Aim of review: This review article documented and critically assessed Withania somnifera regarding its- • Botanical character • Distribution • Chemical constituents of Withania somnifera • Pharmacological activities. • Classical uses of Withania somnifera Withania somnifera is one of the most important herbs of Ayurveda used for millennia as a Rasayana for its wide-ranging health benefits. Ashwagandha is an imperative plant and has been used in ayurvedic medicines for centuries in the treatment of several disorders such as asthma, anaemia, ulcers, and high blood pressure. Numerous pharmacological properties such as antitumour, anti-stress, antioxidant, neuroprotective, anti-arthritic, anti-inflammatory have been reported in Ashwagandha. Conclusion: Phytochemically this plant is unique because it possesses the largest and most structurally diverse set of withanolides with glycowithanolides being the major bioactive constituent of Withania somnifera. The leaves, stems, roots, seeds, fruits and bark of Ashwagandha are used in therapy. Roots of Ashwagandha is the main portion of the plant used therapeutically. It also improves the function of the reproductive system promoting a healthy sexual and reproductive balance. Roots of Ashwagandha provide 18 fatty acids, beta-sitosterol, phytosterols and polyphenols. It is also useful in stress, neurodegenerative diseases (such as Alzheimer’s disorders and cerebral ischemia). Regular consumption of Indian ginseng considered to rectify abnormalities of the sense organs, arrest senescence and hypotrophy of muscles.