How long ago Ashwagandha benefits were found?
Traditionally, Ashwagandha is a well-established medicinal herb in Ayurveda (Indian traditional medicinal system). In the traditional medicinal system (TMS), Ashwagandha is popularly known as ‘queen of herbs. The Scientific name of Ashwagandha is Withania somnifera. Since ages, it has been believed that Ashwagandha has an adaptogenic/anti-stress property. Ashwagandha root acts as a tonic, aphrodisiac, narcotic, diuretic, anthelmintic, astringent, thermogenic and stimulant.
The chemical constituents of Ashwagandha include three naturally obtained powerful antioxidants, superoxide dismutase, catalase, and glutathione peroxidase. Ashwagandha also contains two major anti-stress components, including Sitoindosides and acylsteryl glucosides, which is effective to balance the acute stress level. Ashwagandha root also contains Glycowithanolides withaferin- A and sitoindosides VII–X. Ashwagandha Root contains Withanolide sulfoxide, a phytochemical, which acts against the human gastric, breast, central nervous system, and colon cancer cell lines.
The medicinal property of Ashwagandha mainly obtained from its root. The dried root of Ashwagandha has many traditional applications. The following are different forms of Ashwagandha root.
The active constituents of Ashwagandha increase significant physical endurance and effective to balance the acute stress level.It has been assumed that stress-induced diseases like arteriosclerosis, premature aging, arthritis, diabetes, hypertension, and cancer can also be prevented or controlled by Ashwagandha root.
Adaptogenic/anti-stress activity of Ashwagandhasignificantly improves aerobic performance with regard to cardio-respiratory and cardiovascular endurance. The antioxidant property ofAshwagandha significantly decreases lipid peroxidation and effective to treat stress-oriented hypertension. Ashwagandha root also possesses hypocholesterolemic properties. Animal study reports showed a significant reduction of total lipids, cholesterol, and triglycerides in plasma in hypercholesteremic animals after treating with Ashwagandha root. Additionally, treatment with Ashwagandha root can cause significant enhancement of HDL-cholesterol levels in plasma.
Ashwagandha root can induce hypoglycemia in non-insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus (NIDDM), also known as type 2 diabetes mellitus in human subjects. This herb has a regulatory effect on diabetes-induced complications such as alteration of the gonadal hormone levels, especially; progesterone and is also effective in lowering serum FSH levels.
Ashwagandha root extract has potential GABA-mimetic activity (GABA is a neurotransmitter, which controls motor and vision activity in the cortex) and useful to treat tardive dyskinesia (a neurological disorder characterized by involuntary movements of the face and jaw). Treatment with Ashwagandha promotes the growth of nerves within 7 days. [1] A laboratory-based study had shown that these active constituents have the potential effect of reversing ibotenic acid-induced cognitive defects in Alzheimer’s disease model.
In Ayurveda, Ashwagandha is used to treat children with memory shortfalls, even treatment is applicable for an adult or elderly person suffering from memory impairment due to any chronic illness or head injury. A recent animal study conducted in 2013 provided evidence that the administration of Ashwagandha root extract prevented memory impairment and neurodegenerative diseases.
Ashwagandha root has Immunomodulatory activity, which prevents different disease conditions by increasing the circulating antibody, plaque-forming cells formation in the spleen and phagocytic activity.
Ashwagandha is good for anxiety and can act as a mood stabilizer. A randomized double-blind study showed that Ashwagandha (300 mg) root benefits in reducing stress levels and food cravings, while improves the feeling of happiness and promoting weight loss.
Ashwagandha root improves the anti-peroxidation of hepatic tissue by increasing hepatic glucose-6-phosphatase activity.
This herbal remedy can also stimulate thyroidal activity by increasing serum 3,3′,5-triiodothyronine (T3) and tetraiodothyronine (T4) concentrations. This way Ashwagandha is good for hypothyroidism.
The anti-stress effect of ashwagandha root is wide and can also improve male infertility. The study report showed that stress inversely affects male fertility by decreasing semen quality. The human study result reported that root powder of Ashwagandha at a rate of 5 gram/day for 3 months can decrease stress level, improve the anti-oxidants level and can affect the overall semen quality in a significant number of treated individuals. As a result of this, 14% of partners of the patients became pregnant within a certain period of time.
The root of Ashwagandha showed its cytotoxic effect against lung, colon, central nervous system, and breast cancer cell lines. Ashwagandha root may synergize the effect of conventional chemotherapy or radiation therapy, as the study found that Ashwagandha root has an inhibitory effect on the Chinese Hamster Ovary (CHO) cell and the positive outcome depends upon the stage of cancer and duration of the Ashwagandha therapy. The antioxidant property of Ashwagandha acts against free radicals accumulation and protects against cellular damage.
The potent analgesic and anti-inflammatory activity of ashwagandha can control arthritis pain symptoms.
The aqueous paste of crushed root can help in reducing spot marks when applied locally on boils or blemishes.
Ashwagandha root is safe to use when it has taken in a proper dose. But in large doses, it can cause gastrointestinal-related disorder, including diarrhea, stomach upset and vomiting.
Ashwagandha or Withania somnifera is not recommended for pregnant women.
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