Ashwagandha is an ancient medicinal herb. It is classified as an adaptogen, meaning that it can help your body manage stress. Ashwagandha also provides numerous other benefits for your body and brain. For example, it can boost brain function, lower blood sugar and cortisol levels, and help fight symptoms of anxiety and depression.
Here are 12 benefits of ashwagandha that are supported by science.
1. It 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 used Sanskrit for the smell of the horse, which refers to both its unique smell and ability to increase strength.
Its botanical name is Withania Somnifera, and it is also known by several other names, including Indian ginseng and winter cherry.
The Ashwagandha plant is a small shrub with yellow flowers that’s native to India and North Africa. Extracts or powder from the plant’s root or leaves are used to treat a variety of conditions.
Many of its health benefits are attributed to its high concentration of withanolides, which have been shown to fight inflammation and tumor growth. Ashwagandha is a prominent herb in Indian Ayurvedic medicine and has become a popular supplement due to its health benefits.
2. Can reduce blood sugar level
In several studies, ashwagandha has been shown to lower blood sugar levels.
One test-tube study found that it increased insulin secretion and improved insulin sensitivity in muscle cells,
Also, several human studies have suggested that it can reduce blood sugar levels in both healthy people and those with diabetes,
Additionally, in a 4-week study in people with schizophrenia, those treated with ashwagandha had an average reduction in fasting blood sugar levels of 13.5 mg/dL, compared with 4.5 mg/dL in those who received a placebo.
What is more, in a small study in 6 people with type 2 diabetes, supplementing with ashwagandha for 30 days lowered fasting blood sugar levels. However, the study didn’t include a control group, making the results questionable.
Limited evidence suggests that ashwagandha reduces blood sugar levels through its effects on insulin secretion and sensitivity.
3. Might have anticancer properties
Animal and test-tube studies have found that withaferin — a compound in Ashwagandha — helps induce apoptosis, which is the programmed death of cancer cells.
It also impedes the growth of new cancer cells in several ways.
First, withaferin is believed to promote the formation of reactive oxygen species (ROS) inside cancer cells, disrupting their function. Second, it may cause cancer cells to become less resistant to apoptosis.
In one study, mice with ovarian tumors treated with withaferin alone or in combination with an anti-cancer drug showed a 70–80% reduction in tumor growth. The treatment also prevented the spread of cancer to other organs.
Although no evidence suggests that ashwagandha exerts similar effects in humans, the current research is encouraging.
Animal and test-tube studies have shown that with aferin, a bioactive compound in ashwagandha, promotes the death of tumor cells and may be effective against several types of cancer.
4. Can reduce cortisol levels
Cortisol is known as a stress hormone given that your adrenal glands release it in response to stress, as well as when your blood sugar levels get too low.
Unfortunately, in some cases, cortisol levels may become chronically elevated, which can lead to high blood sugar levels and increased fat storage in the abdomen.
Studies have shown that Ashwagandha may help reduce cortisol levels. In one study in chronically stressed adults, those who supplemented with Ashwagandha had significantly greater reductions in cortisol, compared with the control group. Those taking the highest dose experienced a 30% reduction, on average.
Ashwagandha supplements may help lower cortisol levels in chronically stressed individuals.
5. May help reduce stress and anxiety
Ashwagandha is perhaps best known for its ability to reduce stress. Researchers have reported that it blocked the stress pathway in the brains of rats by regulating chemical signaling in the nervous system.
Also, several controlled human studies have shown that it can reduce symptoms in people with stress and anxiety disorders.
In a 60-day study in 64 people with chronic stress, those in the group that supplemented with ashwagandha reported a 69% reduction in anxiety and insomnia, on average, compared with 11% in the placebo group.
In another 6-week study, 88% of people who took ashwagandha reported a reduction in anxiety, compared with 50% of those who took a placebo.
Ashwagandha has been shown to reduce stress and anxiety in both animal and human studies.
6. May reduce symptoms of depression
Although it has not been thoroughly studied, a few 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, while the placebo group reported a 10% increase.
However, only one of the participants in this study had a history of depression. For this reason, the relevance of the results is unclear.
The limited research available suggests that Ashwagandha may help reduce depression.
7. Can boost testosterone and increase fertility in men
Ashwagandha supplements has 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 researchers also reported that the group who took the herb had increased antioxidant levels in their blood.
In another study, men who received ashwagandha for stress experienced higher antioxidant levels and better sperm quality. After 3 months of treatment, 14% of the men’s partners expressed this. Ashwagandha helps increase testosterone levels and significantly boosts sperm quality and fertility in men.
8. May increase muscle mass and strength
Research has shown that ashwagandha may improve body composition and increase strength.
In a study to determine a safe and effective dosage for ashwagandha, healthy men who took 750– 1,250 mg of pulverized ashwagandha root per day gained muscle strength after 30 days.
In another study, those who took ashwagandha had significantly greater gains in muscle strength and size. It also more than doubled their reductions in body fat percentage, compared with the placebo group.
Ashwagandha has been shown to increase muscle mass, reduce body fat, and increase strength in men.
9. May reduce inflammation
Several animal studies have shown that ashwagandha helps decrease inflammation.
Studies in humans 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, compared with a 6% decrease in the placebo group.
Ashwagandha has been shown to increase natural killer cell activity and decrease markers of inflammation.
10. May lower cholesterol and triglycerides
In addition to its anti-inflammatory effects, ashwagandha may help improve heart health by reducing cholesterol and triglyceride levels.
Animal studies have found that it significantly decreases levels of these blood fats.
One study in rats found that it lowered total cholesterol and triglyceride levels by 53% and nearly 45%, respectively.
While controlled human studies have reported less dramatic results, they have observed some impressive improvements in these markers.
In a 60-day study in chronically stressed adults, the group taking the highest dosage of standardized ashwagandha extract experienced a 17% decrease in LDL (bad) cholesterol and an 11% decrease in triglycerides, on average (3).
Ashwagandha may help reduce the risk of heart disease by decreasing cholesterol and triglyceride levels.
11. May improve brain function, including memory
Test-tube and animal studies suggest that Ashwagandha may mitigate 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 supplements may improve brain function, memory, reaction time, and the ability to perform tasks.
12. Is safe for most people and widely available
Ashwagandha is a safe supplement for most people. However, certain individuals should not take it, including pregnant and breastfeeding women.
People with autoimmune diseases should also avoid Ashwagandha unless authorized by a healthcare provider. This includes people with conditions like rheumatoid arthritis, lupus, Hashimoto’s thyroiditis, and type 1 diabetes.
Additionally, those on medication for thyroid disease should be careful when taking ashwagandha, as it may increase thyroid hormone levels in some people.
It may also decrease blood sugar and blood pressure levels, so medication dosages may need to be adjusted if you take it.
Root powder is commonly taken in one tablespoon once daily and available at KHUSHBOO!
