Ashwagandha is an herb which has notable significance in Ayurvedic (Indian) medicine. It came handy, amongst many purposes, to strengthen the immune system after illness and to relieve anxiety. It is a valuable herb because of its ability to give energy and create calmness at the same time. Few small scientific studies support the health benefits of ashwagandha, highlighting that it has anti-oxidising, anti-inflammatory, anti-stress, and sleep inducing properties. Additionally, it may also act as a tonic to improve overall health and energy. Ashwagandha is an adaptogen; it balances and stabilizes several physiological processes, including reducing sensitivity to stress.
Reduces Anxiety
Ashwagandha may comfort anxiety and promote relaxation and a sense of calmness. The reason behind is phytochemicals, with anolides. They act as precursors to the hormones that are responsible to regulate stress response in the body. This benefit is beneficial for anxiety disorders, which are often related to high stress levels. Ashwagandha can also help in treating agoraphobia and stress-related infertility in men. Studies indicate that it could be as effective as pharmacological drugs, without the harmful side effects; drowsiness, loss of sexual desire, increased appetite, and insomnia are often experienced by people on anti-anxiety drugs.
Relieves Stress
Chronic stress is eminent in modern society and is responsible for increased risk of illness. Ashwagandha’s ability to act as a mood stabilizer and improve resistance to stress has been the focus of studies. Several studies reveal notably better results in subjects given ashwagandha compared to those given a placebo. One study even pointed out that using ashwagandha improved the cell health of chronically-stressed rats. In a large human trial, treatment with ashwagandha remarkably reduced cortisol levels in 64 patients over 60 days. Cortisol is the stress hormone that has several undesirable effects on the human body when produced in excessive amounts. High levels of cortisol adversely impact immune system function and blood sugar control and contribute to muscle and bone loss.
Fights Diabetes
About nine percent of people in the United States are affected by Diabetes, and pre-diabetes affects even more. Ashwagandha is packed with phenolic compounds, including flavonoids, that help stabilize blood sugar levels. Studies have proven that the herb can help in regulation of the production of insulin. In fructose-fed rats, the extract inhibited an increase in glucose, inflammation, and insulin resistance. Another trial revealed that ashwagandha could raise levels of glucose-6-phosphatase, a liver enzyme that plays an important role in controlling blood sugar levels. In a study, the herb was equally useful as a standard hypoglycemic drug, reducing blood glucose levels by 12%.
Stimulates the Immune System
The immune system protects us against disease by distinguishing between pathogens and healthy cells. Pathogen-fighting agents produced in bone marrow travel to lymph nodes all over the body and act against these foreign bodies. One of ashwagandha’s benefits is its ability to modulate and stimulate the immune system. If some studies are to be believed, ashwagandha increases the activity of natural killer cells, those that fight viruses. There is a possibility that ashwagandha may help the immune system fight off infection and prevent overreactions by reigning in inflammation. Studies indicate that ashwagandha reduces CRP (C-reactive protein), a marker of inflammation.
Controls Bacterial and Fungal Infections
Growing evidence indicates that infection-causing bacteria in humans are becoming resistant to antibiotics. Bacterial infections, especially drug-resistant strains, can be specifically dangerous to people with compromised immune systems. Effect of Ashwagandha on immune function could help the body resist infection. However, there is no powerful evidence in humans that ashwagandha has antibacterial or antifungal properties that make it an effective substitute for antibiotics.
Anti-Inflammatory
Analgesics provide temporary relief from the pain caused by arthritis, but they can also cause severe side effects including allergic reactions, stomach pain, high blood pressure, and heartburn. Studies on animals point out that ashwagandha could be better at reducing inflammation than hydrocortisone. Human patients with rheumatoid arthritis have experienced that its use can reduce pain and swelling. The herb's anti-inflammatory properties come from saponins, alkaloids, and steroidal lactones it contains. These compounds may reduce the severity of pain and improve stiffness and aid in overall function of joints and muscles. But, people with autoimmune conditions should not take ashwagandha unless under the care of a physician. Extensive research is needed in this area as most of the studies are small in size and short in duration.
Treats Cancer
Studies on animals suggest positive results in the use of ashwagandha for treating cancer, even though there are no human studies yet. Some research reveals ashwagandha helps in preventing new blood vessels that support the growth of cancer cells from forming. One study showed a decrease in the weight of tumors in animals with lymphatic cancer. The herb also seems to prevent bone marrow suppression associated with anticancer drugs. The studies demonstrate that ashwagandha kills some cancer cells and enhances some immune cells. It may result in damaging the ability of the cancer cells to generate the energy needed to reproduce. It also results in reducing the level of essential antioxidants in the tumor cells. This could enhance the effectiveness of radiation therapy. However, ashwagandha is not viewed as a treatment for cancer presently and needs further research, including human studies, to confirm any potential benefits.
Prevents Seizures
Seizures are a result of a sudden disturbance in electrical activity in the brain. Ashwagandha has been extensively used in Ayurvedic medicine to treat convulsions and seizures, Studies point out that the plant may have anticonvulsant properties. In one animal study, a high dose of ashwagandha reduced convulsions. A lower dosage combined with an anti-seizure drug had the same effect. The herb appears to regulate the gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) receptors in the brain. It changes the receptors so that the GABA molecules can bind more firmly. At this point, the results are preliminary and have still not been replicated in humans.
Stimulates Thyroid Hormone Production
Thyroid gland secretes a hormone called Thyroxine. It is converted to T3 or tri-iodothyronine, its active form. T3 has an effect on almost every physiological process including heart rate and body temperature. Ashwagandha increases the production of thyroid hormones. In a study conducted on adult mice, the herb increased over eight weeks of treatment of bipolar patients. Ashwagandha may help with underactive thyroid conditions such as Hashimoto’s disease. However, not enough evidence has yet shown that ashwagandha is safe and effective for people with thyroid diseases. If you ponder that you have an overactive thyroid, it is advised that you talk to a physician about your treatment options.
Treats Erectile Dysfunction
Ashwagandha may enhance libido in men and can help in erectile dysfunction. Low production of sperm is a common reason of male infertility, and some studies show the root extract improves sperm count and increases sperm motility. Behavioral studies in mice demonstrate an increase in testosterone with the administration of an ashwagandha extract. However, this treatment should be discussed with a medical practitioner before use. Even though it has many potential benefits, some people should not use ashwagandha. Pregnant women are advised not to use the herb. It can also interact with medications for diabetes, hypertension, anxiety, insomnia, and depression. Consumption of ashwagandha in large amounts can cause nausea, an upset stomach, and diarrhea.
Depression
There is some evidence that ashwagandha may assist in easing the symptoms of depression. One study highlighted that adults who took ashwagandha experienced a 79% reduction in symptoms of depression, on the other hand the group who took a placebo reported a 10% increase in depressive symptoms. Ashwagandha is popular for its stress-reducing capabilities, as well as its abilities to help ease anxiety, which often occurs alongside depression.
Improve Muscle Strength
For those fitness conscious people, ashwagandha can be a valuable addition to their diet. Combining this supplement with ongoing resistance training can result in increase of strength and improvement of body composition. This implies that users may experience more muscle growth, in both size and strength, than individuals performing resistance training alone. The former group also lost a notable amount of body fat compared to the exercise-only group.
Cholesterol Control
Ashwagandha has demonstrated potential in its ability to lower both cholesterol and triglycerides. Inculcation of ashwagandha to the diet has shown to reduce blood fat levels by over 15 percent. These changes occurred with no other modifications made to the diet. This when combined with ashwagandha’s anti-inflammatory capabilities, make it a good natural alternative for those concerned about heart health but it should be approved by a physician first.
Memory Improvement
Ashwagandha has a long history of use for boosting memory. It helps in protecting against free radicals, including those in the nerve cells, which may be the reason it appears to have brain-protective benefits. Benefits of Ashwagandha are visible in its potential to improve not only memory, but brain function, reaction time, and focus too.
Fever
Ashwagandha has antioxidant and analgesic properties which give it the ability to reduce inflammation. Even though there is no proof that ashwagandha prevents or treats viral infection, a study has revealed that it activates natural killer cells which is a type of immune cells that fights viruses.
