Withania somnifera (Ashwagandha) - Uses, Side Effects, and More

Important uses of Ashwagandha for pain relief:

One study found that treatment with ashwagandha aqueous extract was shown to increase the pain threshold (the point beyond which pain occurs) compared with placebo, suggesting that ashwagandha may be an analgesic, or It's an analgesic. However, more research is needed to prove these are solid facts.

Other important uses of Ashwagandha:

Ashwagandha may help relieve sleep-related problems and may have sleep-inducing properties. It can also help you fall asleep quickly and is also great for making your sleep comfortable.

Although different studies have shown that ashwagandha has positive benefits under different conditions, these studies are not sufficient and further research is needed to confirm the extent of ashwagandha's benefits to human health.

cancer

Several studies show that ashwagandha contains compounds that may help fight certain types of cancer. Researchers aren't sure how, but extracts from this herb appear to limit the activity of cancer cells in breast, colon, prostate, ovarian, lung and brain cancers. It also has the same effect on thyroid, gastrointestinal, cervical, and skin cancers (melanoma). Ashwagandha is considered safe to use with traditional cancer treatments such as chemotherapy and radiation. Experts say it may alleviate some side effects, such as a weakened immune system. But most of these studies were conducted on cancer cells or animals with cancer.

Mechanism

Alkaloids, steroidal lactones, saponins, and withanolides are considered to be the bioactive components of Ashwagandha. Anti-arthritic effects are attributed to cyclooxygenase (COX) inhibition.

In animal studies, ashwagandha's anti-inflammatory activity was comparable to hydrocortisone. Brain antioxidant effects and CNS sedative effects may be due to effects on GABA receptor function. Withanolides found in roots and leaves are thought to have biological activities similar to steroids. Triethylene glycol, a compound isolated from the leaves, was identified as an active sleep-inducing component in mouse models and may be used to relieve insomnia.

Microarray analysis showed that Ashwagandha inhibited pro-inflammatory gene expression, including IL-6, IL-1β, IL-8, Hsp70, and STAT-2, and induced p38/MAPK expression in prostate cancer cell lines. Ashwagandha may inhibit tumor growth and increase the production of cytotoxic T lymphocytes. In vitro studies have shown that root extract has cytotoxic properties against lung, colon, central nervous system and breast cancer cell lines. Withaferin A induces apoptosis in human leukemia cell lines by inducing the production of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and disruption of mitochondrial function. Withaferin A induces apoptosis and reduces tumor size in estrogen receptor-positive (ER+) and negative (ER-) breast cancer cells. Hydroquinone-induced cancer cell apoptosis is mediated via p53. Withianone also exerts anticancer activity by binding to the TPX2-Aurora A complex. Other studies have shown that ashwagandha's cytotoxicity is related to its structure. It enhances ATPase and inhibits succinate dehydrogenase activity, impairing oxidative phosphorylation.

In animal studies, ashwagandha enhanced the effects of radiation therapy by reducing tumor GSH levels and reversed paclitaxel-induced neutropenia in mice. No significant interaction has been reported between ashwagandha and CYP3A4 or CYP2D6 enzymes in human liver microsomes.

How to use Ashwagandha ?

You can find ashwagandha in many forms (used alone or mixed with other ingredients):

• capsule
• Extracts
• pill
• gummies
• Soft capsule
• tincture
• powder
• patch
• Food (such as granola, cocktails, and non-alcoholic beverages)

Ashwagandha’s special formula includes:

• Ashwagandhayarishta (syrup form)
• Ashwagandhadi Leah (powder form)
• Balsvagandhadi lakshadi oil (as oil ⁾

It also comes in the form of tea, pills, gummies, or tinctures.

The roots, seeds, leaves and flowers of Ashwagandha are used for medicinal purposes.

You should consult an experienced physician before taking any herbal supplements. Do not stop ongoing modern medical treatment or start taking any Ayurvedic/herbal preparations without consulting an experienced physician.

Is Ashwagandha a good daily supplement?

Ashwagandha is a popular supplement that is said to enhance brain function, control anxiety, reduce inflammation, and more. According to the National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health, there is little evidence to support long-term use of this supplement.

How much Ashwagandha should you take and for how long?

Determining how much ashwagandha someone should take can be a little complicated, as dosage depends on the formulation of each ashwagandha supplement.

Root extracts such as KSM, Shoden, and Sensoril ashwagandha contain higher levels of a bioactive ingredient called withanolides, and ashwagandha supplements that contain a higher percentage of withanolides are better than those with lower levels. Supplements are more effective.

I don't know what the percentage per milligram is . Not only do ashwagandha supplements vary in their effectiveness, but the amount of milligrams people take each day also varies greatly. One review found that in various studies, participants were asked to take as low as 120 milligrams (mg) and as high as 1,250 mg of ashwagandha per day.

The average dose shown in studies is about 600 mg per day. You can take one or two doses, depending on how much each capsule of the supplement contains.

In Barish's experience, the ashwagandha supplements he's seen typically contain anywhere from 200 mg to 700 or 800 mg per tablet.

In general, taking more ashwagandha doesn't provide more benefits, and the ideal dose depends on each individual, Dunn said.

The timing of taking ashwagandha also varies from person to person.

Other supplements, such as vitamin D, can be taken regularly throughout a person's life, but Barish explains that's not the case with ashwagandha.

According to the National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health, ashwagandha can be taken safely in the short term or up to three months. The organization said there was insufficient evidence to draw conclusions about long-term safety. 1

Who is suitable to take Ashwagandha

If you’re stressed out, overwhelmed, or dealing with increasing anxiety, you might consider taking ashwagandha as a supplement. Most of the studies cited here only consider short-term use, and it's best to discuss this herb with a knowledgeable doctor before trying it.

If you suffer from a mental health issue such as depression or generalized anxiety disorder, it's especially important to seek help from a medical provider to develop a comprehensive care plan rather than trying to treat it on your own.

Side effects and warnings