Chemistry and pharmacology of Withania coagulans: an Ayurvedic remedy

Objectives The use of Withania coagulans, a member of the solanaceae family, has been highlighted in Ayurveda. We have reviewed the chemical constituents and pharmacological properties of W. coagulans, as well as its morphology. This has included therapeutic effects of the whole plant and its extracts, fractions and isolated withanolides. The hepatoprotective, anti-inflammatory, antihyperglycaemic, hypolipidaemic, free radical scavenging, anti microbial, cardiovascular, central nervous system depressant, immuno-modulating, antitumour and cytotoxic activities of W coagulans have been described. Key findings Research carried out using different biological testing in-vitro and in-viva techniques supported the claims. Summary This review has covered the morphology, chemistry and pharmacology of the plant. It has described 37 compounds containing 46 references.