Scientific basis for the therapeutic use of Withania somnifera (ashwagandha): a review.
OBJECTIVE
The objective of this paper is to review the literature regarding Withania somnifera (ashwagandha, WS) a commonly used herb in Ayurvedic medicine. Specifically, the literature was reviewed for articles pertaining to chemical properties, therapeutic benefits, and toxicity.


METHODS
This review is in a narrative format and consists of all publications relevant to ashwagandha that were identified by the authors through a systematic search of major computerized medical databases; no statistical pooling of results or evaluation of the quality of the studies was performed due to the widely different methods employed by each study.


RESULTS
Studies indicate ashwagandha possesses anti-inflammatory, antitumor, antistress, antioxidant, immunomodulatory, hemopoietic, and rejuvenating properties. It also appears to exert a positive influence on the endocrine, cardiopulmonary, and central nervous systems. The mechanisms of action for these properties are not fully understood. Toxicity studies reveal that ashwagandha appears to be a safe compound.


CONCLUSIONS
Preliminary studies have found various constituents of ashwagandha exhibit a variety of therapeutic effects with little or no associated toxicity. These results are very encouraging and indicate this herb should be studied more extensively to confirm these results and reveal other potential therapeutic effects. Clinical trials using ashwagandha for a variety of conditions should also be conducted.
Mishra
L C
LC
Los Angeles College of Chiropractic (LACC), 16200 E Amber Valley Dr., Whittier, CA 90609-1166. lakshmimishra@lacc.edu
Singh
B B
BB
Dagenais
S
S
D000894:Anti-Inflammatory Agents, Non-Steroidal / Q000737:chemistry / Q000276:immunology / Q000494:pharmacology / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D000975:Antioxidants / Q000627:therapeutic use; D006801:Humans; D015394:Molecular Structure; D009369:Neoplasms / Q000517:prevention & control; D009420:Nervous System / Q000187:drug effects; D010003:Osteoarthritis / Q000188:drug therapy; D008517:Phytotherapy; D010936:Plant Extracts / Q000737:chemistry / Q000276:immunology / Q000494:pharmacology / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D013312:Stress, Physiological / Q000188:drug therapy; D032341:Withania
D000894:Anti-Inflammatory Agents, Non-Steroidal; D000975:Antioxidants; D010936:Plant Extracts; C030693:Ashwagandha