The immunomodulatory role of withania somnifera (L.) dunal in inflammatory diseases

Abstract

Withania somnifera (L.) Dunal (Solanaceae) (also known as Ashwagandha) is a botanical drug that has been used for centuries to treat many chronic diseases like high blood pressure, arthritis, diabetes, Alzheimer’s disease, and depression. As many botanical drugs, w. Somnifera possesses anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, anticarinogenic, anti-diabetic, and anti-asthmatic properties. W. somnifera is often compared to the ginseng plant due to its ability to reduce stress, improve cognitive functions (e.g., memory), and promote a healthy immune system. It promotes immunomodulatory effects whose function is to balance the humoral and cellular responses of the adaptive immune system. The therapeutic effect of w. Somnifera is attributed to active ingredients like alkaloids, steroidal lactones (such as withanolides, withaferins), and steroidal saponins. Although w. Somnifera is safe and highly recommended for treating various diseases, the current knowledge and understanding of its operational mechanisms are limited. One of the proposed mechanisms states that w. Somnifera promotes cellular-mediated immunity or initiates chemical interactions that contribute to therapeutic effects. Withania somnifera has been shown to play a significant role in immunological diseases by modulating several cytokines, increasing T-cell proliferation and enhancing macrophages functions. In this review, we will discuss the latest therapeutic effects of w. Somnifera on a number of diseases through modulating immunological markers and which specific components of w. Somnifera induce these therapeutic activities. We will also focus on the chemical properties in w. Somnifera components and their immunomodulatory role in type 2 allergic diseases where type 2 inflammation is highly imbalanced.

Immunomodulatory Phytocompounds from Withania somnifera (L.) Dunal (Ashwagandha) Against COVID-19

“…It is known to work by modulating immunological markers. WS is reported to have significant role in combating type 2 allergic disease by mitigating type 2 inflammation through its immunomodulatory effects [15] . Excessive type 2 inflammation are recognized to be the driving factor for several allergic reactions like eczema, dermatitis, asthma etc.…”

“…and contribute to the medicinal properties of the plant [2] . Studies report that Withania somnifera (WS) significantly modulates several cytokines, enhances T-cell proliferation and promotes functions of macrophages [15] . Study conducted on healthy human subjects reports that the extract of WS significantly improved the immune profile of the individuals by impacting and modulating the innate and adaptive immune systems [2] .…”

A narrative review on inflammaging and late-onset hypogonadism

“…Ashwagandha, commonly referred to as Withania somnifera, is an herb extensively employed in Indian traditional medicine. It holds promise in ameliorating symptoms associated with LOH through potential benefits, encompassing stress reduction, antioxidant properties, antiinflammatory effects, immune modulation, and facilitation of testosterone synthesis, among other mechanisms (150)(151)(152).…”

Acute and Repeated Ashwagandha Supplementation Improves Markers of Cognitive Function and Mood

“…Ashwagandha ( Withania somnifera ) is a plant used in Ayurvedic medicine for over 3000 years as a naturally occurring adaptogen to help manage stress, anxiety, and inflammation [ 1 , 2 , 3 , 4 , 5 , 6 , 7 , 8 , 9 , 10 , 11 , 12 , 13 ]. Ashwagandha has antioxidant properties [ 9 , 14 , 15 , 16 ], influences endocrine function [ 17 , 18 , 19 , 20 , 21 ], and has immunomodulatory effects [ 10 , 22 ]. Ashwagandha supplementation has been reported to attenuate cognitive decline associated with inflammation [ 9 , 11 , 12 ] and neurodegeneration [ 8 , 10 , 15 , 23 , 24 , 25 , 26 ].…”