Have you heard about Ashwagandha? It’s the latest wonder herb that promises to cure everything from anxiety to cancer. Yep, you heard that right – cancer. But before you start stockpiling Ashwagandha supplements, let’s take a closer look at this supposed miracle cure.
What are the claims about Ashwagandha?
Ashwagandha has been used in Ayurvedic medicine for centuries to treat a variety of ailments, from stress and anxiety to inflammation and arthritis. It’s also been touted as a natural way to boost testosterone, improve brain function, and even lower cholesterol levels.
But is there any scientific evidence to back up these claims? Well, there have been some studies that suggest Ashwagandha may have anti-inflammatory and anti-cancer properties, and may help reduce stress and anxiety. However, more research is needed to confirm these findings and determine the optimal dosage and duration of use.
What are the natural sources of Ashwagandha?
Ashwagandha is a plant that belongs to the nightshade family. It’s native to India, the Middle East, and parts of Africa. The root and leaves of the Ashwagandha plant are used to make supplements and extracts.
The active compounds in Ashwagandha are called withanolides. These compounds are believed to be responsible for the herb’s anti-inflammatory, anti-cancer, and stress-reducing effects.
What are the drawbacks of Ashwagandha?
While Ashwagandha may have some health benefits, it’s not without its drawbacks. For starters, it can interact with certain medications, including sedatives and drugs used to treat thyroid problems. It’s also not recommended for pregnant or breastfeeding women, as there’s not enough evidence to determine its safety in these populations.
Additionally, some people may experience side effects such as upset stomach, diarrhea, and vomiting. And because Ashwagandha may lower blood pressure and blood sugar levels, it should be used with caution by people with diabetes or hypotension.
What is the appropriate dosage?
The optimal dosage of Ashwagandha is not yet clear, as studies have used a wide range of doses. However, most studies have used doses of between 300 and 600 milligrams per day.
Who should avoid it?
As mentioned earlier, pregnant and breastfeeding women should avoid Ashwagandha due to a lack of safety data. People who are taking medications that may interact with Ashwagandha should also avoid it or consult with their doctor before taking it. Additionally, people with autoimmune diseases should use Ashwagandha with caution, as it may stimulate the immune system.
So, should you try Ashwagandha? As with any supplement, it’s important to do your research and talk to your doctor before taking it. While there may be some potential health benefits, Ashwagandha is not a cure-all, and it’s not without its risks.
But hey, if you do decide to give it a try, just remember – it may not cure a broken heart, but at least it’ll give you something to do while you wait for time to heal all wounds.
References:
- Chandrasekhar, K., Kapoor, J., & Anishetty, S. (2012). A prospective, randomized double-blind, placebo-controlled study of safety and efficacy of a high-concentration full-spectrum extract of ashwagandha root in reducing stress and anxiety in adults. Indian Journal of Psychological Medicine, 34(3), 255–262. doi: 10.4103/0253-7176.106022
- Pratte, M. A., Nanavati, K. B., Young, V., & Morley, C. P. (2014). An alternative treatment for anxiety: A systematic review of human trial results reported for the Ayurvedic herb ashwagandha (Withania somnifera). Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine, 20(12), 901–908. doi: 10.1089/acm.2014.0177
- Kulkarni, S. K., Dhir, A. (2008). Withania somnifera: An Indian ginseng. Progress in Neuropsychopharmacology and Biological Psychiatry, 32(5), 1093-1105. doi: 10.1016/j.pnpbp.2007.11.005
- Sengupta, P., Agarwal, A., & Pogrebetskaya, M. (2018). Chronic Effects of an Extract of Withania somnifera (Ashwagandha) Root on Cognitive Function in Healthy, Middle-Aged Adults: A Double-Blind, Randomized, Placebo-Controlled Trial. Nutrients, 10(6), 828. doi: 10.3390/nu10060828
- Mishra, L. C., Singh, B. B., & Dagenais, S. (2000). Scientific basis for the therapeutic use of Withania somnifera (ashwagandha): A review. Alternative Medicine Review, 5(4), 334-346.
- Singh, N., Bhalla, M., de Jager, P., & Gilca, M. (2011). An Overview on Ashwagandha: A Rasayana (Rejuvenator) of Ayurveda. African Journal of Traditional, Complementary and Alternative Medicines, 8(5S), 208-213. doi: 10.4314/ajtcam.v8i5S.9
- Chandrasekhar, K., Kapoor, J., & Anishetty, S. (2012). A prospective, randomized double-blind, placebo-controlled study of safety and efficacy of a high-concentration full-spectrum extract of ashwagandha root in reducing stress and anxiety in adults. Indian Journal of Psychological Medicine, 34(3), 255–262. doi: 10.4103/0253-7176.106022
- Raut, A. A., Rege, N. N., Tadvi, F. M., Solanki, P. V., Kene, K. R., Shirolkar, S. G., … & Vaidya, R. A. (2012). Exploratory study to evaluate tolerability, safety, and activity of ashwagandha (Withania somnifera) in healthy volunteers. Journal of Ayurveda and Integrative Medicine, 3(3), 111–114. doi: 10.4103/0975-9476.100168
Written by Coach Nachiketh Shetty