Can Ashwagandha Leaf be Replaced with its Root in Therapeutics? A Review through Published Literature

Abstract

Introduction: Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera Linn. Dunal) is an important and frequently used herb in Ayurvedic therapeutics. Its numerous parts, including flowers, leaves and roots, are said to have wide range of health-encouraging properties. Although Ashwagandha’s root have been used traditionally, it necessitates sacrificing the whole plant. So, there is a need to explore bio-activities in other parts of the plant. Ashwagandha leaf is traditionally used as an ethnomedicine in various regions of India. Leaves of Ashwagandha are least considered in the classical literature and hardly there are references for their therapeutic utilities. Considering this, it has been planned to gather evidences against the therapeutic efficacies of Ashwagandha leaf.Materials and Methods: PubMed indexed articles published till 12th September 2022 were reviewed using the search strategy "Ashwagandha", “Withania somnifera”, “Ashwagandha AND leaf”, “Withania AND leaf”.Results: Searching by using the keyword “Ashwagandha AND leaf” yielded 252 results, while the search "Withania AND leaf" resulted in 245 results. Out of these 245/252; the free full texts were only 42 that have been considered in this review. The plant leaf is extensively used in folklore practice for various disease conditions. The leaf is preferred using both internal and external routes. Pre-clinical, clinical studies have been established diversified therapeutic benefits of Ashwagandha leaf.Conclusion: Ashwagandha leaf studies shows numerous bioactive compounds as present in its root. It can become a lead for the anticancer, neurodegenerative, anti- microbial and anti-inflammatory purpose and can be used as widely as its roots.

Keywords: Ashwagandha; Ashwagandha leaf; Ethnomedicine; Folklore; Withania somnifera