NEUROPROTECTIVE PROPERTIES OF WITHANIA SOMNIFERA - THERAPEUTIC POTENTIAL IN ALZHEIMER'S AND PARKINSON'S DISEASE

Introduction: Withania somnifera (ashwagandha) is a medicinal plant known for its adaptogenic, anti-inflammatory and neuroprotective properties. The withanolides it contains have antioxidant and neuroplasticity-enhancing effects, making it a potential aid in the treatment of neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer's and Parkinson's. Aim of the study: The aim of this literature review was to analyse the mechanisms of action of Withania somnifera and to evaluate its potential efficacy and safety in the context of adjunctive therapy in neurodegenerative diseases. Material and methods: The search was conducted in the PubMed database. Most of the publications from the last 10 years were included, covering in vitro, in vivo and clinical studies. The following keywords and MeSH terms were used: ‘Withania somnifera’, “Ashwagandha”, ‘Alzheimer's disease’, ‘Parkinson's disease’, ‘neuroprotection’. Results: The analysed preclinical and clinical studies indicate a positive effect of Withania somnifera on cognitive and motor functions, reduction of oxidative stress and inhibition of inflammatory and apoptotic processes in the central nervous system. These data suggest the possibility of using ashwagandha as an adjunct in the treatment of neurodegeneration. Conclusions: Although the results of previous studies are promising, further high-quality randomised clinical trials are needed to confirm the efficacy and safety of Withania somnifera in the treatment of Alzheimer's and Parkinson's disease.