Ashwagandha It is an incredibly healthy medicinal herb. It is classified as an "adaptogen," meaning it can help the body manage stress.
It provides all kinds of benefits to the body and brain. For example, it lowers blood sugar levels, reduces cortisol, improves brain function, and fights symptoms of anxiety and depression.
Here Benefits of ashwagandha and its root...
What Are the Ashwagandha Benefits?
It is a medicinal plant
AshwagandhaIs one of the most important herbs in Ayurveda. It has been used for over 3000 years to relieve stress and increase energy levels and concentration.
"Ashwagandha"Means" horse scent "in the Sanskrit language, which refers to both its distinctive scent and its ability to increase power.
Botanical name Withania somnifera and at the same time Indian ginseng or a winter cherry It is also referred to by several other names, including
Ashwagandha plantIs a small shrub with yellow flowers native to India and North Africa. Extracts obtained from the root or leaves of the plant or "ashwagandha powderis used to treat a variety of conditions.
Many of its health benefits are attributed to the high concentration of "withanolides" compound known to fight inflammation and tumor growth.
Lowers blood sugar
In various studies, ashwagandha roothas been shown to reduce blood sugar levels. A test-tube study found that it increased insulin secretion and insulin sensitivity in muscle cells.
Many human studies have confirmed its ability to lower blood sugar levels in both healthy people and those with diabetes.
In a small study in six people with type 2 diabetes, over 30 days ashwagandha supplement Those who took it had been shown to lower their blood sugar levels as effectively as oral diabetes medications.
Has anticancer properties
Animal and test tube studies, Ashwagandhafound that it helps induce apoptosis, the programmed death of cancer cells. It also prevents the proliferation of new cancer cells in various ways.
Firstly, AshwagandhaIt is thought to generate reactive oxygen species (ROS) that are toxic to cancer cells but are not normal cells. Second, it makes cancer cells less resistant to apoptosis.
Animal studies suggest that it may help treat various types of cancer, including breast, lung, colon, brain, and ovarian cancer.
In one study, alone or in combination with an anti-cancer drug, Ashwagandha Mice with ovarian tumors treated with ovarian tumors experienced a 70-80% reduction in tumor growth. The treatment also prevented the cancer from spreading to other organs.
Cortisol It is known as the "stress hormone" because the adrenal glands release it in response to stress, and blood sugar levels drop too low.
Unfortunately, in some cases, cortisol levels can be chronically elevated, causing high blood sugar levels and increased fat in the abdominal area.
Studies, AshwagandhaIt has shown that it can help reduce cortisol levels. In a study in adults under chronic stress, Ashwagandha It was found that those supplemented with a significantly greater reduction in cortisol compared to the control group. Those who took the highest dose experienced an average of 30% reduction.
Helps reduce stress and anxiety
AshwagandhaIts most important effect is its ability to reduce stress. Researchers have reported that by regulating chemical signals in the nervous system, it blocks the stress pathway in the rat brains.
Many controlled human studies, stress and anxiety It has shown that it can effectively reduce symptoms in people with the disorder.
In a 64-day study in 60 people with chronic stress, those in the supplement group reported an average 69% reduction in anxiety and insomnia.
In another six-week study, Those who use ashwagandha 88% reported a reduction in anxiety, corresponding to 50% of those taking a placebo.
Reduces the symptoms of depression
Although not studied, few studies AshwagandhaIt suggests that can help alleviate depression.
In a 64-day study in 60 stressed adults, 600 mg per day Ashwagandha A 79% reduction in severe depression was reported in users, and a 10% increase in the placebo group.
However, only one of the participants in this study had a previous history of depression. Therefore, the relevance of the results is uncertain.
Increases fertility in men
Ashwagandha supplementsIt has powerful effects on testosterone levels and reproductive health. In one study of 75 infertile men, Ashwagandha The sperm count of the treated group increased.
What's more, the treatment led to a marked increase in testosterone levels. The researchers also reported that the group taking the herb increased antioxidant levels in their blood.
In one study, for stress Ashwagandha Higher antioxidant levels and better sperm quality were seen in men who took it. After three months of treatment, 14% of the men's spouses became pregnant.
Increases muscle mass and strength
Researches, AshwagandhaIt has shown that it improves body composition and increases strength. Ashwagandha In a study to determine a safe and effective dose for healthy men who took 750-1250 mg per day, they gained muscle strength after 30 days.
In another study, Ashwagandha Those using it also achieved significantly greater gains in muscle strength and size.
Various animal studies Ashwagandhahas shown that it helps reduce inflammation. Studies in humans have found that it increases the activity of natural killer cells, which are immune cells that fight infection and help stay healthy.
It has also been shown to reduce inflammation markers such as C-reactive protein (CRP). This marker raises the risk of heart disease.
In a controlled study, 250 mg daily Ashwagandha The group that received, on average, decreased by 36% in CRP, while the placebo group had a 6% decrease.
Lowers cholesterol and triglycerides
In addition to its anti-inflammatory effects, Ashwagandha Helps improve heart health by reducing cholesterol and triglyceride levels.
Animal studies have found that it significantly reduces these blood fats. One study in rats found that it reduced total cholesterol by 53% and triglyceride by about 45%.
In a 60-day study of chronically stressed adults, the highest Ashwagandha The group that took the dose experienced a 17% reduction in "bad" LDL cholesterol and an average 11% reduction in triglycerides.
Improves brain function, including memory
Test tube and animal studies, Ashwagandhacan reduce memory and brain function problems caused by injury or illness.
Studies have shown that it supports antioxidant activity that protects nerve cells from harmful free radicals.
In a study, Ashwagandha It was observed that the epileptic rats treated with the spatial memory impairment almost completely reversed. This was probably due to the reduction of oxidative stress.
Ashwagandha Although traditionally used in Ayurveda to increase memory, there is only a small amount of human research in this area.
In a controlled study, healthy men who took 500 mg of herbs per day reported significant improvements in reaction times and task performance compared to men who took a placebo.
In an eight-week study in 50 adults, 300 mg ashwagandha root extractIt has shown that taking twice intake significantly increases general memory, task performance, and attention.
Strengthens immunity
Ashwagandhahelps fight infections from many different pathogens, including bacteria, viruses, fungi, and parasites. In general, taking the root extract of the Ashwagandha plant can increase cell activation of the immune system.
Due to its antibacterial effect, this herb, when combined with traditional medicines to treat tuberculosis, accelerated recovery time and reduced symptoms for patients.
It has also been shown to be effective in treating salmonella and methicillin resistant Staphylococcus aureus or MRSA.
AshwagandhaIn addition to helping fight viruses, it can also help kill viruses.
It has been shown in various studies to help kill the virus that causes viral hepatitis, chikungunya, herpes simplex type 1, HIV-1, and Infectious Bursal Disease.
The plant and its root are also effective in fighting some fungal infections and helps the immune system fight malaria and leishmania.
For many people Ashwagandhacan be used to effectively relieve pain. It has been noted to work effectively on joint pain and swelling and osteoarthritis pain.
This herb has been used for centuries to treat all kinds of mild pain. It is safe for almost anyone to use to treat daily pain.
Improves bone health
Ashwagandhacan prevent bone degeneration. In animal experiments, it has been shown to help improve bone calcification, stimulate new bone formation, protect against arthritis degeneration, suppress gout, and improve phosphorus and calcium levels in bone tissue.
Improves kidney health
Kidneys are sensitive to all kinds of chemical and heavy metal toxicity. AshwagandhaIt has been shown that these organs have a protective effect against substances from lead, bromobenzene, gentamicin and streptozotocin.
It can even help protect the kidneys from dehydration.
Protects the liver
Ashwagandha It also protects the liver, another vital organ. By increasing bile acid production, this herb helps to reduce cholesterol.
It reduces the effects of ionizing radiation by preventing liver toxicity and also provides protection against many different heavy metals that may accumulate in this filtering organ.
Protects skin
Ashwagandha has been used for centuries to treat skin problems such as vitiligo, acne, leprosy and scars.
What Are the Ashwagandha Harms?
Ashwagandha It is a safe supplement for most people. However, some individuals should not use it, including pregnant and breastfeeding women.
Autoimmune diseases people, unless recommended by a doctor, Ashwagandhashould avoid. This includes rheumatoid arthritis, lupus, Hashimoto's thyroiditis and type 1 diabetes Includes such patients.
In addition, medications for thyroid disease may potentially increase thyroid hormone levels in some people, Ashwagandha should be careful while buying.
It also lowers blood sugar and blood pressure levels, so medication doses may need to be adjusted accordingly.
In studies ashwagandha doses typically ranges from 125-1.250 mg per day. Ashwagandha supplement If you want to use it, you can take the root extract or powder in 450-500 mg capsules once a day.
