Withania somnifera : From Ayurveda towards Western medical practice: a systematic review

• Withania somnifera (WS) has been used in ayurvedic medicine for more than 3000 years and has been implicated as of potential benefit for various somatic conditions. This study was conducted to define the potential of WS for further development and integration into the disease and symptom oriented Western medical system through systematic review of the Medline and Cochrane databases. The current evidence base on WS is currently limited to in vitro and animal experiments. The underlying mechanisms of action of WS identified seem to rely predominantly on antioxidant properties and stimulation of the cellular immune system. Thus, WS may potentially be of use as an adjunctive treatment of cancer, infections and inflammatory processes so far as stimulation of the immune system is desirable. WS may also be beneficial in the prevention or amelioration of neurodegenerative processes associated with oxidative stress as well as osteoarthritis. Although further proof of principle work is required, the development of WS as a disease oriented medicinal substance now requires well-designed clinical studies in humans.

Nyckelord

Withania somnifera

Systematic review

Antioxidant

Immune system

Neurodegenerative

Endocrine

Cancer

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