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 is used as a nutrient and health restorative by pregnant women and the elderly and is given to nursing mothers to thicken and increase the nutritional value of the milk.

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.