Science Backed Benefits Of Ashwagandha
Introduction Ashwagandha is considered to be a traditional stress reliever. It is also being investigated for its potential to enhance memory and immune function. But what does the science say about all its purported health benefits and are any supported by solid evidence? Read on to find out!
Potential Benefits of Ashwagandha
Stress
● Ashwagandha is traditionally used as a tonic to calm the nerves. In two studies of 116 chronically-stressed people, the root extract improved stress, well-being, and happiness; it also reduced cortisol levels. ● In several animal studies, Ashwagandha was helpful against anxiety and depression and for improving stress tolerance. ● Ashwagandha is best known for combating stress, which is supported by descent studies. Its purported ability to relieve anxiety is insufficiently researched.
Memory Ashwagandha root extract improved memory in 50 people with mild cognitive impairment. The extract also improved working memory in another study of 53 people.
In rats, Ashwagandha protected against memory impairment due to PTSD and the lack of oxygen (hypoxia).
Weight Loss & Muscle Growth Ashwagandha root extract reduced food cravings, eating, and body weight in a study of 52 people.
In three studies with over 100 people, ashwagandha extract in combination with resistance training: ● Reduced body fat ● Increased muscle strength ● Boosted testosterone
Endurance In a trial of 49 healthy athletic adults, Ashwagandha extract improved endurance and selfreported physical health after 12 weeks. It had the same effect on 40 elite cyclists after 8 weeks of supplementation.
In a small trial of 12 people, Ashwagandha decreased blood sugar levels as effectively as diabetes medication, without significant adverse side effects. Ashwagandha also reduced blood sugar in several animal studies. In some of these studies, HbA1c (a measure of long-term blood sugar) and insulin levels improved as well. In other animal studies, Ashwagandha reduced the severity of complications from diabetes, such as testicular dysfunction, cataracts, and nerve pain. Ashwagandha has helped with diabetes by reducing blood sugar and insulin levels and enhancing antioxidant defense, but more research is required to determine whether it’s effective for this purpose.
Ashwagandha boosted the body’s antioxidants, including superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase, and glutathione. It also prevented kidney injury due to dehydration and oxidative damage due to chemotherapy .
Brain Health
In cell studies, Ashwagandha promoted the growth of brain cells and stimulated neuronal regeneration.
Ashwagandha can reduce oxidative damage from drugs and protect against excess glutamate. It helped control epileptic seizures in mice and treat dyskinesia (involuntary movement) in rats. Ashwagandha also helps in get rid of the following: ● Alzheimer’s Disease ● Parkinson’s Disease ● Huntington’s Disease
Bone health issues often arise after menopause, when low levels of estrogen disrupt bone structure. In mice with estrogen deficiency, Ashwagandha prevented bone loss and stimulated new bone formation. It improved bone building in calcium-deficient rats and chickens and increased bone collagen in arthritic rats .
In cell studies, Ashwagandha stimulated bone formation and protected cartilage.
Kidney Damage In rat studies, Ashwagandha protected the kidneys against toxicity of several chemicals, including: ● ● ● ● ●
Bromobenzene (toxic chemical) Carbendazim (antifungal) Gentamicin (antibiotic) Lead (heavy metal) Streptozotocin (chemotherapy)
It also protected against kidney damage caused by dehydration
Ashwagandha protected the liver against damage from radiation and heavy metals in rats.
It increased the bile content in rats with high cholesterol and decreased certain liver enzymes that indicate tissue damage.
Respiratory Health
Polysaccharides extracted from Ashwagandha suppressed coughing in guinea pigs as effectively as codeine. In baby rats, withaferin A also protected the lungs against inflammation and oxidative stress caused by toxic bacterial lipopolysaccharides (LPS). Future trials will clarify whether Ashwagandha or its compounds may be helpful against respiratory infections
Lupus is an autoimmune disease that involves high levels of inflammation. In a mouse study, Ashwagandha reduced inflammatory markers that tend to be high in lupus and other autoimmune diseases, including IL-6 and TNF-alpha.
Morphine Dependence
Ashwagandha extract reduced withdrawal symptoms and prevented morphine dependence. In neurons exposed directly to morphine, Ashwagandha extract prevented the downregulation of opioid receptor activity. Thus, the best Ashwagandha Australia may be useful to prevent dependence when opioid painkillers are necessary.
Mild Hypothyroidism
Mild hypothyroidism, or low thyroid hormones, occurs in 3-8% of people and is especially common in women over 55. Treatment with levothyroxine, a synthetic form of the thyroid hormone T4, often comes with more risks than benefits; thus, many people with mild hypothyroidism go untreated.
Ashwagandha is believed to increase thyroid hormones, but the available research is scarce.
Cancer Research Ashwagandha has slowed or reversed the growth of several cancers, including: Brain, Breast, Cervical, Colon, Kidney, Lung, Lymphoma, Ovarian, Pancreatic, Prostate, Skin, Stomach Ashwagandha may support chemotherapy and improve quality of life. Cell and animal studies are investigating if it can block the growth of different cancers, but much more robust research will be required.
Reproductive Health Women Ashwagandha may reduce the complications of menopause. In a trial of 51 menopausal women, ashwagandha reduced symptoms such as hot flashes, mood fluctuations, sleep issues, irritability, and anxiety [59]. Men In a clinical trial of 150 men, Ashwagandha reduced oxidative stress, increased testosterone, and lowered FSH. These hormonal changes encourage the production of new sperm cells. It also improved sperm count and mobility
Some More Benefits of Ashwagandha Heart Health : Ashwagandha is believed to reduce blood pressure and cholesterol and prevent atherosclerosis, thus improving heart health, but clinical evidence is limited. Infections : Ashwagandha inhibited the growth of multiple species of fungus (Aspergillus flavus, Fusarium oxysporum, and Fusarium verticillioides) in a cell study Symptoms of OCD & ADHD : In a study of 30 people with obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), Ashwagandha extract taken with standard treatment reduced their symptoms more than medication alone Schizophrenia : In a pilot trial of 11 people, Ashwagandha reduced the severity of sensory problems experienced by schizophrenia patients
Some More Benefits of Ashwagandha Sleep : Ashwagandha may help people fall asleep and improve sleep quality. It may also reduce the consequences of sleep deprivation. However, as usual, more studies are required. Immunity : In a small trial of 5 people, Ashwagandha extract improved the immune response by activating white blood cells. Adrenal Function : In two case studies, Ashwagandha improved the symptoms and hormone levels of elderly women with CAH. Pain : Ashwagandha reduced pain, stiffness, and disability in 60 people with knee joint pain. Ashwagandha also relieved pain in three rodent studies.
Conclusion Ashwagandha is a versatile traditional herb that’s traditionally thought to relieve a nxiety and stress . Its active components have been investigated for cognitive and emotional benefits; they may also help manage neurological conditions from Alzheimer’s to schizophrenia, but more research is needed. The antioxidant properties of ashwagandha are hypothesized to protect the liver, lungs, brain, and kidneys. It may also prevent hormonal imbalances and improve sexual function in both men and women, but larger trials are required to verify its effectiveness and safety.