Vittal Maanya, Vinciguerra Manlio
School of Pharmacy and Biomolecular Sciences, Liverpool John Moores University, Liverpool, UK.
Department of Stem Cell Biology, Research Institute, Medical University, Varna, Bulgaria.
Biogerontology. 2025 Sep 8;26(5):179. doi: 10.1007/s10522-025-10320-0.
Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera), a revered herb in Ayurvedic medicine, has gained significant scientific recognition for its potential to promote healthy aging. Traditionally used as a Rasayana or rejuvenator, this potent adaptogen helps the body manage stress and enhance vitality. This review synthesises extensive evidence for its multifaceted anti-aging capabilities, which target key hallmarks of the aging process. The mechanisms underpinning its effects include enhancing telomerase activity to support cellular longevity, combating systemic oxidative stress, and powerfully countering inflammaging by modulating immune responses and lowering inflammatory markers like C-reactive protein. Robust clinical evidence demonstrates its efficacy in improving crucial physiological parameters, including significant gains in muscle strength and size, enhanced cardiorespiratory fitness, hormonal balance, skin health, and improved sleep quality in older adults. Furthermore, trials have consistently shown its ability to improve cognitive function, including memory and information-processing speed, particularly in adults with mild cognitive impairment. Promising preclinical data also highlight its neuroprotective potential in models of Alzheimer's and Parkinson's disease. Here, we review the current evidence supports Ashwagandha's therapeutic potential in extending healthspan and enhancing quality of life. Large-scale, long-term clinical trials using standardized extracts are essential to fully confirm its role in healthy aging within the global population.
印度人参（南非醉茄）是阿育吠陀医学中备受尊崇的草药，因其促进健康衰老的潜力而获得了广泛的科学认可。传统上，它被用作一种“rasayana”或回春剂，这种强大的适应原有助于身体应对压力并增强活力。这篇综述综合了大量证据，证明其具有多方面的抗衰老能力，这些能力针对衰老过程的关键特征。其作用机制包括增强端粒酶活性以支持细胞寿命、对抗全身性氧化应激，以及通过调节免疫反应和降低C反应蛋白等炎症标志物来有力地对抗炎症衰老。有力的临床证据表明，它在改善关键生理参数方面具有功效，包括老年人肌肉力量和尺寸的显著增加、心肺功能增强、激素平衡改善、皮肤健康以及睡眠质量提高。此外，试验一直表明它能够改善认知功能，包括记忆力和信息处理速度，尤其是在轻度认知障碍的成年人中。有前景的临床前数据还突出了其在阿尔茨海默病和帕金森病模型中的神经保护潜力。在此，我们综述了当前支持印度人参在延长健康寿命和提高生活质量方面治疗潜力的证据。使用标准化提取物进行大规模、长期的临床试验对于充分证实其在全球人群健康衰老中的作用至关重要。
