Withania somnifera extract ameliorates airway inflammation and oxidative stress in ovalbumin-induced bronchial asthma in rats

•This study was conducted to evaluate the anti-asthmatic effects of withania somnifera (WS) root extract in an experimental model of bronchial asthma.•Ovalbumin (OVA) immunization and challenge in rats increased oxidative stress and expression of immunological and inflammatory cytokines in blood and bronchoalveolar lavage fluid in asthmatic rats.•Treatment with WS extract significantly attenuated these changes in oxidative stress and cellular and molecular markers in a dose-dependent manner.•WS could have the potential as a therapeutic alternative /adjunct for the treatment of asthma.