Withania somnifera is an erect shrub. The plant has steroidal lactones - withanolides, withaferin, which are estrogenic compounds.

The principal constituents of its roots are the alkaloids somnine, somniferine, withanine, tropine, psuedotropine and anaferine. It is used in asthma and as a uterine sedative. Its alkaloids showed relaxant and antispasmodic effects against several spasmogens on intestinal, uterine, bronchial, tracheal and blood vascular muscles.

It is a rasayana agent in the indigenous system of medicine, Ayurveda. It helps in increasing the sense of well being and improves sexual performance.

A much-branched, beautiful shrub, with fluted stems and long, spreading branches.

The flowers yield a red dye. They contain a fairly high level of tannin. They are used in bowel complaints and hemorrhages and administered in menorrhagia and seminal weakness. An extract of the plant was found to stimulate the contraction of the intestinal loop, and investigations have corroborated the clinical use of the drug in bowel complaints. The drug also shows antipyretic action which compares favorably with that of acetylsalicylic acid. The dried flowers are powdered and sprinkled over ulcers and wounds to diminish discharge and promote granulation.

A small, deciduous tree with a light gray, scaly smooth bark.

It is effective in psoriasis and nonspecific dermatitis. The leaves are used in various skin disorders including herpes. It has astringent and anti-inflammatory activities, used as an antibacterial in several skin disorders. It has antidandruff activity and is used in the treatment of various scalp and skin disorders.

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