The Science behind Ashwagandha: A Review of its Therapeutic Potential
Abstract
Ashwagandha, scientifically known as Withania somnifera, holds a prominent place in Ayurvedic medicine. It has served as a rejuvenating tonic, nootropic, and a potent natural adaptogen. This herb extract has been widely employed for overall health and specific health conditions. It boasts a rich history of over 3,000 years of use in Ayurvedic and indigenous medicinal systems on the Indian subcontinent. One of its key attributes is the presence of bioactive compounds called withanolides, with withaferin-A and withanolide-D being particularly noteworthy. In experimental studies, Ashwagandha has demonstrated its ability to enhance endurance in rats during swimming tests and shield against stress-induced changes in adrenal gland components like ascorbic acid and cortisol. Pre-treatment with Ashwagandha has exhibited significant protection against stress-induced gastric ulcers. Moreover, it has shown anti-tumor effects on CHO cell carcinoma and was effective against lung adenoma induced by urethane in mice. In some instances, Ashwagandha has been used to manage conditions like uterine fibroids and dermatosarcoma with long-term treatment. It has also demonstrated cognitive enhancement, proving beneficial for children with memory deficits and elderly individuals experiencing memory loss. Additionally, Ashwagandha has shown promise in addressing neurodegenerative diseases such as Parkinson's, Huntington's, and Alzheimer's. Its anxiolytic properties, as well as its ability to boost…
Read the paper
Related studies
- Cortisol, obesity and the metabolic syndrome: A cross-sectional study of obese subjects and review of the literature
- Relationships between lead biomarkers and diurnal salivary cortisol indices in pregnant women from Mexico City: a cross-sectional study
- Pubertal Recalibration of Cortisol Reactivity Following Early Life Stress: A Cross-Sectional Analysis
- High-end normal adrenocorticotropic hormone and cortisol levels are associated with specific cardiovascular risk factors in pediatric obesity: a cross-sectional study
- Effects of remote virtual work environment during COVID-19 pandemic on technostress among Menoufia University Staff, Egypt: a cross-sectional study
- Low serum albumin, aspartate aminotransferase, and body mass are risk factors for frailty in elderly people with diabetes–a cross-sectional study
Go deeper in Evidence Hub
Evidence Hub adds a study data sheet (design, sample size, evidence level, key numbers), an AI summary and a chat grounded in the paper's text.