The Consumer Guide to Ashwagandha
In this guide...
Source: Ashwagandha is an important immunity, energy, and vitality herb in Ayurvedic medicine, the traditional healing practice of India. Ashwagandha preparations are derived from the roots and, to a lesser extent, the leaves of a small branching shrub (Withania somnifera) of the nightshade family. It grows abundantly in the arid highlands of Himalayan India as well as in parts of northern Africa and the Middle East Do Scientists Know How It Works? Alkaloids in Ashwagandha such as withanine (a few of which are similar to alkaloids found in belladonna and other nightshade-family plants) have sedative actions. The sedative action of the herb may also be due to its ability to increase uptake of GABA, an amino acid and neurotransmitter that is a central nervous system depressant. Several steroid-like chemicals and chemicals called withanolides may account for the plant's tonic effects. The compound withaferin kills many bacteria and viruses.
Modern Uses: Animals studies confirm Ashwagandha's adaptogenic properties, including the ability to enhance survival during stress. One recent study found that mice given Ashwagandha swim for longer durations than those given ginseng. Ashwagandha increases body weight and muscle development. It also relaxes muscles of the small intestine and the windpipe and is anticonvulsant. In India, pharmaceutical sedatives and pain killers contain Ashwagandha. It can promote sleep without causing sluggishness. Ashwagandha increases aspects of learning and memory retention which supports its traditional use among geriatric populations
What Types Of Chinese Ashwagandha Products Are Available? Ashwagandha is generally sold in capsules that are standardized for 2 to 7 mg withanolides. Safety. Ashwagandha has a long history of safe use in India and is safe to take at normal doses on a daily basis for extended periods of time. The presence of nightshade-family alkaloids suggests that large doses should be avoided. Some researchers claim that large amounts can cause abortion, and the herb should be avoided during pregnancy.
Source
Traditional Uses
Do Scientists Know How It Works?
Modern Uses
What Types Of Ashwagandha Products Are Available?
References
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- Atal, C.K., and A.E. Schwarting, "Ashwagandha-An ancient Indian drug," Economic Botany (1961), 15: 256-63.
- Xiaoguang, C., et al., "Cancer chemopreventive and therapeutic activities of red ginseng," J Ethnopharmacol (1998), 60(1):71-8
- Bhattacharya, S.K., et al., "Antioxidant activity of glycowithanolides from Withania somnifera," Indian J Exp Biol (1997) 35(3):236-9.
- Devi, P.U., "Withania somnifera Dunal (Ashwagandha): potential plant source of a promising drug for cancer chemotherapy and radiosensitization," Indian J Exp Biol (1996), 34(10):927-32.
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