Ashwagandha: Health Benefits, Uses, Side Effects

Ashwagandha is a herb that is used as a traditional medicine in India and has also been used in Ayurveda. The root of this herb has a horse kind of smell.

In Sanksrit, the meaning of ashva is a horse, and the meaning of gandha is the smell.

It is also believed to have the strength of the horse inside this herb. Different parts of this plant are used, but most commonly, its root extract is used in supplements.

Benefits of Ashwagandha supplement

1.     Himalaya Ashwagandha is a medicinal herb

Ashwagandha is quite an essential herb in Ayurveda and is also used as an alternative medicine based on principles of natural healing in India.

It has been used to get relief against stress, improve concentration levels, and enhance energy levels.

Ashwagandha indicates horse smell in Sanskrit, which also refers to its smell and ability to enhance strength.

The botanical name of Ashwagandha is Withania somnifera. It is also called by other names such as winter cherry and Indian ginseng.

2.     Ashwagandha tablets blood sugar levels

In many studies, ashwagandha was found to play a role in lowering blood sugar levels.

One test-tube study indicated that it might improve insulin sensitivity in muscle cells and also enhance insulin secretion.

Some human studies indicated that it might decrease blood sugar levels in people with or without diabetes.

3.     Ashwagandha  capsules anticancer properties

Some test-tube and animal studies indicated that a compound called withaferin present in ashwagandha might help in the programmed death of cancerous cells known as apoptosis.

It may also inhibit the growth of more cancer cells.

Firstly, withaferin enhances reactive oxygen species (ROS) formation in cancer cells and disrupts their function. Secondly, it may decrease the resistance of cancer cells to apoptosis.

4.     Ashwagandha supplement reduces cortisol levels.

Cortisol is a stress hormone that is released by adrenal glands in response to stress and also when blood sugar levels get extremely low.

But in some cases, levels of cortisol gets too high, which further causes high-level fat storage in the abdomen and high levels of blood sugar.

Studies have indicated that ashwagandha is helpful in reducing cortisol levels.

5.     Ashwagandha for stress and anxiety

Ashwagandha is known for its role in stress reduction.

Studies have indicated that the regulation of chemical signaling within the nervous system further blocks the stress pathway.

Some human studies indicated that it might decrease symptoms associated with anxiety and stress disorders.

Ashwagandha for men Ashwagandha supplements contains healthy effects on reproductive health, especially on testosterone levels.

One study conducted on 75 infertile males indicated that the group with the treatment of ashwagandha reported enhanced motility and sperm count.

The treatment also led to enhanced levels of testosterone.

It was further reported that the treatment group also exhibited increased levels of antioxidants in the blood.

6.     Ashwagandha reduces inflammation

Many animal studies indicated that ashwagandha might help in decreasing inflammation.

Some human studies indicated that it might increase the activity of killer cells or immune cells that fight off infections.

It was also found that this herb may decrease inflammation markers like C-reactive protein (CRP). This is also associated with high heart disease risk.

Conclusion

Ashwagandha is one traditional herb used for various health purposes.

It is beneficial in reducing stress and anxiety, boosting fertility and testosterone levels in males, fighting off depression, and boosting up brain function.

Ashwagandha supplements are beneficial for improving health and overall well-being.