In India, ashwagandha extracts are traditionally used as a topical anti-venom treatment. Now modern science has uncovered that ashwagandha has a glycoprotein component that is a potent inhibitor of the hyaluronidase enzymes in venom. These enzymes break down the snake bite victim’s tissue and help spread venom toxins throughout the body.70
Lab studies demonstrate that ashwagandha’s hyaluronidase inhibitor can completely inhibit this enzyme in cobra and viper venoms at a 1:1 ratio.70 Although ashwagandha did not completely eliminate the toxicity of the venom, it did significantly reduce it in animal studies.71