Withania somnifera is one of the most valued plants and is extensively used in Indian, Unani, and African systems of traditional medicine. It possess a wide array of therapeutic properties including anti-arthritic, anti-aging, anti-cancer, anti-inflammatory, immunoregulatory, chemoprotective, cardioprotective, and recovery from neurodegenerative disorders. With the growing realization of benefits and associated challenges in the improvement of W. somnifera, studies on exploration of genetic and chemotypic variations, identification and characterization of important genes, and understanding the secondary metabolites production and their modulation has gained significant momentum. In recent years, several in vitro and in vivo preclinical studies have facilitated the validation of therapeutic potential of the phytochemicals derived from W. somnifera and have provided necessary impetus for gaining deeper insight into the mechanistic aspects involved in the mode of action of these important pharmaceutically active constituents. The present review highlights some of the current developments and future prospects of biotechnological intervention in this important medicinal plant.

Withania somnifera是最有价值的植物之一，广泛用于印度，乌纳尼和非洲的传统医学体系。它具有广泛的治疗特性，包括抗关节炎，抗衰老，抗癌，抗炎，免疫调节，化学保护，心脏保护以及从神经退行性疾病中恢复。随着对W. somnifera的益处和相关挑战的日益认识，探索遗传和化学型变异，重要基因的鉴定和表征以及对次生代谢产物的产生及其调节的理解的研究取得了显着的势头。近年来，有几种体外和体内临床前研究促进了源自W. somnifera的植物化学物质的治疗潜力的验证，并为深入了解这些重要的药物活性成分的作用机理所涉及的机制方面提供了必要的动力。本综述重点介绍了这种重要药用植物的生物技术干预的一些当前发展和未来前景。