This is an herb that can compare favorably to the world's most renowned herbal tonics such as ginseng (Panax ginseng), astragalus (Astragalus membranaceus) dang gui (Angelica sinensis), reishi mushroom (Ganoderma lucidum) and South American suma (Pfaffia paniculata). Ashwagandha has been held in high regard by generations of people over the course of millennia for its ability to increase vitality, energy, endurance and stamina, promote longevity and strengthen the immune system without stimulating the body's reserves. It nurtures the nervous system, counteract anxiety and stress to promote a calm state of mind. Ashwagandha also has powerful anti-inflammatory properties and is specific for treating arthritic and rheumatic conditions. It is also easily the most potent tonic aphrodisiac in the entire botanical kingdom.

In Ayurvedic medicine, there is a class of herbs (including ashwagandha) known as adaptogens or vitalizers. They cause adaptive reactions to disease, are useful in many unrelated illness and appear to produce a state of non-specific increased resistance to adverse physical, chemical and biologic agents. They are relatively innocuous, have no known specific mechanism of action, normalize pathological effects and are usually glycosides or alkaloids of a plant.

The chemistry of ashwagandha has been extensively studied and over 35 chemical entities have been isolated and identified. The biological activity of ashwagandha is believed to be due the alkaloids, steroidal lactones (withanolides, withaferins) and the sitoindosides containing an additional glucose unit. The glucose unit may additionally carry an acyl group.

Numerous studies have confirmed the anti-inflammatory, anticancer, antistress, antioxidant, immunomodulatory and rejuvenating effects of Ashwagandha.