Withania somnifera, also known as ashwagandha, Indian ginseng, and winter cherry, has long been in use for its sedative, diuretic, anti-inflammatory, and aphrodisiac properties. It is an immune booster and a rejuvenating tonic. Ashwagandha is well known for its therapeutic benefits in the Ayurveda system of traditional medicine. This herb has anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, immunomodulatory, and tumor cell proliferation inhibitory activities.1 The biologically active chemical constituents of ashwagandha include alkaloids (isopelletierine, anaferine), steroidal lactones (withanolides, withaferins), saponins containing an additional acyl group (sitoindoside VII and VIII), and withanolides with a glucose at carbon 27(sitoindoside IX and X). It is also rich in iron.1

The herb has a beneficial role for any imbalance in the muscles as it reduces inflammation and strengthens muscle tone. It is an anabolic muscle builder. It rejuvenates the body and increases strength. It has also been found to be useful in management of white discoloration of the skin.1

W. somnifera extracts have been shown to significantly reduce both tyrosinase activity and melanin content in a concentration-dependent manner and seem to be useful for treating hyperpigmentation and as an ingredient of whitening cosmetics.2 Ashwagandha extract has been shown to improve an individuals resistance towards stress and enhance self-assessed quality of life.3

Glycoproteins from W. somnifera inhibit hyaluronidase (HYAL), an enzyme implicated in skin aging.4 Ashwagandha is used as an antioxidant, on account of its potential to eliminate free radicals from the immune system. Free radicals are known to cause breakdown of body tissues (aging).5

Ashwagandha protects the skin against free radical damage and delays the aging process as it firms up the skin. It also stimulates the production of natural skin oils. Ashwagandha also stimulates the production of certain key compounds for healthy skin such as hyaluronan for skin hydration, elastin for keeping the skin supple and collagen for enhancing skin strength.6

Ashwagandha is an herb with multiple therapeutic benefits and has a potential role in skin care as it tones up the skin and protects it against free radical damage.

References

1. Chaurasia P, Bora M, Parihar A. Therapeutic Properties and Significance of Different parts of Ashwagandha- A Medicinal Plant. Int J Pure App Biosci. 2013;1(6):94-101.
2. Kim DY, Kim MK, Kim BW. The Antioxidant and Skin Whitening Effect of Withania somnifera (Winter Cherry). Available from: http://agris.fao.org/agris-search/search.do?recordID=KR2016001234.
3. Chandrasekhar K, Kapoor J, Anishetty S. A prospective, randomized double-blind, placebo-controlled study of safety and efficacy of a high-concentration full-spectrum extract of ashwagandha root in reducing stress and anxiety in adults. Indian J Psychol Med. 2012 Jul;34(3):255-62.
4. Garg C, Khurana P, Garg M. Molecular mechanisms of skin photoaging and plant inhibitors. International Journal of Green Pharmacy 2017 (Suppl); 11(2):S217-32.
5. Umadevi M, Rajeswari R, Rahale CS, et al. Traditional And Medicinal Uses of Withania Somnifera. Pharma Innovation 2012;1(9):102-10.
6. Meher SK, Das B, Panda P, Bhuyan GC. Uses of Withania somnifera (Linn) Dunal (Ashwagandha) in Ayurveda and its Pharmacological Evidences. Res J Pharmacol P’dynamics 2016;8(1):23-9.