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Review
. 2023 Mar 24;15(4):1057.
doi: 10.3390/pharmaceutics15041057.

Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera)-Current Research on the Health-Promoting Activities: A Narrative Review

Paulina Mikulska  1 , Marta Malinowska  1 , Miłosz Ignacyk  1 , Paweł Szustowski  1 , Joanna Nowak  1 , Karolina Pesta  1 , Monika Szeląg  1 , Damian Szklanny  1 , Eliza Judasz  1 , Gabriela Kaczmarek  1 , Ovinuchi Prince Ejiohuo  1 , Magdalena Paczkowska-Walendowska  1 , Anna Gościniak  1 , Judyta Cielecka-Piontek  1
Affiliations
Review

Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera)-Current Research on the Health-Promoting Activities: A Narrative Review

Paulina Mikulska et al. Pharmaceutics. .

Abstract

In recent years, there has been a significant surge in reports on the health-promoting benefits of winter cherry (Withania somnifera), also known as Ashwagandha. Its current research covers many aspects of human health, including neuroprotective, sedative and adaptogenic effects and effects on sleep. There are also reports of anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, cardioprotective and anti-diabetic properties. Furthermore, there are reports of reproductive outcomes and tarcicidal hormone action. This growing body of research on Ashwagandha highlights its potential as a valuable natural remedy for many health concerns. This narrative review delves into the most recent findings and provides a comprehensive overview of the current understanding of ashwagandha's potential uses and any known safety concerns and contraindications.

Keywords: Ashwagandha; Withania somnifera; anti-inflammatory activity; anticancer activity; antimicrobial activity; herbal medicine; plant extract; winter cherry.

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Conflict of interest statement

The authors declare no conflict of interest.

Figures

Figure 1
Figure 1
The comprehensive health benefit of Ashwagandha.
Figure 2
Figure 2
Chemical structures of the main active compounds present in Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera) root.
See this image and copyright information in PMC

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