Ashwagandha is used as an adaptogen in Ayurvedic medicine, which means it promotes the body’s ability to maintain homeostasis and resist stress. The list of ashwagandha’s therapeutic properties is therefore long:
strengthening the nervous system and therefore improving concentration, memory, and reaction time
soothing and helping with insomnia
acting as an aphrodisiac
rejuvenating tissues, particularly muscle and bones
having antibacterial and antiviral properties
offering anti-inflammatory benefits
reducing body’s response to stress
reducing anxiety and depression
The main constituents of ashwagandha are steroidal lactones and alkaloids, among which withanine is the main one. Some of the other alkaloids found in the plant are somniferine, somnine, somniferinine, withananine, pseudo-withanine, tropine and anaferine. Besides them, ashwagandha also contains 18 different fatty acids, beta-sitosterol, polyphenols and phytosterols. A unique combination of these chemicals in an ideal ratio makes ashwagandha’s powerful tonic that rejuvenates body and mind.
Until recently ashwagandha was used mostly in Ayurvedic medicine, but its positive benefits on various health issues were scientifically confirmed in last years. A research made on animals showed that certain chemicals in ashwagandha improve the production of acetylcholine, which is the main transmitter of neural signals. That is how ashwagandha improves cognitive abilities of thinking, concentration and memory. At the same time, ashwagandha does not over stimulate the neural system, but because it can activate the so called GABA receptors in nervous cells, it has a soothing and calming effect.
Another study confirmed ashwagandha’s effect on reconstructing synapses in brains. It can even stimulate the growth of parts of the neural cells that have already been damaged and it is therefore one of the most researched herbs in the field of Alzheimer.
In a clinical trial of ashwagandha on the aging process in over 100 men, 71 % of the men reported improvement in their capacity of sexual performance after they have been consuming ashwagandha regularly. The study confirms its use as an aphrodisiac, which is also the reason for calling it »Indian ginseng«. Regular consumption of ashwagandha improves the quality and quantity of the sperm, but it also improves libido in women. The aphrodisiac properties are probably due to the fact that ashwagandha supports the tyroid, which is one of the most important endocrine glands in our body as it produces the thyroid hormones, which effect metabolic processes in the entire body. Tired thyroid can lead to various health problems, such as problems with body weight, high blood pressure, nervosity, anxiety, weakness, depression, bowel problems, lack of libido, infertility and sleep problems.
Positive impact on the feelings of anxiety and depression were shown in a study from year 2000, where it was proven that ashwagandha acts similarly as a conventionally used drug lorazepam, but without any side effects.
A potential toxicity of the herb was checked in a study, based on rats. The animals were receiving a daily dose of ashwaganda for three months, after which the state of their organs was checked. No abnormalities in any organ were spotted, which makes ashwagandha a safe herb to use. It should be avoided only during pregnancy and when receiving corticosteroids for treating thyroid issues.