Ashwagandha Inhibits Bacteria

ALIGARH, India--Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera) may be antibacterial, according to a study published in Phytomedicine (12, 3:216-220, 2005) (www.sciencedirect.com/science/journal/09447113).

Both aqueous and alcoholic extracts of ashwagandha (root as well as leaves) were found through in vitro Agar Well Diffusion to possess strong antibacterial activity against a range of bacteria including Salmonella typhimurium. Oral administration of the aqueous extracts vanquished salmonella infection in Balb/C mice as shown by increased survival rate as well as decreased bacterial load in various vital organs of the treated animals. In contrast to a synthetic antibiotic, the extracts did not dissolve human erythrocytes.

The researchers concluded the active chemical compounds present in ashwagandha should be used in treatment of various bacterial infections including salmonellosis, and added the herb should be studied more extensively to explore its potential in the treatment of infectious diseases.