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Ashwagandha
(Withania somnifera)
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| Introduction |
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| Ashwagandha root, also known as winter cherry or Indian ginseng, is an important herb from the Ayurvedic or Indian system of medicine. Ashwagandha has been traditionally used for the treatment of debility, emaciation, impotence, and premature aging.(1) |
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| Reported Uses |
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Today, Ayurvedic practitioners use this dietary supplement to enhance mental and physical performance, improve learning ability, and decrease stress and fatigue.(2) What's more, ashwagandha is a general tonic that can be used in stressful situations, especially insomnia, restlessness, or when you're feeling overworked. Studies have indicated that ashwagandha possesses anti-inflammatory, antitumor, antistress, antioxidant, immune modulating, rejuvenating properties, and more.(3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9)
Scientists have explored several causes for ashwagandha's soothing and medicinal properties. First, studies suggest that the herb may increase the red blood cell count, helping needed oxygen to get to the tissues.(8) Mulitple animal studies have indicated that ashwagandha may also enhance various elements of the immune system such as the number of white blood cells.(10) Ashwagandha has also boosted the immune system after cyclophosphamide chemotherapy.(11)
Ashwagandha is rich in iron, which contributes to increased red blood cell count. Additionally, scientists have discovered that ashwagandha contains significant amounts of the amino acids arginine and ornithine. These amino acids are needed for proper nervous system function.(12)
A very small study of 6 individuals with mild type 2 diabetes and 6 other individuals with mildly elevated cholesterol were treated with ashwagandha for 30 days. A decrease in blood glucose was noted as was a decrease in cholesterol and triglycerides.(13)
Ashwagandha has shown promise in other areas. An animal study indicated that ashwagandha may stimulate thyroid function by enhancing serum T4 concentration.(14) One study reported that men who used the herb enjoyed higher sexual performance.(15) Also, ashwagandha may be useful in opiate withdrawal and addiction treatment.(16)
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| Dosage Info |
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| Dosage Range |
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Most Common Dosage |
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Dosage Forms |
| 450mg (standardized extract), 2-3 times a day. |
450mg (standardized extract), 2 times a day. |
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| Toxicities & Precautions |
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| Be sure to tell your pharmacist, doctor, or other health care providers about any dietary supplements you are taking. There may be a potential for interactions or side effects. |
General
This dietary supplement is considered safe when used in accordance with proper dosing guidelines.(17) |
Health Conditions
If you have a thyroid condition, do not use ashwagandha without medical supervision. An animal study showed that ashwagandha may change thyroid function.(18)
If you have a known cardiovascular risk, this dietary supplement should be used in moderation in men. Increased iron intake associated with the use of ashwagandha may potentially accelerate this risk. |
Pregnancy/Breast-Feeding
This dietary supplement should not be used in pregnant women. Ashwagandha has been reported to induce abortions.(19)
This dietary supplement should not be used if you are breast-feeding an infant without first consulting a physician.
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Age Limitations
To date, the medical literature has not reported any adverse effects specifically related to the use of this dietary supplement in children. Since young children may have undiagnosed allergies or medical conditions, this dietary supplement should not be used in children under 10 years of age unless recommended by a physician. |
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| Footnotes |
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1 Boone K. Withania – The Indian Ginseng and Anti-aging Adaptogen. Nutrition and Healing. Jun1998;5(6):5-7.
2 Singh A, Naidu PS, Gupta S, Kulkarni SK. Effect of natural and synthetic antioxidants in a mouse model of chronic fatigue syndrome. J Med Food. Dec2002;5(4):211-20.
View Abstract
3 Mishra LC, Singh BB, Dagenais S. Scientific Basis for the Therapeutic Use of Withania somnifera (Ashwagandha): A Review. Altern Med Rev. Aug2000;5(4):334-46.
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4 Archana R, Namasivayam A. Antistressor Effect of Withania somnifera. J Ethnopharmacol. Jan1999;64(1):91-3.
View Abstract
5 Grandhi A, et al. A Comparative Pharmacological Investigation of Ashwagandha and Ginseng. J Ethnopharmaco. Dec1994;44(3):131-35.
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6 Singh A, Saxena E, Bhutani KK. Adrenocorticosterone Alterations in Male, Albino Mice Treated with Trichopus zeylanicus, Withania somnifera and Panax ginseng Preparations. Phytother Res. Mar2000;14(2):122-5.
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7 Dhuley JN. Adaptogenic and Cardioprotective Action of Ashwagandha in Rats and Frogs. J Ethnopharmacol. Apr2000;70(1):57-63.
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8 Ziauddin M, et al. Studies on the Immunomodulatory Effects of Ashwagandha. J Ethnopharmacol. Feb1996;50(2):69-76.
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9 Jain S, Shukla SD, Sharma K, Bhatnagar M. Neuroprotective Effects of Withania somnifera Dunn. in Hippocampal Sub-regions of Female Albino Rat. Phytother Res. Sep2001;15(6):544-8.
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10 Davis L, Kuttan G. Effect of Withania somnifera on Cytokine Production in Normal and Cyclophosphamide Treated Mice. Immunopharmacol Immunotoxicol. Nov1999;21(4):695-703.
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11 Agarwal R, Diwanay S, Patki P, et al. Studies on Immunomodulatory Activity of Withania somnifera (Ashwagandha) Extracts in Experimental Immune Inflammation. J Ethnopharmacol. Oct1999;67(1):27-35.
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12 Elsakka M, et al. New Data Referring to Chemistry of Withania Somnifera Species. Rev Med Chir Soc Med Nat Lasi. Apr1990;94(2):385-87.
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13 Andallu B, Radhika B. Hypoglycemic, Diuretic and Hypocholesterolemic Effect of Winter Cherry (Withania somnifera, Dunal) Root. Indian J Exp Biol. Jun2000;38(6):607-9.
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14 Panda S, Kar A. Withania somnifera and Bauhinia purpurea in the Regulation of Circulating Thyroid Hormone Concentrations in Female Mice. J Ethnopharmacol. Nov1999;67(2):233-9.
View Abstract
15 Boone K. Withania – The Indian Ginseng and Anti-aging Adaptogen. Nutrition and Healing. Jun1998;5(6):5-7.
16 Kulkarni SK, et al. Inhibition of Morphine Tolerance and Dependence by Withania Somnifera in Mice. J Ethnopharmacol. Aug1997;57(3):213-17.
View Abstract
17 Boone K. Withania – The Indian Ginseng and Anti-aging Adaptogen. Nutrition and Healing. Jun1998;5(6):5-7.
18 Panda S, Kar A. Withania somnifera and Bauhinia purpurea in the Regulation of Circulating Thyroid Hormone Concentrations in Female Mice. J Ethnopharmacol. Nov1999;67(2):233-9.
View Abstract
19 Sudhir S, et al. Pharmacological Studies on Leaves of Withania somnifera. Planta Med. Feb1986;1:61-63.
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