Mechanisms of Anti-Tumor Activity ofWithania somnifera(Ashwagandha)

Increasing herbal formulations have been used to treat several diseases including cancer.W. somnifera(Ashwagandha) is one such plant the extracts of which have been tested against a number of ailments including cancer, which remains as one of the most dreadful diseases on the globe. The ever-increasing number of cancer related mortality demands the development of novel chemopreventive agents with minimum side effects. Different compounds isolated from various parts of the plant like root, stem, and leaves have been reported to display significant anti-cancerous and immunomodulating properties and thus can be used alone or in combination with other chemotherapeutic drugs for cancer treatment. Through this review, we highlight the importance ofW. somniferain countering the potential oncogenic signaling mediators that are modulated by active constituents ofW. somniferain a variety of cancer types. Further, we hope that active constituents ofW. somniferawill be tested in clinical trials so that they can be used as an important adjuvant in the near future for the effective treatment of cancer.

Automated summary

This article highlights the potential role and importance of W. somnifera as a herbal medicine in the treatment of cancer, as well as its possible clinical application and research prospects.