ASHWAGANDHA : Indian GINSENG

i)                 Introduction of Ashwagandha

Ashwagandha is an evergreen shrub that grows in India, the Middle East, and parts of Africa. Its roots and orange-red fruit have been used for hundreds of years for medicinal purposes. The herb is also called Indian ginseng or winter cherry. The name Ashwagandha describes the smell of its root (like a horse). By definition, Ashwa means horse.

Ashwagandha is an incredibly healthy medicinal herb. And it is no wonder, with all the benefits this beloved root has to offer. It’s classified as an "adaptogen," meaning that it can help your body manage stress. Ashwagandha has been used in Ayurveda for thousands of years as a rasayana (rejuvenative) and it is renowned as an adaptogenic herb, which means it is used to help the body resist physiological and psychological stress by adapting to the needs of the body.

ii)              USES & SCIENCE of Ashwagandha

Historically, the roots of ashwagandha have been used to treat:

  -    arthritis

  -    constipation

  -    insomnia

  -    skin conditions

  -    stress

  -    gastrointestinal issues

  -    diabetes

  -    nervous breakdowns

  -    fevers

  -    snake bites

  -    memory loss

Ashwagandha is used in Ayurveda to balance vata and kapha - in excess, and because of its heating, unctuous, building nature, it can imbalance pitta, and also worsen ama (toxic build-up). Ayurveda recognizes ashwagandha particularly for its building, strengthening, and nourishing nature.

Ashwagandha has become of interest to a number of researchers, particularly as it grows in popularity. It has been the subject of studies looking at the benefit on the immune system, including possible support of the immune system during radiation and chemotherapy.

iii)          HEALTH BENEFITS of CONSUMING Ashwagandha

Here are benefits of ashwagandha that are supported by science.

 >    Is an Ancient Medicinal Herb :

Ashwagandha is one of the most important herbs in Ayurveda, a form of alternative medicine based on Indian principles of natural healing. It has been used for over 3,000 years to relieve stress, increase energy levels and improve concentration. "Ashwagandha" is Sanskrit for "smell of the horse," which refers to both its unique smell and ability to increase strength.

 >    Helps Reduce Stress and Anxiety :

Ashwagandha is perhaps best known for its ability to reduce stress. A study published in the journal Phytomedicine showed that the herb had the ability to reduce anxiety levels. Several controlled human studies have shown that it can effectively reduce symptoms in people with stress and anxiety disorders as well.

In a 60-day study in 64 people with chronic stress, those in the supplemental group reported a 69% average reduction in anxiety and insomnia.

 >    Helps Treating Forms of Arthritis :

Ashwagandha is considered a pain reliever that acts on the nervous system to prevent pain signals from being sent. It's also thought to have some anti-inflammatory properties. For this reason, some research has shown it to be effective in treating forms of arthritis.

 >    Reduces Blood Sugar Levels :

In several studies, ashwagandha has been shown to lower blood sugar levels. Several human studies have confirmed its ability to reduce blood sugar levels in both healthy people and those with diabetes. In a small study in six people with type 2 diabetes, supplementing with ashwagandha for 30 days lowered fasting blood sugar levels as effectively as an oral diabetes medication.

 >    Has Anti-Cancer Properties :

Ashwagandha helps induce apoptosis, which is the programmed death of cancer cells. It also impedes the growth of new cancer cells in several ways. Ashwagandha is believed to promote the formation of reactive oxygen species (ROS) inside cancer cells, disrupting their function. It may cause cancer cells to become less resistant to apoptosis.

 >    Helps Alzheimer's Treatment :

According to the African Journal of Traditional, Complementary and Alternative Medicine, several studies have examined ashwagandha's ability to slow or prevent loss of brain function in people with diseases like Alzheimer's, Huntington's, and Parkinson's. As these diseases progress, parts of the brain and its connective paths become damaged, which leads to loss of memory and function. Research suggests that ashwagandha, when givenduring the early disease stages, may be able to offer protection.

 >    Boosts Testosterone and Increase Fertility in Men :

Ashwagandha supplements may have powerful effects on testosterone levels and reproductive health. In one study in 75 infertile men, the group treated with ashwagandha showed increased sperm count and motility. The treatment led to a significant increase in testosterone levels. The researchers also reported that the group who took the herb had increased antioxidant levels in their blood.

 >    Increases Muscle Mass and Strength :

Research has shown that ashwagandha may improve body composition and increase strength. In a study, those who took ashwagandha had significantly greater gains in muscle strength and size.

 >    Reduces Inflammation :

Several studies have shown that ashwagandha helps decrease inflammation. Studies have found that it increases the activity of natural killer cells, which are immune cells that fight infection and help you stay healthy. It has also been shown to decrease markers of inflammation, such as C-reactive protein (CRP). This marker is linked to an increased risk of heart disease. In one controlled study, the group who took 250 mg of standardized ashwagandha extract daily had a 36% decrease in CRP, on average.

 >    Reduces Symptoms of Depression :

Studies suggest ashwagandha may help alleviate depression. In one controlled 60-day study in 64 stressed adults, those who took 600 mg of high-concentration ashwagandha extract per day reported a 79% reduction in severe depression.

 >    Improves Brain Function, Including Memory :

Ashwagandha may reduce memory and brain function problems caused by injury or disease. Research has shown that it promotes antioxidant activity that protects nerve cells from harmful free radicals. Ashwagandha has traditionally been used to boost memory in Ayurvedic practice. In one controlled study, healthy men who took 500 mg of standardized extract daily reported significant improvements in their reaction time and task performance.

 >    Lowers Cholesterol and Triglycerides :

In addition to its anti-inflammatory effects, ashwagandha may help improve heart health by reducing cholesterol and triglyceride levels. In a 60-day study in chronically stressed adults, the group taking the highest dosage of standardized ashwagandha extract experienced a 17% decrease in “bad” LDL cholesterol and an 11% decrease in triglycerides, on average.