Beneficial effects of Ashwagandha. Ashwagandha is a small shrub found in India and the Middle East and is also known as Indian ginseng or winter cherry. Controlling anxiety by natural means is one of its best-known uses, but it has other benefits that have a positive impact on various bodily functions.
Properties of Ashwagandha
The root and leaf of this plant have been used for over 3000 years in Ayurvedic medicine; its scientific name is Withania somnifera. Among its active ingredients, the most important are called withanolides, which have a relaxing and well-being-inducing effect. A number of other compounds may have neuro-modulatory and antioxidant effects, which are being investigated in various scientific trials.
Male fertility and female sexual response
There is evidence that the extracts combat oxidative stress, which may be one of the causes of male infertility. Increased sperm counts have been observed due to protection by the plant’s antioxidants, which also exhibit increased motility. Other components of the extracts appear to improve hormonal balance by a mechanism related to gamma-aminobutyric acid. (1)
In healthy women, there is evidence of improved sexual response and greater satisfaction in relationships. This may be because it provides more energy and vitality, helping to combat fatigue or weakness. It is therefore considered a revitalising plant that can help improve our sex life (2)
Cardiorespiratory endurance
The efficacy of Ashwagandha root in increasing cardiorespiratory endurance and quality of life has been studied in several clinical trials. The findings indicate that it significantly improves both parameters. Quality of life was assessed using the World Health Organization questionnaire, which includes physical and psychological health, as well as social relationships. (3)
Rejuvenating action
A review of relevant literature indicates that extracts of this plant possess anti-inflammatory, anti-stress, antioxidant and rejuvenating properties. There is evidence pointing to its positive effect on the endocrine, nervous and cardiopulmonary systems, resulting in a greater degree of well-being and a renewed appearance of the skin (4)
Adaptogenic effect
Extracts of this plant have proven useful in restoring the body and maintaining physiological balance in situations of physical or mental stress. This is known as the adaptogenic effect, as it allows the body to function with vitality and respond actively in any environment. This benefit is probably exerted via the pituitary-pituitary-hypothalamus-adrenal gland axis.
Withania somnifera appears to be safe and effective in the treatment of chronic stress and anxiety. It improves learning ability and also reduces fatigue (including in patients undergoing chemotherapy). (5)
Benefits in neurodegenerative diseases
Degenerative diseases of the central nervous system are characterised by the progressive destruction of neurons. Despite research, the underlying causes remain to be precisely determined in most cases. As a result, the patient suffers from functional and cognitive impairments that appear gradually.
A review of scientific publications summarises the positive effects of Ashwagandha extracts on Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s and Huntington’s disease and stroke sequelae. It has been found to mitigate the symptoms of these pathologies and to have neuroprotective activity. (6)
Improved sleep quality
The sleep-inducing effect has been known for many years. It has now been proposed as an alternative treatment for patients with insomnia. As an example of the positive effects of Ashwagandha on sleep, a study involving 80 people with and without sleep problems assessed sleep-related parameters: sleep onset latency, sleep efficiency, total sleep time and awakening after onset.
The results showed a statistically significant improvement in both groups of healthy patients and insomniacs. In conclusion, it was determined that this plant could help control the problem and improve the quality of sleep. (7)
Insomnia, stress, memory, depression and anxiety disorders
Turning to its adaptogenic capacity, many studies have focused on evaluating its positive effects on the symptoms accompanying neuropsychiatric disorders.
In a compilation of preclinical animal and human clinical studies, the benefits of withanolides were reviewed. Specifically, they looked at insomnia, stress, memory, depression and anxiety, the improvement of which could occur through modulation of the pituitary-hypothalamus-adrenal gland axis. (8)
Cardiovascular diseases
Isoproterenol-induced ischaemia of the heart muscle is a classic test for determining the action of various cardiovascular drugs. Several phytochemicals have been evaluated for their efficacy in counteracting isoproterenol-induced myocardial ischaemia. These include withanolides from Ashwagandha extract. As a result, a cardioprotective effect was demonstrated in cases of myocardial ischaemia and cardiac fibrosis (9)
In a study designed to measure the cardioprotective effect, different doses of Withania somnifera extract were administered. The evidence pointed to a significant restoration in haemodynamic and biochemical parameters of isoproterenol-induced myocardial necrosis. (10)
Strength and muscle mass
This plant has also been used to gain muscle mass and improve strength and endurance. In a prospective, randomised, double-blind study, an extract or placebo was administered to a group of men aged 18 to 50 with no training experience.
The results obtained in the first group indicated an increase in muscle strength, post-exercise recovery speed and serum testosterone levels. Muscle damage was less and there was a significant increase in muscle mass in the upper limbs, along with a significant reduction in body fat percentage. (11)
The evidence in favour of Ashwagandha and its active ingredients, the withanolides, seems to indicate that they have beneficial effects on many organs and systems. Food supplements made from 100% natural ingredients are a guarantee of health and well-being.
Bibliography:
1. Pallav sengupta, Ashok Agarval, María Pogrebetskaya, Shubhadeep Roychoudhury, Damayanthi Durairajanayagam, ralf henkel. Papel de Withania somnifera (ashwagandha) en el tratamiento de la infertilidad masculina. Reprod Biomed. 2018 marzo;36(3):311-326. PMID: 29277366 DOI: 10.1016/j.rbmo.2017.11.007.
2. Swati dongre, Deepak Langade, Sauvik Bhattacharyya. Eficacia y seguridad del extracto de raíz de ashwagandha (Withania somnifera) para mejorar la función sexual en mujeres: un estudio piloto. Biomed Res Int. 2015;2015:284154. PMID: 26504795 PMCID: PMC4609357 DOI: 10.1155/2015/284154.
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