Withania somnifera, commonly known as ashwagandha, Indian ginseng, or winter cherry, is one of the most valuable plants widely used in Ayurvedic medicine as a nerve tonic and memory enhancer. It has also been traditionally used as a therapeutic agent for diarrhea, dyspepsia and gastrointestinal disorders. The ethnopharmacological properties of ashwagandha include adaptogenic, anti-sedative and anti-convulsion activities, and it is used to treat various neurological disorders, geriatric debilities, arthritis, stress and behavior related problems. In research studies on the biological activities of ashwagandha, it is reported that the root has anti-aging, anti-stress, immunomodulatory, and anti-oxidant properties. The root also has been found to reduce the toxicity induced by heavy metals and possess hypotensive activity. The aqueous methanolic extract of root showed anti-bacterial activities as well.