The modern epidemic of cancer has colonized the whole world with its terror and fatality. Today cancer is one of the scariest realities that has shaken the human race!
This dire situation has made scientists turn towards the abundance of the earth to find a sustainable cure for cancer! The interest and awareness of nature’s potency are not new. Moringa is already a proven component in cancer care. Similarly, sulforaphane derived from cruciferous vegetables plays a crucial role in prostate cancer prevention. Turmeric constituent curcumin is a famous solution for colorectal cancer prevention.
And the recent name to join the bandwagon is Ashwagandha! Numerous studies have been conducted to establish the role of Ashwagandha in the treatment and prevention of cancer. Withaferin-A is the compound that is isolated from this herb to fight carcinoma.
Food-based chemoprevention is increasingly gaining popularity due to its alluring features of inexpensiveness, availability, and safety that enhance longevity and quality of life. Ancient Ayurveda has hailed Ashwagandha supplements for energy enhancement. It has also been employed to cure a myriad of conditions including arthritis, stress, anxiety and insomnia, erectile dysfunction, and thyroid problems.
Ashwagandha(Withania somnifera)is one of the most popular herbs on the pages of Ayurveda. This herb has a lot of benefits due to its multi-therapeutic quality. But it is only in the recent past, that the anti-tumorigenic properties of Ashwagandha studies have surfaced!
Withaferin–A–Ashwagandha for cancer care
Scientists have identified bioactive molecules that have the potential to interrupt carcinogenesis. Further research has proven that Ashwagandha has a role to play in apoptosis, Angiogenesis, Stress Response, and Inflammation.
The research speaks on Withaferin–A–Ashwagandha in cancer care
There is a mounting piece of evidence that suggests that Ashwagandha possesses anti-tumorigenic properties. Research published in NCBI quoted, “Researchers are just scratching the surface of molecular pathways modulated by Ashwagandha and its withanolides in order to counter the carcinogenic process. Ashwagandha and its withanolides not only have therapeutic potential against cancer, but it is also evident that some of them possess cancer preventive properties as well.”
Research revealed that so far, 12 alkaloids, 35 withanolides, and a number of other sitoindosides have been identified. The bioactive compounds present include important alkaloids and steroidal lactones.
All about Withaferin A
Withaferin A is the steroidal lactone derived from Ashwagandha leaves which is widely studied for its anti-cancerous properties. This property of Withaferin A lies in its ability to inhibit tumor growth in the body. Studies prove that Withaferin A inhibits angiogenesis and its anti-tumor activity is due to the embargo on chymotrypsin.
It also inhibits apoptosis. Experiments have shown that Withaferin A prevents breast cancer cell growth. Due to all of these properties, Withaferin A has been a very prominent component in Ayurvedic medicine. Now, modern medicine has also asserted the beneficial qualities of Withaferin A and it has secured its place on the recommendation list of doctors in the past decade.
Ayurvedic take on Withaferin A
There have not been any records of reported side effects of Ashwagandha, which makes it an attractive agent for cancer chemoprevention in humans. In this generation where people are victimized by ailments, Ashwagandha works as a multi-therapeutic herb that comes to the rescue. However, care must be taken in administering the dosage of Ashwagandha when used as a remedy for cancer. Further, research needs to be conducted to carefully gauge different parameters. Also, the factors pertaining to the use of Ashwagandha as a chemopreventive agent need to be accurately established through more and more studies! It will definitely be a ground-breaking discovery in the path of cancer care!
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Ashwagandha for Women – Benefits and Side Effects
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[…] time immemorial, Ashwagandha translates to the ‘smell of a horse’. Our ancient sages said that Ashwagandha can bestow men with the power and performance of a […]
[…] Withaferin A and withanolide D are two withanolides that appear important. These phytosteroids are localized to the root and may help dampen stress pathways. The alkaloids in ashwagandha leaves could also play a role by enhancing choline activity involved in muscle relaxation. […]