.
Saxena N, Vangasena Samhita of Vangasena, Krimi Roga Nidana & Chikitsa Chaukhambha Sanskrit Series office, Vranasi, Reprint 2004.
Sitaram B, Bhavaprakasha Samhita of Bhavamisra, Text with commentary and English Transilation,Uttaradha Madhyam Khanda, Krimi rogadhikara 70/26, Chaukambha Orientalia, Varanasi, Reprint 2010.
Antony B, Benny M Kuruvilla BT, Gupta NK, Sebastian A, Jacob S. Acute and Sub Chronic Toxicity Studies of purified Withania somnifera extracts in rats.Int J Pharm Sci 2018; 10(12):41-46
Kuppurajan K, Rajagopalan SS, Sitoraman R, et al. Effect of Aswagandha (Withania somnifera Dual) on the process of ageing on human volunteers. J Res Ayurv Siddha 1980; 1(2): 247- 258
