Ashwagandha's Multifaceted Effects on Human Health: Impact on Vascular Endothelium, Inflammation, Lipid Metabolism, and Cardiovascular Outcomes-A Review

• Published in: Nutrients 2024-08, Vol.16 (15), p.2481
• Main Authors: Wiciński, Michał, Fajkiel-Madajczyk, Anna, Kurant, Zuzanna, Liss, Sara, Szyperski, Paweł, Szambelan, Monika, Gromadzki, Bartłomiej, Rupniak, Iga, Słupski, Maciej, Sadowska-Krawczenko, Iwona
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Angiogenesis; Animals; Anti-Inflammatory Agents - pharmacology; Antioxidants; Antioxidants - pharmacology; Apoptosis; ashwagandha; B cells; Biological products; Cardiovascular Diseases - drug therapy; cardiovascular outcomes; Cell cycle; Development and progression; Endothelium; Endothelium, Vascular - drug effects; Endothelium, Vascular - metabolism; Enzymes; Free radicals; Health aspects; Homeostasis; Humans; Inflammation; Inflammation - drug therapy; lipid metabolism; Lipid Metabolism - drug effects; Lipids; Medicinal plants; Medicine, Botanic; Medicine, Herbal; Metabolism; Nitric oxide; Plant Extracts - pharmacology; Proteins; Tumor necrosis factor-TNF; Type 2 diabetes; Vascular endothelial growth factor; vascular endothelium; Withania - chemistry
• ISSN: 2072-6643; 2072-6643
• DOI: 10.3390/nu16152481

, commonly known as Ashwagandha, has been popular for many years. Numerous studies have shown that the extract of this plant, due to its wealth of active substances, can induce anti-inflammatory, neuroprotective, immunomodulatory, hepatoprotective, cardioprotective, anti-diabetic, adaptogenic, anti-arthritic, anti-stress, and antimicrobial effects. This review examines the impact of Ashwagandha extract on the vascular endothelium, inflammation, lipid metabolism, and cardiovascular outcomes. Studies have shown that Ashwagandha extracts exhibit an anti-angiogenic effect by inhibiting vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF)-induced capillary sprouting and formation by lowering the mean density of microvessels. Furthermore, the results of numerous studies highlight the anti-inflammatory role of Ashwagandha extract, as the action of this plant causes a decrease in the expression of pro-inflammatory cytokines. Interestingly, withanolides, present in Ashwagandha root, have shown the ability to inhibit the differentiation of preadipocytes into adipocytes. Research results have also proved that demonstrates cardioprotective effects due to its antioxidant properties and reduces ischemia/reperfusion-induced apoptosis. It seems that this plant can be successfully used as a potential treatment for several conditions, mainly those with increased inflammation. More research is needed to elucidate the exact mechanisms by which the substances contained in extracts can act in the human body.