Pharmacological evaluation of Ashwagandha highlighting its healthcare claims, safety, and toxicity aspects

Abstract

Withania somnifera, commonly known as “Ashwagandha” or “Indian ginseng” is an essential therapeutic plant of Indian subcontinent regions. It is regularly used, alone or in combination with other plants for the treatment of various illnesses in Indian Systems of Medicine over the period of 3,000 years. Ashwagandha (W. somnifera) belongs to the genus Withania and family Solanaceae. It comprises a broad spectrum of phytochemicals having wide range of biological effects. W. somnifera has demonstrated various biological actions such as anti-cancer, anti-inflammatory, anti-diabetic, anti-microbial, anti-arthritic, anti-stress/adaptogenic, neuro-protective, cardio-protective, hepato-protective, immunomodulatory properties. Furthermore, W. somnifera has revealed the capability to decrease reactive oxygen species and inflammation, modulation of mitochondrial function, apoptosis regulation and improve endothelial function. Withaferin-A is an important phytoconstituents of W. somnifera belonging to the category of withanolides been used in the traditional system of medicine for the treatment of various disorders. In this review, we have summarized the active phytoconstituents, pharmacologic activities (preclinical and clinical), mechanisms of action, potential beneficial applications, marketed formulations and safety and toxicity profile of W. somnifera.

Graphical Abstract

Keywords:

• adaptogenic
• anti-Alzheimer
• anti-arthritic
• anti-diabetic
• anti-cancer
• anti-hypoxic
• anti-inflammatory
• anti-ischemic
• anti-microbial
• anti-Parkinson
• anti-stress
• aphrodisiac
• cardio-protective
• clinical evaluation
• hepatoprotection
• immunomodulatory
• neuro-protective
• safety and toxicity
• Withania somnifera

Acknowledgments

The authors want to acknowledge Poona college of Pharmacy, Pune for online article support.

Conflicts of interests

The author has no conflicts of interest to declare.

Additional information

Notes on contributors

Deepa S. Mandlik (Ingawale)

Dr. Deepa S. Mandlik (Ingawale) holds PhD degree in Pharmacology and working as an Assistant Professor in Poona College of Pharmacy. Bharati Vidyapeeth Deemed to be University, Pune. Her research areas are Inflammation, Immunity, Anticancer, Gene expression studies, Anti-diabetic and Hepatoprotection.

Ajay G. Namdeo

Dr. Ajay G. Namdeo holds PhD degree in Pharmacognosy and working as an Associate Professor in Poona College of Pharmacy. Bharati Vidyapeeth Deemed to be University, Pune. His research areas include natural products development.