Ashwagandha, also known as Withania somnifera, is an herb commonly used in Ayurvedic medicine, a traditional system of medicine originating from India. It has been used for centuries to treat a variety of ailments and promote overall health and wellness.The main active component in ashwagandha is a group of compounds called withanolides, which have been found to have anti-inflammatory, anti-tumor, and anti-stress effects. These compounds also have the ability to modulate the immune system, which makes ashwagandha a potentially useful supplement for people with autoimmune disorders.