ADVANCES IN THE PHARMACOLOGICAL AND CLINICAL RESEARCH OF WITHANIA SOMNIFERA (ASHWAGANDHA): A COMPREHENSIVE REVIEW

Abstract

Withania somnifera (L.) Dunal, popularly referred to as Ashwagandha, is a key medicinal herb in the Ayurvedic Rasayana therapy and has been used for more than 3,000 years. In this article, the current knowledge concerning the chemical composition, pharmacological properties, clinical effects, and safety of W. somnifera is systematically reviewed. It contains several potent phytochemicals, notably withanolides like withaferin A and withanolide A, alkaloids, and flavonoids.Preclinical investigations confirm the adaptogen, neuroprotective, anti-inflammatory, immunomodulator, antitumor, and metabolic functions of W. somnifera through various pathways such as oxidative stress control, NF-κB inhibition, GABAergic action, and HPA axis regulation. Several clinical trials have confirmed its efficacy in relieving stress and anxiety, promoting quality sleep, increasing physical performance, and enhancing male reproduction. Its preclinical application in neurodegenerative conditions and cancer has been demonstrated, but further evidence from human subjects is warranted, safety assessments show that root extract preparations are well-tolerated under appropriate dosages, with most side effects being minor and self-resolving. Only rare cases of liver toxicity have been documented, mostly related to overdose, polyherb combinations, and contamination.