Ashwagandha Information & References
Withania somnifera, known commonly as ashwagandha is a renowned herbal adaptogen, that has been shown to possess anxiolytic, antidepressant, and neuroprotective effects. It is is an effective herbal remedy for stress and infertility. Piperine is known to increase the bioavailability of drugs and phytochemicals.
The major biochemical constituents of Withania somnifera root are steroidal alkaloids and steroidal lactones in a class of constituents called withanolides. The global prevalence of stress is increasing. Stress adversely affects cognitive ability, sleep quality, and overall psychological well-being
:pharmacological effects
Acts through the HPA (hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal) axis
Increases serum serotonin levels
As a major neurotransmitter that plays a role in the maintenance of circadian rhythm, appetite, aggression, sensorimotor activity, mood, cognition, learning, and memory
Increases cortisol levels
As a stress marker
Influences GABAergic activity
Increases sperm concentration and overall motility
as the most important criteria for normal fertilizing ability of the spermatozoa
Increase in the serum levels of testosterone in male
necessary for spermatogenesis
Antioxidant effects
Anti-inflammatory effects
Inflammation and oxidative stress are increased during times of high stress, and higher levels have been demonstrated in adults with depression and anxiety
:Ashwagandha benefits
Relieve stress
Via moderating effect on the hypothalamus-pituitary-adrenal axis, reduction in cortisol levels and by acting as a gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) mimetic agent
Anxiolytic effect
High stress is also a common trigger for mood disorders such as anxiety and depression
Antidepressant effect
Ashwagandha increases serum serotonin levels and morning salivary cortisol levels
Treatment of Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (CFS)
Via Adaptogenic effects
Increase in energy
By increasing the body’s resistance to stress
Better sleep
Factors such as subtle HPA axis abnormalities and higher trait anxiety are associated with lower sleep quality and poorer cognitive functioning among healthy adults
Greater levels of mental cognition
By increasing the body’s resistance to stress, effect on the HPA axis and increasing serotonin levels
Male infertility
Ashwagandha Inhibits lipid peroxidation, improves sperm count and motility, and has a positive effect on hormone levels. Treatment with Ashwagandha significantly increased serum testosterone and LH and reduced levels of FSH hormone and prolactin, all beneficial effects in infertile men.
Ashwagandha has been investigated in several human trials.
:Clinical trials
A standardized Ashwagandha root extract alleviates stress, anxiety, and improves quality of life in healthy adults by modulating stress hormones
A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study1
An assessment of the effect of Ashwagandha root extract (ARE) with piperine once daily for 60 days
The PSS, GAD-7, and QOL scores improved significantly in all the participants taking ARE compared to the placebo. The CANTAB analysis revealed a significant improvement in multitasking, concentration, and decision taking time in ARE compared to placebo. ARE was also associated with a greater reduction in the morning salivary cortisol and an increase in urinary serotonin compared to placebo
Ashwagandha can effectively improve stress and anxiety by reducing cortisol and increasing serotonin in healthy individuals with mild to moderate symptoms
Efficacy and Safety of Ashwagandha Root Extract on Cognitive Functions in Healthy, Stressed Adults: A Randomized, Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled Study2
lower PSS-10 score, serum cortisol levels and Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI) score but higher Oxford Happiness Questionnaire (OHQ) scores were seen in Ashwagandha SR vs. the placebo group, suggesting significantly lower stress levels and significantly better psychological well-being and sleep quality in the former.
Treatment with one Ashwagandha once daily for 90 days improved memory and focus, psychological well-being, and sleep quality, reduced stress levels, and was safe and well-tolerated
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 Adults3
The treatment group exhibited a significant reduction in scores on all the stress-assessment scales on Day 60, relative to the placebo group
The findings suggest that Ashwagandha root extract improves an individual’s resistance towards stress and thereby improves self-assessed quality of life
:Recommended dose
.Take 2 capsules daily with a glass of water
:Adverse effects
Orally, ashwagandha seems to be well-tolerated
.Diarrhea, gastrointestinal upset, nausea, and vomiting may occur
:Caution and warnings
Pregnancy and lactation
.avoid or use with caution in patients with autoimmune diseases
ashwagandha might exacerbate liver problems in patients with existing liver disease
Ashwagandha has sedative effects. Discontinue ashwagandha at least 2 weeks before elective surgical procedures
Use with caution in patients with hyperthyroidism or those being treated with thyroid hormones
:References
Majeed M, Nagabhushanam K, Mundkur L. A standardized Ashwagandha root extract alleviates stress, anxiety, and improves quality of life in healthy adults by modulating stress hormones: Results from a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study. Medicine 2023;102:41(e35521)
Kumarpillai Gopukumar et al, Efficacy and Safety of Ashwagandha Root Extract on Cognitive Functions in Healthy, Stressed Adults: A Randomized, Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled Study, Hindawi, Evidence-Based Complementary and Alternative Medicine, Volume 2021, Article ID 8254344, 10 pages
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, 2012 Jul-Sep; 34(3): 255–262
Natural Medicines Comprehensive Database
Lopresti AL, Smith SJ, Malvi H, Kodgule R. An investigation into the stress-relieving and pharmacological actions of an ashwagandha (Withania somnifera) extract. Medicine 2019;98:37(e17186)
Mohammad Kaleem Ahmad etal, 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, August 2010
Vijay R. Ambiye etal, Clinical Evaluation of the Spermatogenic Activity of the Root Extract of Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera) in Oligospermic Males: A Pilot Study, Evidence-Based Complementary and Alternative Medicine, Volume 2013, Article ID 571420
