Table 2.

WS root/seed extract usage in dermatological diseases and its actions and results.

Dermatological Disorder	Actions/Results of WS/WFA	Ref.
Carcinoma	WS roots demonstrated a 49% inhibitory effect on CHO cells colonization capacity. Cell development and adhesion are inhibited by WS, which induces long-term inhibition of CHO cell development, depending on cell density and length of Ashwagandha subjection. This information helps oncologists who intend to use Ashwagandha as synergizer, in completion to traditional therapies—radio- and chemotherapy.	[64]
Human malignant melanoma	WS plant extracts have anticancer properties, resulting in that fresh aqueous extract enhanced the cytotoxic effect correlated to melanoma (human malignant A375 cells).	[26]
Hypomelanosis	WS extract reduces endothelin-1-induced pigmentation in human epidermis by impeding the PKC action at the melanocytes level.	[43]
Hypopigmentation	WS and its natural chemicals (WFA and Astaxanthin) are the newest suggestions for possible anti-pigmenting substances, thus avoiding hypopigmentation risks.	[65]
Psoriasis Skin inflammation	WS was demonstrated to contain favorable fatty acids by the GC-FID analysis, while HPLC analysis revealed a small quantity of withanolides in WS. The WS seed * fatty acids diminished psoriatic wounds and skin inflammation in TPA-triggered, psoriatic-like mouse model. Research based on the study of TPA- or LPS-induced cells showed considerable anti-inflammatory action of WS in adjusting NFκB action and reducing the discharge of pro-inflammatory cytokines, IL-6, and TNF-α. Associating the skin reparatory and anti-inflammatory properties, WS seed fatty acids have powerful antipsoriatic action.	[66]
Scleroderma	It is suggested that WFA could repress the pro-inflammatory stage of fibrosis, TGF-β/Smad signaling, and considerably inhibit fibroblast conversion to myofibroblasts. Furthermore, it was revealed that the main signaling route in fibrogenesis (FoxO3a-Akt-dependent NF-κβ/IKK-mediated inflammatory response) is modulated by WFA. The results present WFA as an antifibrotic factor having favorable activity in scleroderma.	[38]
Skin rejuvenating agent	Ashwagandha has rejuvenating action and growth-promoting activity, both being evaluated in a 60-day study on 60 children in good health. Findings show that it can be administered as a hematinic and growth promotor in children. Medical research using root extracts of Ashwagandha shows that it presents considerable antiaging activity in healthy aged subjects.	[67]

* Seeds extract. Legend: WS—Withania somnifera; WFA—withaferin A; TPA—12-O-tetradecanoylphorbol 13-acetate; NFκB—nuclear factor-Κb; TGF-β—transforming growth factor β; Smad—small mother against decapentaplegic; IKK—IκB kinase; IL-6—interleukin-6; CHO cells—Chinese hamster ovary cells; TNF-α—tumor necrosis factor α.