Phytotherapy for Endometriosis using Withaferin-A
Official title: Phytotherapy for Endometriosis
Funded at Texas A&m University · NIH-11330521 · Data updated 2026-11-12
A doctor-scientist at a U.S. university is testing a plant-based compound to help reduce endometriosis symptoms and improve fertility in affected women, using a preclinical model to explore how it might work.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Texas A&m University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (College Station, United States) |
| Project start | September 1, 2022 |
| Project end | May 31, 2027 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $325,725 |
| NIH project number | 5R01HD107406-05 |
| Project ID | NIH-11330521 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates are individuals with endometriosis or those at risk of endometriosis who could benefit from future clinical translation of plant-based therapies.
✕Less likely to help
Patients seeking immediate, proven therapies or those with conditions not related to endometriosis may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This project explores whether Withaferin-A from the herb Ashwagandha can shrink endometriosis lesions and lessen pelvic pain while supporting a healthier uterine environment. Researchers will use animal and cellular models to study how the compound affects inflammation, nerve signals, and lesion growth related to endometriosis. The aim is to identify a non-surgical, non-steroidal option that could eventually lead to new treatments for women struggling with pain and infertility due to endometriosis.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could pave the way for a new plant-based therapy to reduce pain and improve fertility for people with endometriosis.
How similar studies have gone: Previous studies have shown anti-inflammatory and anti-cancer effects of Withaferin-A in other models, but its role in endometriosis is untested.
Where this research is happening
-
Texas A&m University
College Station, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Arosh, Joe a. — Texas A&m University
- Study coordinator: Arosh, Joe a.
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
-
Molecular clues to endometriosis-related infertility
This grant explores how molecular changes in endometriosis contribute to infertility, with the aim of finding better ways to diagnose and treat the condition.
-
Hormonal Influences on Inflammation in Endometriosis
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-
How genes influence endometriosis in women of different racial and ethnic backgrounds
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-
Quantum diamond sensor endoscopy to map iron in endometriosis
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Understanding how RPLP1 affects endometriosis and adenomyosis
A patient-focused look at how a ribosomal protein called RPLP1 may drive tissue changes in endometriosis and adenomyosis and what this could mean for future therapies.
-
CXCR4 methylation in endometriosis and its role as an early biomarker and non-hormonal therapy target
This project explores how changes in CXCR4 gene regulation may help diagnose endometriosis earlier and point toward non-hormonal treatments for the condition.
About this research
- This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
- Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
- For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page.