THE ROLE OF ASHWAGANDHA (WITHANIA SOMNIFERA) IN CANCER TREATMENT: A COMPREHENSIVE REVIEW

Abstract

Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera), a prominent herb in Ayurvedic medicine, has been traditionally utilized for its wide range of health benefits, including stress reduction, cognitive enhancement, and anti-inflammatory effects. Recently, its potential in cancer prevention and treatment has garnered significant attention. This review aims to synthesize existing research on Ashwagandha’s role in cancer therapy, focusing on its anticancer, fatigue-reducing, and immunomodulatory properties. Withaferin A, a bioactive compound in Ashwagandha, has demonstrated potent anticancer activity, including apoptosis induction, cell cycle arrest, angiogenesis inhibition, and modulation of critical signaling pathways such as NF-κB, PI3K/Akt, and MAPK. Studies have shown that Ashwagandha effectively reduces tumor growth and metastasis in preclinical models, making it a promising candidate for cancer prevention and treatment. Furthermore, Ashwagandha has demonstrated significant benefits in mitigating chemotherapy-induced fatigue (CRF), a major debilitating side effect in cancer patients, thereby improving their quality of life (QoL). Clinical studies have reported that Ashwagandha supplementation during chemotherapy results in reduced fatigue, better physical and mental well-being, and enhanced survival rates, without compromising the efficacy of conventional treatments. In addition to its anticancer and fatigue-relieving effects, Ashwagandha has been shown to have immunomodulatory properties, enhancing immune responses and reducing the oxidative stress caused by chemotherapy agents such as Doxorubicin and Cyclophosphamide. Through its ability to modulate immune functions, Ashwagandha helps mitigate the toxic effects of chemotherapy and improve overall immune system efficiency. Despite promising preclinical and clinical findings, the safety, optimal dosage, and long-term effects of Ashwagandha in cancer therapy remain to be fully explored. Further clinical trials are necessary to validate its therapeutic benefits and establish standardized treatment protocols. This review highlights the growing evidence supporting Ashwagandha as a potential adjunctive therapy in integrative oncology, offering a natural, safe, and effective approach to enhance the treatment outcomes and well-being of cancer patients.