Ashwagandha: From Ayurveda to Modern Medicine

Origins, benefits, and applications

by Careborne Sensible Medical in Sarasota, Florida

Ashwagandha roots, leaves, and berries

• Ashwagandha is a natural remedy effective in normalizing immune function, fighting cancer, improving physical and sexual performance, reducing stress, increasing fertility, and boosting brain function

• Careborne Sensible Medical integrates complementary therapies with modern evidence-based clinical science to help people with chronic pain, trauma, neurodegenerative disorders, anxiety, substance abuse and many other life challenges

• Careborne doctors provide patient consultations both in-person and through telemedicine in the states of Florida and New York

Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera) is a small shrub with yellow flowers native to dry regions of India, the Middle East, and parts of Africa. Its roots and berries are used for medicinal purposes. In Ayurvedic medicine, this “herb” has been used for thousands of years as an adaptogen to reduce stress, support the immune system, and enhance vitality. The name "ashwagandha" means "the smell of a horse" in Sanskrit, reflecting its ability to boost strength and energy.

Ashwagandha contains over 80 types of active compounds, such as steroidal and nonsteroidal alkaloids, essential fatty acids, saponins, amino acids, minerals, flavonoids, and glycosides. Withanolides, which are natural steroidal lactones found in the root, are thought to contribute to the herb's may beneficial properties. Triethylene glycol, found in the leaves, may be responsible for Ashwagandha sleep-inducing effects.

Immune System Support

Ashwagandha root helps regulate and strengthen the immune system by boosting the production of white blood cells (and antibodies), supporting nitric oxide production, and regulating inflammation.

Fighting Cancer

Ashwagandha certainly shows some anticancer activity. Further research is expected to result in the development of medications to treat leukemia, prostate cancer, breast cancer, lung cancer, and colon cancer.

Ashwagandha Improves Physical Performance

Ashwagandha has been shown to improve physical performance and cardiovascular endurance. Athletes and fitness enthusiasts often turn to Ashwagandha for its ability to support muscle recovery and boost energy levels, all while reducing inflammation in the body.

Anti-inflammatory Effects

Ashwagandha's anti-inflammatory and analgesic properties may help patients with joint pain (including knee osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis), inflammatory bowel disease, and many other manifestations of systemic inflammation. It appears that Ashwagandha can boost mitochondrial function, increase apoptosis, and reduce inflammation through its actions on cytokines (IL-6 and TNF-a), cyclooxygenase, and reactive oxygen species.

Ashwagandha in Infectious Diseases

Ashwagandha possesses antibacterial properties and seems to be effective against methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus, Escherichia coli, Proteus mirabilis, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Salmonella typhi, Klebsiella pneumoniae, and Enterococcus spp.

Ashwagandha for Diabetes

Ashwagandha lowers blood sugar by improving insulin sensitivity in patients with diabetes.

Cardioprotective Qualities

Ashwagandha reduces damage to the heart caused by ischemia due to its anti-apoptotic and anti-oxidative properties.

Stress-Relieving Effects of Ashwagandha

Ashwagandha is recognized for its potential to help the body manage physical, emotional, and environmental stress. Research indicates that Ashwagandha may regulate the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis and lower cortisol levels, which could reduce anxiety and promote a sense of calm.

Ashwagandha in Mental Health

Studies suggest that Ashwagandha, as it’s “last name” somnifera indicates, may help with anxiety and insomnia. The herb’s tranquilizing effects are attributed to its influence on GABA-A receptor function. Additionally, Ashwagandha may be a helpful adjunct to medications in the treatment of patients with obsessive-compulsive disorder and alcohol withdrawal syndrome.

Ashwagandha as Male Tonic

Some components of Ashwagandha, including alkaloids, beta-sitosterol, withanosides, sitoindosides, withanolides, and amino acids like alanine, are known to affect fertility and sexual function. Clinical studies have shown that Ashwagandha root increases sperm production and improves sperm motility. It has also been found to increase levels of testosterone and luteinizing hormone, while reducing levels of prolactin and follicle-stimulating hormone.

Ashwagandha in Women’s Health

Women taking Ashwagandha report significant improvements in overall sexual function, including arousal, lubrication, and satisfaction.

Ashwagandha as a Thyroid Booster

Ashwagandha improves thyroid function in patients with subclinical hypothyroidism, as demonstrated by a noticeable decrease in TSH and increases in T3 and T4. There is also some evidence that Ashwagandha may increase the effects of thyroid medications.

Brain Tonic

Regular consumption of Ashwagandha has been linked to improved memory, focus, and overall cognitive performance. It is thought to protect nerve cells from harmful free radicals due to its antioxidant properties. Ashwagandha has been shown to neutralize the toxic effects of β-amyloid implicated in neurocognitive impairment during HIV infection and Alzheimer’s disease. Finally, Ashwagandha significantly improves biochemical parameters in Parkinson’s disease.

Ashwagandha Safety

Ashwagandha root extract is generally safe and well-tolerated. However, pregnant or nursing women, young children, and those with severe kidney or liver disease should avoid it. Overconsumption may cause mild side effects like stomach upset or drowsiness. Since Ashwagandha can raise thyroid hormone levels, it is unsuitable for individuals with hyperthyroidism. It may also increase testosterone, so patients with hormone-sensitive prostate cancer should consult their urologist before use.

What Products to Choose

Ashwagandha comes in powders, capsules, teas, and tinctures. The appropriate dosage can vary based on the form and individual health needs. Careborne doctors recommend root extract with at least 1.5% withanolides. It can be mixed into smoothies, lattes, or shakes as a daily supplement.

How Much to Take

We recommend 500 mg to 1,500 mg of root extract daily.

Where to Seek More Information

Careborne Sensible Medical in Sarasota, Florida is pleased to be a resource for your health care needs. We provide patient consultations both in-person and through telemedicine in the states of Florida and New York. For further information, please contact us at 888-354-2758.

Sources & Resources

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Anwer T, Sharma M, Pillai KK, Iqbal M. Effect of Withania somnifera on insulin sensitivity in non-insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus rats. Basic Clin Pharmacol Toxicol. 2008;102(6):498-503. DOI: 10.1111/j.1742-7843.2008.00223.x

Dutta R, Khalil R, Green R, Mohapatra SS, Mohapatra S. Withania Somnifera (Ashwagandha) and Withaferin A: Potential in Integrative Oncology. Int J Mol Sci. 2019;20(21):5310. Published 2019 Oct 25. DOI: 10.3390/ijms20215310

Grover A, Singh R, Shandilya A, et al. Ashwagandha derived withanone targets TPX2-Aurora A complex: computational and experimental evidence to its anticancer activity. PLoS One. 2012;7(1):e30890. DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0030890

Kaushik MK, Kaul SC, Wadhwa R, Yanagisawa M, Urade Y. Triethylene glycol, an active component of Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera) leaves, is responsible for sleep induction. PLoS One. 2017;12(2):e0172508. Published 2017 Feb 16. DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0172508

Mikulska P, Malinowska M, Ignacyk M, et al. Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera)-Current Research on the Health-Promoting Activities: A Narrative Review. Pharmaceutics. 2023;15(4):1057. Published 2023 Mar 24. DOI: 10.3390/pharmaceutics15041057

Ramakanth GS, Uday Kumar C, Kishan PV, Usharani P. A randomized, double blind placebo controlled study of efficacy and tolerability of Withaina somnifera extracts in knee joint pain. J Ayurveda Integr Med. 2016;7(3):151-157. DOI: 10.1016/j.jaim.2016.05.003

Razdan S, Bhat WW, Rana S, et al. Molecular characterization and promoter analysis of squalene epoxidase gene from Withania somnifera (L.) Dunal. Mol Biol Rep. 2013;40(2):905-916. DOI: 10.1007/s11033-012-2131-9

Singh P, Guleri R, Singh V, et al. Biotechnological interventions in Withania somnifera (L.) Dunal. Biotechnol Genet Eng Rev. 2015;31(1-2):1-20. DOI: 10.1080/02648725.2015.1020467