ASHWAGANDHA

TYPE OF INGREDIENT​
Anti-inflammatory, anti-cancer, immunomodulatory
COMMONLY FOUND IN
Creams, serums, sprays

WHAT ARE THE BENEFITS OF ASHWAGANDHA?

Extracts from ashwagandha have been studied for their myriad of benefits. In a study of photoaged healthy adults, ashwagandha was found to improve transepidermal water loss, skin hydration and skin elasticity compared to placebo with comparable adverse effects. In mice, it was found to reduce squamous cell carcinoma development. It has also been shown to produce reactive oxygen species to target melanoma in animal studies. It has been studied for other skin diseases, including pigmentary disorders, systemic sclerosis and viral infections. Ashwagandha has several immune modulating properties, and can support the HPA-Axis, which directly and indirectly impacts skin and hair health via hormone, inflammatory, immune and stress regulation.

WHAT IS ASHWAGANDHA?

Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera) is an herb used in traditional medicine in South Asia for its diverse activity, including anti-cancer, anti-inflammatory and immunomodulatory effects.

IS ASHWAGANDHA SAFE FOR ALL SKIN TYPES AND TONES?

Ashwagandha is likely safe for all skin types and tones based on available evidence.

CONTRAINDICATIONS

Formulations of ashwagandha appear to be well-tolerated in individuals. Individuals with a reaction to ashwagandha or products containing it should be cautioned against use of these products. It has been linked with at least one case of fixed drug eruption.

Sources:

Bungau S, Vesa CM, Abid A, et al. Withaferin A-A Promising Phytochemical Compound with Multiple Results in Dermatological Diseases. Molecules. 2021;26(9):2407. Published 2021 Apr 21.

Kashyap VK, Peasah-Darkwah G, Dhasmana A, Jaggi M, Yallapu MM, Chauhan SC. Withania somnifera: Progress towards a Pharmaceutical Agent for Immunomodulation and Cancer Therapeutics. Pharmaceutics. 2022;14(3):611. Published 2022 Mar 10.

Mayola E, Gallerne C, Esposti DD, et al. Withaferin A induces apoptosis in human melanoma cells through generation of reactive oxygen species and down-regulation of Bcl-2. Apoptosis. 2011;16(10):1014-1027.

Narra K, Naik SK, Ghatge AS. A Study of Efficacy and Safety of Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera) Lotion on Facial Skin in Photoaged Healthy Adults. Cureus. 2023;15(3):e36168. Published 2023 Mar 15.

Prakash J, Gupta SK, Dinda AK. Withania somnifera root extract prevents DMBA-induced squamous cell carcinoma of skin in Swiss albino mice. Nutr Cancer. 2002;42(1):91-97.

Raut AA, Rege NN, Tadvi FM, et al. Exploratory study to evaluate tolerability, safety, and activity of Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera) in healthy volunteers. J Ayurveda Integr Med. 2012;3(3):111-114.

Sehgal VN, Verma P, Bhattacharya SN. Fixed-drug eruption caused by ashwagandha (Withania somnifera): a widely used Ayurvedic drug. Skinmed. 2012;10(1):48-49.

Tandon N, Yadav SS. Safety and clinical effectiveness of Withania Somnifera (Linn.) Dunal root in human ailments. J Ethnopharmacol. 2020;255:112768.

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Nutrafol Women Hair Growth Nutraceutical

Nishad Sathe, MD

Author

Nishad Sathe is a PGY-3 Internal Medicine/Dermatology resident at the University of Minnesota