Ashwagandha Reviews
| Product name | ashwagandha |
| Botanical source | Withania somnifera |
| synonyms | Indian ginseng, Ashwagandha Root Extract, Sensoril®, Winter Cherry |
| Part used | root |
| Active ingredients | Withanolides |
| CAS number | not available |
| Specifications | 4.5% Total Withanolides, 1.5% Withanolides, 8% withanolides, Ashwagandha Root Extract 5:1 |
| Appearance/color | Brown yellow powder |
| benefits | Reduce stress, immune support, increase testosterone |
What is Ashwagandha?
Ashwagandha, an active ingredient from the root of withania somnifera plant native to India, Pakistan,Sri Lanka, and part of China, has been used for thousands of years. Ashwagandha means “horse smell” in India, reflecting the musky scent of the withania somnifera. However, Ashwagandha is popularly known in bodybuilding dietary supplement formulas for its benefits for the immune system, antioxidant support and neurotransmitters regulation for stress.
Ashwagandha (withania somnifera) has many other names, such as the King of Ayurveda, Indian Ginseng, winter cherry, and well-known ashwagandha brands available on the market are Sensoril, SarcoTec™, Ashwagandha GOLD and KSM-66 ASHWAGANDHA, Etc.
Chemical compositions of withania somnifera
There are more than 35 chemical constituents in the roots of withania somnifera. The biologically active chemical constituents are alkaloids (isopellertierine, anferine), steroidal lactones (withanolides, withaferins), saponnins containing an additional acyl group (sitoindoside VII AND VIII), and withanoloides with a glucose carbon 27( sitonidoside XI and X). Withanine, somniferine, somnine, somniferinine, withananine, pseudo-withanine tropane, pseudo-tropine, choline, anaferine, anahydrine, isopelletierine are chemical components present in it.
The roots of withania somnifera consist primarily of compounds known as withanolides, which are believed to account for its extraordinary medicinal properties. Both the alkaloids and steroidal lactones together are called withanolides (particularly withaferin A).
Specifications of ashwagandha extract
Withanolides are the standardized ingredients of ashwagandha extract and preparations are often standardized to their percentage content of withanolides. The popular specifications of ashwagandha include 4.5% withanolides, 1.5% withanolides, 2.5% withanolides, and ratio extract such as ashwagandha root extract 5:1. However, spec like 8% withanolides is rare and the demand for higher content of withanolides is not so high.
Mechanism of action of ashwagandha
How does ashwagandha work? The withanolides are the answers. The withanolides constituents are what thought to poesses physiological activity and possible benefits. The withanolides are reported to show antioxidant properties including the prevention of lipid peroxidation in animal studies. In one study, Ashwagandha significantly reduced free radical oxidation in the liver of mice, while concurrently increasing the activity of antioxidant enzymes such as superoxide dismutase (SOD) and catalase. Other research has shown that Ashwagandha reduced free radical activity in stress induced animals.
Ashwagandha is an “adaptogenic” herb which nourishes nerves and supports nerve function to help your body adapt to stress, a common causes of testosterone levels declines. It helps the body better deal with stress, such as from exercise, which can help you recover better and grow more. Hormones (such as adrenaline) produced during difficult times cause arteries to constrict, keeping blood from the extremities and negatively impacting performance. Ashwagandha brings the body back to homeostasis by relaxing it when stressed and energizing it when fatigued.
As Cortisol increases, Testosterone decreases. Ashwagandha supports optimal testosterone and cortisol levels. The main way ashwagandha supports testosterone levels is by reducing the amount of reactive oxygen species present in testosterone cells. This better preserves the activity of key enzymes involved in testosterone production.
Benefits of taking ashwagandha extract supplement
There are a plenty of health benefits of ashwagandha, such as improve thydoid function, heal adrenal fatigue, reduce stress such as anxiety and depression, increase stamina and endurance, reduce brain cell degeneration, lower cholesterol, and boost immunity. That’s why ashwagandha is so popular in sports nutrition supplements.
Ashwagandha Thyroid Benefits
Ashwagandha can help people with both hypo and hyper thyroid issues. It has been shown to support a sluggish thyroid for people diagnosed with Hashimotos, and has been shown to improve the health of those with an overactive thyroid or Graves disease.
Ashwagandha benefits of reducing stress
Ashwagandha reduces significantly the cortisol level which is an indicator for stress and anxiety. It helps to handle stressful situation in a better way leading to a relaxed mind. Many of these physiological changes are caused by the stress hormone, cortisol, an adrenal hormone that increases in concentration in the body in reaction to stress. When the brain perceives stress, it leads to a cascade of neural and hormonal signals known as the “stress circuit” (HPA-axis in scientific terms) that ultimately results in the secretion of cortisol by the adrenal glands. The negative effects of stress may include increased anxiety and irritability, a depressed mood, concentration and memory problems, sleeplessness, and loss of energy. These negative effects can have a serious impact on our quality of life.
Ashwagandha and Male Sexual health & male testosterone
Ashwagandha increases sperm mobility and quality as well as male testosterone level. Data from 46 men indicated that daily supplements of ashwagandha for 90 days were associated with a 17% increase in testosterone levels.
Ashwagandha and Immune system benefits
In fact, several studies have reportedly shown it to greatly boost the immune system, increasing white blood cell production, helping to ward off illness and disease. It’s these benefits that make it a go-to choice in Indian herbal medicine for people in recovery who are looking to rebuild their internal system after illness.
Side Effects of taking ashwagandha supplements
Ashwagandha is generally SAFE when taken by mouth short-term. There is no serious side effects reported from the clients. Ashwagandha may enhance the effects of sedative and anti-anxiety medications, including herbal St. John’s wort, immune suppressants, and drugs used to lower high blood pressure or glucose levels. It may also enhance the effects of alcohol. People with bleeding issues or an upcoming surgery shouldn’t use ashwagandha.
Ashwagandha Dosage
As you can see, ashwagandha is an adaptogenic superstar that can have some tremendous health benefits. The recommended dose is 600 to 1000 milligrams twice daily, along with following a diet high in healthy fats, protein, and fiber as well as removing grains and sugars from your diet.