Withania somnifera (L.) Dunal (Ashwagandha): A Narrative Review of Phytochemistry, Standardization, Pharmacology, Bioavailability and Safety
Ashwagandha: A Narrative Review
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.61280/gpxtnt05Keywords:
Withania somnifera, Ashwagandha, Withanolides, Withaferin A, Standardization, HPLC, Adaptogen, Herb-induced liver injuryAbstract
Background: Withania somnifera (L.) Dunal (Ashwagandha) is a major Rasayana herb of Indian medicine and a widely marketed dietary supplement, yet inconsistent extract quality and emerging safety signals limit its translation. This review integrates current evidence on its phytochemistry, standardization, pharmacology, bioavailability and safety.
Methods: A narrative review of PubMed literature searched in October 2026, prioritizing systematic reviews, randomized trials, validated analytical studies, pharmacokinetic studies and safety reports; 27 records were included.
Results: The bioactive profile is dominated by withanolides (withaferin A, withanolide A, withanoside IV) and alkaloids. High-performance thin-layer chromatography (HPTLC), high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) and liquid chromatography–tandem mass spectrometry (LC–MS/MS) methods now quantify marker withanolides in extracts, Ayurvedic formulations and plasma. Meta-analyses of randomized trials report modest reductions in perceived stress, anxiety and serum cortisol and improved sleep, but heterogeneity is high and trials are small. Human pharmacokinetic studies show rapid withanolide absorption, and formulation influenced systemic exposure. Case reports and a scoping review of 25 patients describe idiosyncratic, mostly cholestatic or mixed liver injury, rarely requiring transplantation.
Conclusions: Ashwagandha is promising, but standardized and well-characterized extracts, longer trials with liver monitoring, and stronger pharmacovigilance are required before evidence-based use can be recommended.
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