Ashwagandha (Indian Ginseng)

Ashwagandha (Indian Ginseng) is a traditional Ayurvedic herb that’s been prescribed by Ayurvedic doctors for centuries. This herb is well-documented to provide a long list of benefits for both, men and women.

In this post, we will delve into everything Ashwagandha - its benefits, uses, dosages, side effects, and limitations. If you were considering buying Ashwagandha tablets online, this post is a must-read.

What Is Ashwagandha?

Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera) is a herb found in India which has been used in Ayurvedic medicine for thousands of years. Ayurvedic treatments have used Ashwagandha to reduce inflammation and pain, combat insomnia, and lower stress levels.

The active components in Ashwagandha are Withanolides (Triterpene lactones). There have been over 40 Withanolides isolated and identified in Ashwagandha, providing it's Ginseng-like benefits. This is also why this herb is also known as Indian Ginseng.

Other Names For Ashwagandha:

• Latin Name - Withania somnifera
• Sanskrit name - Ashwagandha, Kamrupini, Vajini, Balada, Gandhpatri
• Gujarathi name - Aasandha, Ghoda Aakun
• Telugu name - Dommadolu Gadda, Penneru Gadda
• Marathi name - Doragunj, Asandh
• Hindi name - Asgandh, Asgandha
• Tamil name - Askulang, Amukura
• Malayalam name - Amukkura

9 Benefits Of Ashwagandha For Men And Women:

1) Has Anti-Cancer Properties

Ashwagandha contains a compound called Withaferin. Studies have shown this compound to trigger the death of cancer cells, also known as apoptosis. Withaferin also prevents new cancer cell growth. These studies have shown Ashwagandha to be effective on lung, brain, colon, and ovarian cancer.

2) Reduces Cholesterol And Triglyceride Levels

Ashwagandha can help improve your heart health by lowering cholesterol and triglyceride levels. One 60-day study showed a 17% reduction in LDL (bad) cholesterol as well as an 11% reduction in Triglycerides, on average.

3) Can Combat Stress And Anxiety

One of the most popular benefits of Ashwagandha is its ability to reduce stress. Studies have shown a reduction in visible symptoms for people with stress and anxiety disorders. People also showed a 69% reduction in anxiety and insomnia, on average, after taking Ashwagandha supplements for a 60-day study.

4) Helps Deal With Depression

Studies indicate the possibility of this herb being able to alleviate depression. One 60-day study showed an average reduction of 79% in severe depression. That said, more research is needed to claim Ashwagandha as a cure for depression.

5) Improves Memory And Brain Function

It is proven to mitigate brain function and memory problems that were caused by disease or injury. The antioxidants in the herb protect the brain cells from free radicals, resulting in improved brain health. Ashwagandha extract helped men in one controlled study to experience a significant improvement in reaction time and task performance.

6) Lowers Cortisol Levels

It is well-known to help lower cortisol levels. Studies have shown that Ashwagandha capsules can significantly reduce cortisol levels, with an average of 30% reduction. A lower cortisol level allows you to be less stressed and anxious.

7) Improves Testosterone And Male Fertility

Ashwagandha tablets have a potent effect on sperm count as well as male sexual performance. Studies have shown a significant increase in testosterone in men post-treatment with this herb.

8) Boosts Strength And Muscle Mass

The increase in testosterone due to taking Ashwagandha can increase muscle mass and strength. A particular study showed an increase in muscle size and strength when using this herb. A reduction in body fat percentage was also noted in the same study.

9) Lowers Blood Sugar

Ashwagandha is proven to lower blood sugar levels by increasing insulin secretion. It is also shown to improve insulin sensitivity, helping your body better regulate blood glucose levels.

Related Post: Ashwagandha Health Benefits For Women & Men

Ashwagandha Dosage:

According to experts, the Ashwagandha extract dosage should be between 450 and 500 mg per day. Dr Vaidyas Ashwagandha Capsules contain 500 mg of Ashwagandha extract per capsule. The ideal time to take this supplement is before bed.

Ashwagandha leaf juice and Ashwagandha Powder are also alternatives to the capsules. However, the extract is a concentrated form of the powder that’s standardized to provide expected results with greater efficiency.

Ashwagandha Side Effects:

Ashwagandha is a herb that is considered safe for most people. That said, more research needs to be done to find out its long-term effects.

Who should not take Ashwagandha?

• Pregnant and breastfeeding women
• Those with autoimmune diseases like Hashimoto’s thyroiditis, rheumatoid arthritis, and lupus, unless prescribed by an Ayurvedic doctor.

Who should be careful when taking Ashwagandha?

• Ashwagandha can lower blood sugar and blood pressure. So anyone with BP or diabetes should talk to their doctor before taking Ashwagandha supplements.
• Those on thyroid medications should be aware that Ashwagandha can increase thyroid hormone levels in some people.

FAQs On Ashwagandha:

Here are a few frequently asked questions on Ashwagandha:

Is Ashwagandha Good For Women?

Yes. Along with helping to deal with stress, Ashwagandha can also help improve mood and cognitive function. It can also help gently balance hormone levels and support a healthy reproductive system.

Ashwagandha For Corona?

Collaborative research between IIT-Delhi and Japan’s National Institute of Advanced Industrial Science and Technology (AIST) has found Ashwagandha to be effective at combating and preventing Corona infections. That said, the research into Ashwagandha for corona is still in the early stages.

Can I Take Ashwagandha And Giloy Ghanvati Together?

Some people have recommended Giloy Ghanvati and Ashwagandha as potential Ayurvedic treatments for the Coronavirus. This is based on the fact that both these herbs boost your immunity. Of course, more research needs to be conducted to be sure of the effectiveness of this treatment.

Can I Take Ashwagandha With Water?

While Ashwagandha is recommended to be taken with milk, doing the same with warm water is also safe. Just ensure that you read the instructions for the dosage on the supplement bottle before you take the capsules.

We recommend taking Ayurvedic Ashwagandha like Ashwagandha Capsules.

References:

1. Vyas, Avani R., and Shivendra V. Singh. “Molecular Targets and Mechanisms of Cancer Prevention and Treatment by Withaferin a, a Naturally Occurring Steroidal Lactone.” The AAPS Journal, vol. 16, no. 1, Jan. 2014, pp. 1–10. PubMed, https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/24046237/.
2. Khazal, Kamel F., et al. “Effect of Withania Somnifera Root Extract on Spontaneous Estrogen Receptor-Negative Mammary Cancer in MMTV/Neu Mice.” Anticancer Research, vol. 34, no. 11, Nov. 2014, pp. 6327–32.
3. Senthilnathan, Palaniyandi, et al. “Stabilization of Membrane Bound Enzyme Profiles and Lipid Peroxidation by Withania Somnifera along with Paclitaxel on Benzo(a)Pyrene Induced Experimental Lung Cancer.” Molecular and Cellular Biochemistry, vol. 292, no. 1–2, Nov. 2006, pp. 13–17. PubMed, https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s11010-006-9121-y.
4. Muralikrishnan, Govidan, et al. “Immunomodulatory Effects of Withania Somnifera on Azoxymethane Induced Experimental Colon Cancer in Mice.” Immunological Investigations, vol. 39, no. 7, 2010, pp. 688–98. PubMed, https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/20840055/.
5. Chang, Edwin, et al. “AshwaMAX and Withaferin A Inhibits Gliomas in Cellular and Murine Orthotopic Models.” Journal of Neuro-Oncology, vol. 126, no. 2, Jan. 2016, pp. 253–64. PubMed, https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/26650066/.
6. Chandrasekhar, K., et al. “A Prospective, Randomized Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled Study of Safety and Efficacy of a High-Concentration Full-Spectrum Extract of Ashwagandha Root in Reducing Stress and Anxiety in Adults.” Indian Journal of Psychological Medicine, vol. 34, no. 3, July 2012, pp. 255–62. PubMed, https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3573577/.
7. Gorelick, Jonathan, et al. “Hypoglycemic Activity of Withanolides and Elicitated Withania Somnifera.” Phytochemistry, vol. 116, Aug. 2015, pp. 283–89. PubMed, https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0031942215000953.
8. Agnihotri, Akshay P., et al. “Effects of Withania Somnifera in Patients of Schizophrenia: A Randomized, Double Blind, Placebo Controlled Pilot Trial Study.” Indian Journal of Pharmacology, vol. 45, no. 4, 2013, pp. 417–18. PubMed Central, https://www.ijp-online.com/article.asp?issn=0253-7613;year=2013;volume=45;issue=4;spage=417;epage=418;aulast=.
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10. Kurapati, Kesava Rao Venkata, et al. “Ashwagandha (Withania Somnifera) Reverses β-Amyloid1-42 Induced Toxicity in Human Neuronal Cells: Implications in HIV-Associated Neurocognitive Disorders (HAND).” PloS One, vol. 8, no. 10, 2013, p. e77624. PubMed, https://journals.plos.org/plosone/article?id=10.1371/journal.pone.0077624.
11. Pingali, Usharani, et al. “Effect of Standardized Aqueous Extract of Withania Somnifera on Tests of Cognitive and Psychomotor Performance in Healthy Human Participants.” Pharmacognosy Research, vol. 6, no. 1, Jan. 2014, pp. 12–18. PubMed, https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/24497737/.
12. Mahdi, Abbas Ali, et al. “Withania Somnifera Improves Semen Quality in Stress-Related Male Fertility.” Evidence-Based Complementary and Alternative Medicine: ECAM, Sept. 2009. PubMed, https://www.hindawi.com/journals/ecam/2011/576962/.
13. Ahmad, Mohammad Kaleem, et al. “Withania Somnifera Improves Semen Quality by Regulating Reproductive Hormone Levels and Oxidative Stress in Seminal Plasma of Infertile Males.” Fertility and Sterility, vol. 94, no. 3, Aug. 2010, pp. 989–96. PubMed, https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/19501822/.
14. Wankhede, Sachin, et al. “Examining the Effect of Withania Somnifera Supplementation on Muscle Strength and Recovery: A Randomized Controlled Trial.” Journal of the International Society of Sports Nutrition, vol. 12, 2015, p. 43. PubMed, https://jissn.biomedcentral.com/articles/10.1186/s12970-015-0104-9.
15. Raut, Ashwinikumar A., et al. “Exploratory Study to Evaluate Tolerability, Safety, and Activity of Ashwagandha (Withania Somnifera) in Healthy Volunteers.” Journal of Ayurved and Integrative Medicine, vol. 3, no. 3, July 2012, pp. 111–14. PubMed, https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/23125505/.