In Ayurveda, the roots of W. somnifera are used to prepare the herbal remedy Ashwagandha. Ashwaganda has been traditionally used to treat various symptoms and conditions, although there are few scientific studies of the health benefits of the compound.
In Ayurveda, the berries and leaves are locally applied to tumors and tubercular glands, carbuncles and ulcers.
Side effects
In at least two published clinical trials of W. somnifera, the side effects were not significantly different from those experienced by placebo treated individuals. There has been one case report that Withania somnifera stimulated the thyroid and lead to thyrotoxicosis in the patient