Effects of Withania Somnifera (Ashwagandha) Supplementation on Oxidative Stress Response: A Systematic Review of Human and Animal Studies in Various Exercise and Non-Exercise Models

This study aimed to determine how ashwagandha supplementation affects oxidative stress. For our systematic review, we searched several literature databases, including Science Direct and PubMed. Articles on physical activity, ashwagandha, and oxidative stress published between 2011 and 2025 were found. A total of 480 published articles were found using PubMed and Science Direct. Ten papers that met the inclusion criteria were selected and reviewed for this systematic review. The Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) criteria were used in this study to assess standard operating procedures. According to the reviewed literature, ashwagandha supplementation may reduce certain biomarkers of oxidative stress. Withania somnifera supplements have the ability to reduce certain oxidative stress levels due to their bioactive phytochemical constituents, according to the reviewed studies. Ashwagandha may enhance the antioxidant defense system and help control the ratio of endogenous antioxidants such as SOD, GSH, and GPX to reactive oxygen species, according to human and animal studies. These results suggest that ashwagandha supplementation may be a viable natural method for reducing oxidative stress, such as MDA, in both exercise-induced and non-exercise-induced conditions. However, further research is needed to elucidate the ideal dosage, mechanism of action, and long-term therapeutic efficacy.