Origin

Throughout the drier and subtropical parts of India.

Action:

Root—used as an antiinflammatory drug for swellings, tumours, scrofula and rheumatism; and as a sedative and hypnotic in anxiety neurosis.

Leaf— anti-inflammatory, hepatoprotective, antibacterial.

Fruits and seeds—diuretic.

Withanine— sedative, hypnotic.

Withaferin A—major component of biologically active steroids; as effective as hydrocortisone dose for dose. Antibacterial, antitumour, antiarthritic, significantly protective against hepatotoxicity in rats.

Khare, C.P./ Indian Medicinal Plants. -- Nueva Dheli: Springer, 2007 . - p 715.