Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera), also known as Ayurvedic ginseng, and winter cherry, Indian ginseng, is an important ancient plant, widely used in Indian traditional systems of medicine. Ashwagandha is used as one of the best rejuvenating agents in Ayurveda system. Ashwagandha root drug finds an important place in treatment of rheumatic pain, inflammation of joints, nervous disorders and epilepsy. Dried roots are used as tonic for hiccup, cold, cough, female disorders, as a sedative, in care of senile debility, ulcers, etc. Leaves are applied for carbuncles, inflammation and swellings. Leaf juice is useful in conjunctivitis. Bark decoction is taken for asthma and applied locally to bed sores. Ashwagandha and its extracts are used in preparation of herbal tea, powders, tablets and syrups. The roots of the plant are categorised as rasayanas, which are reputed to promote health and longevity by augmenting defence against disease, arresting the ageing process, revitalising the body in debilitated conditions, increasing the capability of the individual to resist adverse environmental factors. It is in use for a very long time for all age groups and both sexes and even during pregnancy without any side effects. Historically, the plant has been used as an antioxidant, adaptogen, aphrodisiac, liver tonic, antiinflammatory agent, astringent and more recently to treat ulcers, bacterial infection, venom toxins and senile dementia. Clinical trials and animal research support the use of ashwagandha for anxiety, cognitive and neurological disorders, inflammation, hyperlipidemia and Parkinson’s disease. Ashwagandha chemopreventive properties make it a potentially useful adjunct for patients undergoing radiation and chemotherapy.