Ashwagandha as a dietary supplement
Ashwagandha, often referred to as Indian ginseng, is a dietary supplement derived from the Withania somnifera plant. Traditionally used in Ayurvedic medicine, it has been attributed with various health benefits, including enhancing overall health, mental function, fertility, and physical energy, as well as promoting sleep. Classified as an adaptogen, ashwagandha is believed to help the body manage stress effectively, with some studies indicating its potential to significantly reduce stress and anxiety levels. However, while there are claims regarding its efficacy in improving immunity, combating depression, and enhancing sexual function, these assertions are based on limited scientific evidence. The traditional dosage typically ranges from 1 to 2 grams of the root taken three times daily. Although generally considered safe, ashwagandha is not recommended for pregnant or nursing women, young children, or individuals with severe kidney or liver issues. Additionally, it may influence thyroid hormone levels and could interact with sedative medications, warranting caution and consultation with a healthcare provider before use.
Ashwagandha as a dietary supplement
DEFINITION: Natural plant product used as a dietary supplement for specific health benefits.
PRINCIPAL PROPOSED USE: Adaptogen
OTHER PROPOSED USES: Anxiety, depression, immune support, infertility in men or women, insomnia, male sexual dysfunction, mental function enhancement, reducing cancer risk, sports performance enhancement
Overview
Ashwagandha is sometimes called Indian ginseng, not because it is related botanically (it is closer to potatoes and tomatoes) but because its traditional uses were similar. Like ginseng, ashwagandha was thought to be a tonic herb that could strengthen the body. On this basis it had been used in hopes of prolonging life, improving overall health, enhancing mental function, increasing fertility and libido, augmenting physical energy, and preventing infections.
In addition, as its species name somniferum suggests, ashwagandha had been used traditionally for inducing sleep.
Uses and Applications
Modern herbalists classify ashwagandha as an adaptogen, a substance said to increase the body’s ability to withstand stress of all types. Studies have shown that ashwagandha significantly decreases participants' stress and anxiety.
Other proposed uses of ashwagandha, which are based on even weaker evidence, include preventing cancer, improving immunity, enhancing mental function, and combating anxiety and depression.
Some traditional uses of ashwagandha are also invoked today, such as enhancing sexual function in men, increasing fertility in men and women, aiding sleep, and enhancing sports performance. However, there is no supporting scientific evidence for these uses.
Dosage
A typical traditional dosage of ashwagandha is 1 to 2 grams of the root (boiled in milk or water for fifteen to twenty minutes) taken three times daily.
Safety Issues
Ashwagandha is believed to be safe; however, formal safety studies have not been reported. Therefore, it should not be used by pregnant or nursing women, young children, or those with severe kidney or liver disease.
According to one study in animals, ashwagandha may raise thyroid hormone levels. For this reason, it should not be used by people with hyperthyroidism. In addition, based on traditional beliefs that ashwagandha has sedative effects, interactions with sedative drugs are a potential concern.
Important Interactions
Persons who are taking sedative drugs should not take ashwagandha at the same time except under a doctor’s supervision.
Bibliography
Bhattacharya, S. K., et al. “Anxiolytic-Antidepressant Activity of Withania somnifera Glycowithanolides.” Phytomedicine 7 (2000): 463-469.
Davis, L., and G. Kuttan. “Effect of Withania somnifera on DMBA Induced Carcinogenesis.” Journal of Ethnopharmacology 75 (2001): 165-168.
Silva, Lauren. "7 Science-Backed Benefits of Ashwagandha." Forbes, 24 June 2022, www.forbes.com/health/body/ashwagandha-benefits/. Accessed 8 Dec. 2022.
Singh, B., et al. “Adaptogenic Activity of a Novel, Withanolide-Free Aqueous Fraction from the Roots of Withania somnifera Dun. (Part I).” Phytotherapy Research 15 (2001): 311-318.
Singh, B., B. K. Chandan, and D. K. Gupta. “Adaptogenic Activity of a Novel, Withanolide-Free Aqueous Fraction from the Roots of Withania somnifera Dun. (Part II).” Phytotherapy Research 17 (2003): 531-536.