Ashwagandha - 7 Benefits for Your Health

Ashwagandha is part of a class of plants called adaptogens known for their health benefits when taken in the form of teas, powders, tinctures and supplements or in raw form. This herb ( also known as Indian ginseng, winter cherry or by its scientific name Withania somnifera), is a shrub whose roots and fruits are used for their medicinal properties.

7 health benefits of ashwagandha Research on ashwagandha continues to evolve as scientists from around the world study its efficacy against various ailments. Here are a few scientifically backed benefits of ashwagandha, which you will read in thisBiopedia article.

#1 Benefit: Relieves stress and anxiety

Ashwagandha is perhaps best known for its stress-reducing properties.

Several studies highlight this benefit, observing ashwagandha's ability to significantly reduce participants' stress and anxiety levels.

One particular study showed that ashwagandha may favorably affect sleep quality, and researchers confirmed that participants slept much better with doses of the herb compared to placebo doses.

#2 Benefit: Lowers blood sugar and fat

Several small clinical studies have shown that ashwagandha is helpful in reducing blood glucose levels and triglycerides (the most common type of fat in the blood). One study compared the effect of ashwagandha on lowering blood sugar to that of drugs prescribed for type 26 diabetes.

#3 Benefit: Increases muscle and strength

Researchers continue to study the efficacy of ashwagandha in improving muscle strength and size. One study found that participants increased their speed and strength.

Another study observed an increase in muscle strength, a decrease in body fat percentage, and a decrease in cholesterol levels with ashwagandha consumption.

#4 Benefit: Sharpens focus and concentration

Ashwagandha can help improve memory and the ability to perform motor responses after instruction. Small studies have found that, compared to placebo, ashwagandha significantly improved participants' reaction times during cognitive and psychomotor tests (which measure the ability to respond to instructions and perform a specific action)

One study even found that ashwagandha significantly improved participants' attention as well as their immediate and general memory on various tests

#5 Benefit: Supports heart health

At least two studies have shown that ashwagandha can increase the level of the maximum amount of oxygen you take in during exercise.

These levels are used to measure cardiorespiratory endurance, that is, how well the heart and lungs deliver oxygen to the muscles during physical activity. Thus, higher oxygen levels practically mean a healthy heart that works well in these circumstances.

#6 Benefit: Improves sexual function in women

At least one clinical study suggests that ashwagandha may be beneficial for women suffering from sexual dysfunction. Administration of ashwagandha leads to significant improvements in arousal, orgasm, and satisfaction, as reported by participants

#7 Benefit: Increases fertility and testosterone levels in

Ashwagandha intake may also provide reproductive benefits for men. Administration of the herb to infertile men has been shown to significantly improve semen quality by rebalancing reproductive hormone levels. After one study, 14% of the partners of male patients became pregnant.

In another study related to stress, researchers found that the herb increased testosterone levels in men, but not in female participants. Another study testing the effect of ashwagandha on muscle strength in men also measured a significant increase in testosterone.

Ashwagandha: contraindications

Unfortunately, the use of ashwagandha by certain people can lead to serious side effects. The groups of people for whom the intake of this herb is contraindicated are:

Pregnant women

If you are pregnant or breastfeeding, be sure to check with your healthcare provider before starting any herbal supplements. Ashwagandha is probably not safe for use during pregnancy, as there is some evidence to suggest it may cause miscarriages. Contraindications of Ashwagandha in people with diabetes

Animal studies have shown that this herb can lower blood sugar levels, which seems like a good thing for people with diabetes. But since this group of people usually take medications to lower blood sugar, adding ashwagandha can cause blood sugar levels to unexpectedly drop too low, and this can be very dangerous. Contraindications of ashwagandha in people with high/low blood pressure

Studies have shown that ashwagandha has the effect of lowering blood pressure.

People with high blood pressure, especially those on prescription medications for this condition, may experience an interaction between their prescribed medications and ashwagandha or have an unexpected drop in their blood pressure. In people with already low blood pressure, ashwagandha can cause their levels to drop dangerously low

Contraindications of ashwagandha in people with autoimmune diseases

Although ashwagandha is taken to boost the immune system in some people suffering from autoimmune diseases such as multiple sclerosis, systemic lupus erythematosus, and rheumatoid arthritis, taking this herb can be detrimental. By activating the immune system, this Ayurvedic herb can worsen autoimmune symptoms.