Ashwagandha

(withania somnifera)

Chronic stress

Ashwagandha is considered to be an adaptogen, facilitating the ability to withstand stress and supporting the immune system. Withania somnifera and Panax ginseng extracts were compared for their ability to attenuate some effects of chronic stress (CS). Both botanicals were able to decrease the number and severity of CS-induced ulcers, reverse CS-induced inhibition of male sexual behavior, and inhibit the adverse effects of CS on retention of learned tasks. Both botanicals also reversed CS-induced immuno-suppression. (1)

Cardiovascular Protection

Hypoglycemic, diuretic, and hypo-cholesterolemic effects of ashwagandha root were assessed in human subjects, in which six type 2 diabetes mellitus subjects and six hyper-cholesterolemic subjects were treated with a powder extract for 30 days. A decrease in blood glucose comparable to that of an oral hypoglycemic drug was observed. Significant increases in urine sodium, urine volume, and decreases in serum cholesterol, triglycerides, and low-density lipoproteins were also seen. (2)

Improved Thyroid Function

An aqueous extract of dried Withania root was given to mice via gastric intubation at a dose of 1.4 g/kg body weight daily for 20 days. Serum was collected at the end of the 20 day period and analyzed for T3 and T4 concentrations, and lipid peroxidation was measured in liver homogenate via antioxidant enzyme activity. Significant increases in serum T4 were observed, indicating the plant has a stimulatory effect at the glandular level. No changes in T3 levels were observed. Withania extract significantly decreased lipid peroxidation and significantly increased antioxidant activity, promoting scavenging of free radicals that can cause cellular damage. These results indicate ashwaghanda is a useful botanical in treating low thyroid function. (3)

References- Ashwaghandha