Ashwagandha benefits

About alberto de leon(Health & Nutrition)vox-79   http://www.naturalnews.com/030618_Ashwagandha_health.html    .           http://www.chopra.com/ashwagandha          http://www.nutros.net/nsr-0204n.html    .   http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=r5i15cXi7Xc         http://www.smart-publications.com/articles/ashwagandha-the-rejuvenating-antioxidant-that-calms-the-heart-and-mind     ..........................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................        ....................................................................................................................................................................

ORGANIC INDIA's 'Ashwagandha' and its Benefits

 

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Uploaded by organicindia10 on Dec 3, 2010

Dr. Narendra Singh, The Director of International Institute of Herbal Medicines, explaining the benefits of ORGANIC INDIA's Ashwagandha

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Ashwagandha: The Rejuvenating Antioxidant That Calms The Heart and Mind!

Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera), also called winter cherry, comes from the roots of a shrub cultivated in India and North America. Ayurvedic practitioners have been using it for thousands of years as a powerful rasayana (a tonic for greater vitality and longevity). The herb has traditionally been used for calming the mind, relieving weakness, nervous exhaustion and arthritis, and for building sexual energy. It is beneficial to people who do physical labor or exercise a lot to help the body adapt to physical stress. It has also been used for strengthening the female reproductive system.

Ashwagandha contains flavonoids and many active ingredients of the withanolide class. Numerous studies over the past two decades indicate that it has anti-inflammatory, anti-tumor, anti-stress, antioxidant, mind-boosting, and rejuvenating properties.¹

Withanolides are believed to account for the multiple medicinal applications of Ashwagandha.² These molecules are steroidal and bear a resemblance, both in their action and appearance, to the active constituents of Asian ginseng (Panax ginseng) known as ginsenosides. Ashwagandha's withanolides have been extensively studied in a variety of animal studies examining their effects on immune function, and even cancer.

Demonstrated healing abilities

Ashwagandha:

• Provides potent antioxidant protection^3 15 21
• Stimulates the activation of immune system cells, such as lymphocytes and phagocytes^4 5 6 7
• Counteracts the effects of stress and generally promotes wellness, making it an important tonic or adaptogen.^8 9

Reduces anxiety

A recent study at the Institute of Basic Medical Sciences, Calcutta University, examined the effect that Ashwagandha has on chronic stress in rodents. For 21 days, the animals' feet were given a mild electrical shock, which resulted in hyperglycemia, glucose intolerance, increase in plasma corticosterone levels, gastric ulcerations, male sexual dysfunction, cognitive deficits, immunosuppression and mental depression. Animals that were given Ashwagandha an hour before the foot shock experienced a significantly reduced level of stress, confirming the researchers' theory that the herb produces a significant anti-stress adaptogenic effect.¹⁰

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A study done at the Department of Pharmacology, University of Texas Health Science Center indicated that extracts of Ashwagandha produce GABA-like activity, which may account for the herb's anti-anxiety effects.¹¹GABA (Gamma Amino-butyric acid) is an inhibitory (calming) neurotransmitter in the brain. Its function is to decrease neuron activity and inhibit nerve cells from over firing. Too much neuronal activity can lead to restlessness and insomnia, but GABA inhibits the number of nerve cells that fire in the brain, and helps to induce sleep, uplift mood, and reduce anxiety.

Improves mood

Ashwagandha has traditionally been used to stabilize mood in patients with behavioral disturbances, and another study showed that it does indeed produce an anti-depressant and anti-anxiety effect in rodents comparable to the anti-depressant drug imipramine and anti-anxiety drug lorazepam (Ativan).¹²

Provides a potent antioxidant effect

Researchers from Banaras Hindu University in Varanasi, India¹³, and from the Drug Research and Development Center, Calcutta¹⁴, discovered that some of the chemicals in Ashwagandha are powerful antioxidants. They tested these compounds for their effects on rat brains and found an increase in the levels of three natural antioxidants; superoxide dismutase, catalase, and glutathione peroxidase.

According to the researchers, "These findings are consistent with the therapeutic use of Withania somnifera (Ashwagandha) as an Ayurvedic rasayana. The antioxidant effect of active principles of W. somnifera may explain, at least in part, the reported anti-stress, cognition-facilitating, anti-inflammatory and anti-aging effects produced by them in experimental animals, and in clinical situations."¹⁴

Another study examined Ashwagandha's effect on copper-induced lipid peroxidation and antioxidant enzymes in aging spinal cords of laboratory mice. The herb produced a strong antioxidant effect and stopped the lipid peroxidation,¹⁵ which, in humans, is a cause of atherosclerosis leading to heart disease.

Supports cardiovascular health

A study of six human subjects with high cholesterol showed that treatment with Ashwagandha for 30 days decreased their blood glucose, serum cholesterol, triglycerides, and LDL (bad cholesterol). The herb also had a diuretic effect, and no one experienced any adverse effects.¹⁶

Increases NO production ¹⁷

This is important for a number of reasons. Nitric oxide production plays a role in maintaining cardiovascular health. Here's how: Inside your body nitric oxide is produced by endothelial cells that line your blood vessels, and acts as a messenger molecule by telling the blood vessels when to relax and expand. When adequate nitric oxide is produced, it causes an "endothelial relaxing factor," which is needed by the arterial system to expand and contract with each heartbeat. This helps regulate blood flow and pressure, so that oxygen-carrying blood is delivered to your tissues and organs.^18 19 Ashwagandha has traditionally been used as a sex enhancer, which makes sense because nitric oxide dilates blood vessels-a key factor in maintaining penile erection.

Enhances cognition and boosts memory

Ashwagandha is used in India to treat mental deficits in geriatric patients, including amnesia. Researchers from the University of Leipzig in Germany wanted to find out which neurotransmitters were influenced by Ashwagandha. After injecting some of the compounds found in Ashwagandha into rats, they examined slices of the animals' brains and found an increase in acetylcholine receptor activity. Acetylcholine is the most abundant and essential neurotransmitter in the brain that is responsible for numerous functions, including many related to cognition and memory. It is released into the synapse, or space between two nerve cells, where it stimulates the transfer of nerve impulses from one nerve cell to another. According to the researchers, the increase in acetylcholine receptor capacity might partly explain the cognition-enhancing and memory-improving effects of extracts from Ashwagandha observed in animals²⁰ and humans.²¹

Supports normal brain function

Two studies done in Japan also indicate that Ashwagandha stimulates the growth of axons and dendrites in human neuroblastoma cells^22 23, and in rat neurons.²² This is significant because the extension of dendrites and axons-which bring information to and from the brain-may compensate for and repair damaged neuronal circuits in the dementia brain.²⁴ Ashwagandha's antioxidant properties have also been shown to help protect the brain from damage in several other studies^25 26, including one in which it was used as a prophylactic against damage caused by stroke.²⁷

Reduces cancer cell growth

A recent Japanese in vitro study found that a number of the compounds in Ashwagandha reduced the growth of human colon, breast and lung cancer cells, leading the researchers to suggest that the herb may prevent or decrease the growth of tumors in humans.²⁸ A number of animal studies, both in vivo and in vitro, also showed that Ashwagandha reduces cancer cell growth, and increased the longevity of the animals.^{29 30 31 32}

How safe is it?

Ashwagandha is a safe and gentle herb when used as directed. It should not be used by pregnant women or by individuals taking barbiturates, because the herb increases their effects. Although Ashwagandha has been used for thousands of years in Ayurvedic medicine, the Western world is just beginning to learn about its amazing benefits. Its antioxidant and adaptogenic effects are second to none, and as consumers learn about its benefits, it is sure to take its place among the most revered health tonics known to modern man.

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Ashwagandha Nutritional Compound

OVERVIEW

Summary Ashwagandha is a broadly useful herb that may help control stress during exercise by relaxing muscles, reducing pain, and maintaining energy reserves, without the peaks and valleys of stimulant herbs like ephedra. Other names for Ashwagandha Ayurvedic ginseng, Withania somnifera, red ginseng Where to find Ashwagandha Ashwagandha preparations are made from the roots and leaves of Withania somnifera, which is a small shrub in the nightshade (Solanaceae) family. The seeds and shoots have all been used as well. It grows prolifically in the arid highlands of Himalayan India as well as in parts of northern Africa and the Middle East.

PERFORMANCE BENEFITS

Why athletes use Ashwagandha Any athlete looking for that edge would do well to consider ashwagandha. Backed by Western science and a long history of real-life use in India, this herb shows great potential for athletes and anyone who wants to maintain health. Ashwagandha may help reduce stress hormones produced during exercise, improve oxygen consumption, improve fatty acid use, reduce blood sugar depletion, and control build-up of lactic acid. Ways that Ashwagandha can enhance Muscle Gain & Recovery: Relax muscles without causing sluggishness Ways that Ashwagandha can enhance Energy & Endurance: Increase endurance via stress- and fatigue-reducing chemicals called "withanines" Ways that Ashwagandha can enhance Mental Functioning: Provide brain neurotransmitters like choline to help enhance memory and focus

HEALTH BENEFITS

Signs of Ashwagandha deficiency No deficiency conditions are known to exist. Potential uses for Ashwagandha Research indicates that Ashwagandha may be useful in the treatment of: Cognitive dysfunction Alzheimer's disease Senility Arthritis High triglyceride levels

DISCUSSION

More about Ashwagandha Ashwagandha is mistakenly called Ayurvedic ginseng because it has many of the same uses as ginseng in China. What's interesting is that ashwagandha is still being used today in the same way for the same reasons it's been used for centuries. Below are some examples: In the Indian Ayurvedic system of medicine, ashwagandha is used to boost energy and vitality and is called a "vitalizer." Because of its potential to improve learning and memory, it's used widely by seniors. Ashwagandha is also used to fight infectious diseases, fevers, and even tumors. It is used to relieve pain and inflammation (including arthritis). And finally, the young plant shoots and seeds are used as food and to thicken milk. More recently, athletes have discovered ashwagandha and have begun to supplement with it to increase endurance, reduce stress, and control pain, all of which are important for optimal exercise performance. While obviously more research is needed, some data suggests ashwagandha may, in fact, have powerful performance potential: research has shown that animals given ashwagandha swim longer than those deprived of it; they also gain more muscle mass than animals given ginseng. What's more, ashwagandha is believed to help prevent age-related health concerns such as reduced sexual performance due to its aphrodisiac effects. How it works The chief way ashwagandha works for athletes is as an adaptogen. Simply put, an adaptogen is a type of herb that normalizes body functions. For athletes, this means it may help reduce stress hormones produced during exercise, improve oxygen consumption, improve fatty acid use, reduce blood sugar depletion, and control the build-up of lactic acid. Laboratory studies support the herb's traditional use. The roots contain choline and beta-sitosterol (an estrogen-like chemical) that improve cognitive function and lower fat and cholesterol; somniferine, which relaxes muscles; and scopoletin, which controls spasms. The leaves contain compounds such as withaferin A, which helps relieve the pain of arthritis and kills harmful organisms and cancer cells. The steroidal alkaloid (bitter nitrogen-based chemicals with potent effects) withanine causes relaxation by increasing uptake of GABA, an amino acid and neurotransmitter. It is a lot like ginsenosides, chemicals found in Asian ginseng. In conclusion Ashwagandha has great potential for athletes and other active people, as well as for anyone interested in improving health. Its long history of use in India suggests it contains many active compounds that may promote optimal performance. Best of all, compared to other adaptogens like ginseng, it's widely available and relatively inexpensive. Have no doubt we'll be hearing more about this herb!

NOTES ON USAGE

Amount Often sold in capsules, ashwagandha is taken at a dosage of one to two grams of whole herb standardized for two to seven milligrams of "withanolides." It can also be taken as a tea by boiling the roots for 15 minutes and taking 3 cups (750 ml) daily. Tincture or fluid extracts of two to four milliliters three times per day can also be used. Timing Ashwagandha should be taken with meals for optimal absorption. Synergists of Ashwagandha No synergists have been noted. Safety of Ashwagandha Ashwagandha has a long history of use in India and is safe to take at normal doses on a daily basis for extended periods of time. No significant side effects have been reported with ashwagandha. However, the presence of nightshade-family alkaloids suggests that large doses should be avoided. Some researchers claim that large amounts can cause abortion, and the herb should be avoided during pregnancy. Toxicity of Ashwagandha No known toxicity. Bans and restrictions None reported.

RELATED RESEARCH

Anabalgan, K., et al., "Antiinflammatory Activity of Withania somnifera," Indian J Exp Biol 19 (1981) : 245-9. Bone, K., Clinical Applications of Ayurvedic and Chinese Herbs (Phytotherapy Press, Queensland, Australia, 1996) 137-41. Bhattacharya, S.K., et al., "Antioxidant Activity of Glycowithanolides from Withania somnifera," Indian J Exp Biol 35.3 (1997) : 236-9. Devi, P.U., "Withania somnifera Dunal (Ashwagandha): Potential Plant Source of a Promising Drug for Cancer Chemotherapy and Radiosensitization," Indian J Exp Biol 34.10 (1996) : 927-32. Duke, J.A. CRC Handbook of Medicinal Herbs (CRC Press, Boca Raton, FL, 1985) 514-5. Grandhi, A., et al., "A Comparative Pharmacological Investigation of Ashwagandha and Ginseng," J Ethnopharmacol 44.3 (1994) : 131-5. Wagner, H., et al., "Plant Adaptogens," Phytomed 1 (1994) : 63-76. Xiaoguang, C., et al., "Cancer Chemopreventive and Therapeutic Activities of Red Ginseng," J Ethnopharmacol 60.1 (1998) : 71-8.

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Discover the benefits of Ashwagandha

Sunday, December 05, 2010 by: Elizabeth Walling


Learn more: http://www.naturalnews.com/030618_Ashwagandha_health.html#ixzz2Bw4UGYCB  ....................................................................................................................................................................            (NaturalNews) Ashwagandha (withania somnifera) is a herbal dietary supplement grown in both North America and India. Also known as India winter cherry, it is part of the Solanaceae family. Ashwagandha is made from the brown roots of the shrub, and it is believed by many to benefit a number of ailments.

Ashwagandha has been used for centuries. Although people mainly associate the herb with India, Africans and even Native Americans have used it for infections and for warding off illness. Earning its fame in Ayurvedic medicine, ashwagandha is now proving to be a powerful herbal remedy prized by the alternative health community.

Even modern science is beginning to grasp the potent abilities of this herb. Numerous studies by researchers at India`s Banares Hindu University have investigated its anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and anti-stress properties. Seven companies in America have applied for a patent to include ashwagandha extract in the manufacture of certain products. Four Japanese companies also have applied for a patent.

Ashwagandha: Uses and Benefits

Ashwagandha in particular is known for its ability to calm, and some research indicates this herb can be used to promote sleep. In Texas, researchers noted the similarities in the sleep-inducing properties of ashwagandha and the calming effects of the well-known amino acid GABA. Likewise, ashwagandha has also been shown to ease anxiety or restlessness, as well as to reduce the symptoms of drug withdrawal. Its ability to stabilize moods and encourage adrenal recovery is highly valued by many herbalists.

But the benefits of ashwagandha extend far beyond mood. In India it is also used to help older patients with mental agility, cognitive ability, and memory. It is also known for its ability to fight off cold and cough symptoms. Preliminary studies give researchers reason to feel that ashwagandha also has the potential ability to decrease cancer cells without adversely affecting healthy cells.

Ashwagandha is also considered by many to be an anti-aging supplement, and it traditionally was known for its ability to provide nourishment to bones and muscles. Studies have also shown that the orange berries from the ashwagandha can be used topically to aid carbuncles, skin ulcers, and tumors. Further research looks to determine its effectiveness as a treatment for bone cancer, diabetes, bipolar disorder, constipation, impotency, rheumatism, nerve problems, memory loss, arthritis, and many other physical ailments. Its effectiveness is thought to be similar to the herb ginseng used by the Chinese.

Further Reading:

http://altmedicine.about.com/od/herbsupplementguide/a/ashwagandha_ben...

http://www.suite101.com/content/ashwagandha-herb-a219491

http://www.naturalpedia.com/Ashwagandha-4.html 

About the author

Elizabeth Walling is a freelance writer specializing in health and family nutrition. She is a strong believer in natural living as a way to improve health and prevent modern disease. She enjoys thinking outside of the box and challenging common myths about health and wellness. You can visit her blog to learn more:
www.livingthenourishedlife.com/2009/10/welcome.html


Learn more: http://www.naturalnews.com/030618_Ashwagandha_health.html#ixzz2Bw4A5AqW     ....................................................................................................................................................................      Ashwagandha, one of the most vital herbs in Ayurvedic healing, has been used since ancient times for a wide variety of conditions, but is most well known for its restorative benefits. In Sanskrit ashwagandha means “the smell of a horse,” indicating that the herb imparts the vigor and strength of a stallion, and it has traditionally been prescribed to help people strengthen their immune system after an illness. In fact, it’s frequently referred to as “Indian ginseng” because of its rejuvenating properties (although botanically, ginseng and ashwagandha are unrelated). In addition, ashwagandha is also used to enhance sexual potency for both men and women.

Belonging to the same family as the tomato, ashwagandha (or Withania somnifera in Latin) is a plump shrub with oval leaves and yellow flowers. It bears red fruit about the size of a raisin. The herb is native to the dry regions of India, northern Africa, and the Middle East, but today is also grown in more mild climates, including in the United States.

Scientific Research

Ashwagandha contains many useful medicinal chemicals, including withanolides, (steroidal lactones), alkaloids, choline, fatty acids, amino acids, and a variety of sugars. While the leaves and fruit have valuable therapeutic properties, the root of the ashwagandha plant is the part most commonly used in Western herbal remedies.

Medical researchers have been studying ashwagandha with great interest and as of this date have carried out 216 studies of its healing benefits, summarized below:

• confers immune system protection
• combats the effects of stress
• improves learning, memory, and reaction time
• reduces anxiety and depression without causing drowsiness
• stabilizes blood sugar
• lowers cholesterol
• reduces brain-cell degeneration
• contains anti-malarial properties
• offers anti-inflammatory benefits

Some studies have also found that ashwagandha inhibits the growth of cancer cells in small animals, but further research is needed to determine whether the herb prevents the development of tumors in human beings.

Practical Uses and Precautions

The usual recommended dose is 600 to 1000 mg, twice daily. For people who suffer from insomnia and anxiety, having a cup of hot milk that contains a teaspoon of powdered ashwagandha before bedtime is beneficial. In extremely large doses, ashwagandha has been reported to induce abortions in animals. Although no similar studies have been carried out on humans, women should avoid the herb during pregnancy.         ....................................................................................................................................................................
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