Antiviral and immuno-boosting potential of Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera L.)

Now-a-days, the novel coronavirus pandemic has projected millions of deaths around the globe. An effective popular medicinal plant identified during this pandemic is Withania somnifera (L.) Dunal, locally called Ashwagandha or Indian Ginseng. The antiviral activity of this plant is well established in the fight against serious virus infections. This review mainly focuses on the antiviral and immuno-booster efficacy of the plant for combating various virus diseases. The bioactive principles of the plant, withanaloids, has been effectively used for human health. W. somnifera has distinct effects on the viral RBD (receptor-binding domain) and host ACE2 (angiotensin-converting enzyme 2) receptor complex. This may be useful in curing COVID-19 and other virus infection because of its tremendous immuno boosting properties.