As the COVID-19 pandemic is progressing, the therapeutic gaps in conventional management have highlighted the need for the integration of traditional knowledge systems with modern medicine Ayurvedic medicines, especially Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera (L ) Dunal, WS), may be beneficial in the management of COVID-19 WS is a widely prescribed Ayurvedic botanical known as an immunomodulatory, antiviral, anti-inflammatory, and adaptogenic agent The chemical profile and pharmacological activities of WS have been extensively reported Several clinical studies have reported its safety for use in humans This review presents a research synthesis of in silico, in vitro, in vivo, and clinical studies on Withania somnifera (L ) Dunal (WS) and discusses its potential for prophylaxis and management of COVID-19 We have collated the data from studies on WS that focused on viral infections (HIV, HSV, H1N1 influenza, etc ) and noncommunicable diseases (hypertension, diabetes, cancer, etc ) The experimental literature indicates that WS has the potential for 1) maintaining immune homeostasis, 2) regulating inflammation, 3) suppressing pro-inflammatory cytokines, 4) organ protection (nervous system, heart, lung, liver, and kidney), and 5) anti-stress, antihypertensive, and antidiabetic activities Using these trends, the review presents a triangulation of Ayurveda wisdom, pharmacological properties, and COVID-19 pathophysiology ranging from viral entry to end-stage acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) The review proposes WS as a potential therapeutic adjuvant for various stages of COVID-19 management WS may also have beneficial effects on comorbidities associated with the COVID-19 However, systematic studies are needed to realize the potential of WS for improving clinical outcome of patients with COVID-19
Withania somnifera (L.) Dunal: Opportunity for Clinical Repurposing in COVID-19 Management