Smart Medical Journal
Vol 8, No 2 (2025): August

Ashwagandha and Chronic Stress: A Review of Its Neuroimmune Modulatory Potential

Iskandar, Assyfa Ulti (Unknown)
Rahayu, Retno Pudji (Unknown)
Ma'ruf, Anwar (Unknown)
Budhy, Theresia Indah (Unknown)



Article Info

Publish Date
07 Aug 2025

Abstract

Introduction: Chronic stress disrupts neuroimmune homeostasis, driving neuroinflammation and neuronal damage. Despite growing interest in natural interventions, comprehensive reviews on ashwagandha’s dual neuro-immunomodulatory mechanisms remain limited. This review examines ashwagandha’s potential in mitigating chronic stress-induced neuroimmune dysregulation.Methods: A review was conducted by searching PubMed, Scopus, and Google Scholar for relevant preclinical and clinical studies published between 2015 and 2025. Studies were selected based on their focus on Ashwagandha’s effects on the hypothalamic–pituitary–adrenal (HPA) axis, cytokine expression, oxidative stress, and neuroprotection. Data were extracted and synthesized thematically.Results: Ashwagandha was found to downregulate pro-inflammatory cytokines (TNF-α, IL-6), inhibit NF-κB signaling, and enhance antioxidant enzymes such as superoxide dismutase (SOD) and catalase (CAT). Clinical and animal studies reported cortisol reduction, attenuation of microglial activation, increased brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) levels, improved T-cell proliferation and NK cell activity, and restoration of Th1/Th2 balance. These mechanisms were associated with improved mood, cognition, and stress resilience.Conclusion: Ashwagandha demonstrates multimodal neuroimmune modulation, offering a promising natural therapeutic for stress-related disorders. Standardized extracts warrant further investigation for clinical translation.

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Journal Info

Abbrev

SMedJour

Publisher

Subject

Health Professions Medicine & Pharmacology Public Health

Description

Smart Medical Journal (SmedJour) is published by Faculty of Medicine Universitas Sebelas Maret. SMedJour publishes original research articles or article review in the basic medical sciences, clinic medical sciences, medical education and public health. ...