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A Comprehensive Review on Medicinal Herb Withania somnifera (L.) Dunal in Women’s Health: a Rejuvenator From Siddha Medicine

  • Naturopathy, Nanotechnology, Nutraceuticals, and Immunotherapy in Cancer Research (S. Hemalatha, Section Editor)
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Abstract

Purpose of Review

Medicinal herbs have served mankind since several centuries and hold the rich heritage of treating dreadful diseases. One such potential herb that exists in the siddha system of medicine is Withania somnifera (WS) known by its name Amukkara. Numerous preclinical and clinical studies substantiate the biomedical application of Amukkara, some of which includes anti-cancer, antioxidant, anxiolytic, adaptogen, and anti-inflammatory properties. Despite its extensive efficacy, the herb WS is a well-known remedy for diseases and infections that are specific to women’s health. The main objective of the present review is to prime the health benefits of WS over the health and well-being of women in our society.

Recent Findings

It was found that Amukkara have antitumor effect on Chinese Hamster Ovary (CHO) cell carcinoma, anti-proliferative activity on MCF-7 breast human tumor cell lines, and inhibition of metastatic lung nodules in breast cancer and also improve the white cell count. Outcome of preclinical and clinical studies evident that WS offers promising therapeutic benefits against diseases such as female specific cancer, polycystic ovary syndrome, leucorrhoea, menopausal syndrome, anxiety, depression, and reproductive and neuroendocrinology dysfunctions.

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Acknowledgements

I wish to acknowledge my thanks to Sri Sairam Siddha Medical College and Research Centre, Chennai, Tamil Nadu, India.

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Correspondence to Mary Princess Sulekha S.

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This article is part of the Topical Collection on Natural Products: From Chemistry to Pharmacology

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S, M.P.S. A Comprehensive Review on Medicinal Herb Withania somnifera (L.) Dunal in Women’s Health: a Rejuvenator From Siddha Medicine. Curr Pharmacol Rep 8, 72–77 (2022). https://doi.org/10.1007/s40495-021-00274-5

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