Ashwagandha;

often referred to as the “king of Ayurvedic herbs,” has been used for centuries to promote health and wellness. With modern science catching up, this powerful adaptogen is now recognized for its numerous health benefits, including stress reduction, improved cognitive function, and enhanced physical performance. In this comprehensive guide, we delve into everything you need to know about ashwagandha supplements, from their benefits and types to choosing the best product for your needs.

What is Ashwagandha?

Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera) is a small shrub native to India and parts of Africa. The root and berry of the plant have been used for over 3,000 years in traditional Ayurvedic medicine to boost energy, improve concentration, and relieve stress. The name “ashwagandha” translates to “smell of the horse,” indicating that the herb provides the vigor and strength of a stallion.

Historical and Traditional Uses

Ashwagandha is commonly known as “Indian Winter cherry” or “Indian Ginseng”. It is one of the most important herbs of Ayurveda, the traditional system of medicine in India, used for millennia as a Rasayana for its wide-ranging health benefits. Rasayana promotes a youthful state of physical and mental health and expands happiness. These remedies are given to small children as tonics and are also taken by the middle-aged and elderly to increase longevity.

Health Benefits of Ashwagandha Supplements

Stress and Anxiety Reduction

Ashwagandha is best known for its stress-relieving properties. It helps reduce cortisol levels, a stress hormone, which can help alleviate feelings of anxiety and improve mood. Studies have shown that people who took ashwagandha experienced significant reductions in stress and anxiety compared to those who took a placebo (source).

In experimental models, ashwagandha increases the stamina of rats during swimming endurance tests and prevents adrenal gland changes caused by swimming stress. Pretreatment with ashwagandha showed significant protection against stress-induced gastric ulcers.

Enhanced Cognitive Function

Ashwagandha has been shown to improve cognitive function, particularly in terms of memory and concentration. A study published in the Journal of Dietary Supplements found that participants who took ashwagandha demonstrated significant improvements in immediate and general memory, executive function, and information processing speed (source).

Ashwagandha has a cognition-promoting effect and was useful in children with memory deficits and in older people with memory loss. It was also found useful in neurodegenerative diseases such as Parkinson’s, Huntington’s, and Alzheimer’s diseases.

Physical Performance

Athletes and fitness enthusiasts may benefit from ashwagandha due to its potential to enhance physical performance. Research indicates that ashwagandha can increase muscle mass and strength, as well as improve cardiorespiratory endurance. A study in the Journal of the International Society of Sports Nutrition showed that ashwagandha supplementation significantly improved strength and muscle size in participants engaged in resistance training (source).

 

Sleep Improvement

For those struggling with sleep issues, ashwagandha may offer a natural solution. It has been found to improve sleep quality and help with insomnia. A study in Cureus revealed that participants who took ashwagandha fell asleep faster, slept longer, and experienced better sleep quality compared to those who took a placebo (source).

Hormonal Balance

Ashwagandha is also beneficial for hormonal balance, particularly for thyroid function and testosterone levels. It can help improve thyroid hormone levels in individuals with hypothyroidism and boost testosterone levels in men, which can enhance vitality and reproductive health (source).

Anti-Tumor Effects

Ashwagandha has shown anti-tumor effects in experimental models. It was effective against urethane-induced lung adenoma in mice and showed inhibitory effects on Chinese Hamster Ovary (CHO) cell carcinoma. Long-term treatment with ashwagandha controlled conditions in some cases of uterine fibroids and dermatosarcoma.

Neuroregenerative Potential

Ashwagandha has a GABA-mimetic effect and promotes the formation of dendrites. It has been found useful in neurodegenerative diseases like Parkinson’s, Huntington’s, and Alzheimer’s. Pretreatment with ashwagandha extract was found to prevent changes in antioxidant enzyme activities, catecholamine content, dopaminergic D2 receptor binding, and tyrosine hydroxylase expression induced by 6-hydroxydopamine in rats, suggesting its potential in protecting against neuronal injury in Parkinson’s disease.

Anti-Inflammatory and Anti-Arthritic Effects

Ashwagandha is an anti-inflammatory and anti-arthritic agent, found useful in clinical cases of rheumatoid arthritis and osteoarthritis. It reduces inflammation at the joints and is applied locally in carbuncles, ulcers, and painful swellings. It also showed significant analgesic activity in experimental models.

 

Types of Ashwagandha Supplements

Root Powder

Ashwagandha root powder is the most traditional form, often used in Ayurvedic medicine. It can be mixed into drinks or taken in capsule form. This form usually contains at least 0.3% withanolides, the active compounds in ashwagandha.

Root Extract

Root extract is a more concentrated form, typically containing at least 1.5% withanolides. Extracts can be more potent and are available in capsule or liquid forms. Popular extracts include KSM-66 and Sensoril, both known for their high concentration of withanolides.

 

 

Combination Supplements

Some supplements combine ashwagandha with other adaptogens or vitamins to enhance its effects. These can be beneficial for those looking to target multiple health concerns, such as stress and immune support.

How to Choose an Ashwagandha Supplement

Check for Standardization

Look for supplements standardized to contain a specific percentage of withanolides, as these are the active compounds responsible for ashwagandha’s effects. A good supplement should contain at least 5% withanolides.

Verify Third-Party Testing

Ensure the supplement has been tested by a third party for quality and purity. This helps confirm that the product contains what it claims and is free from harmful contaminants.

Consider Your Needs

Choose a supplement form that fits your lifestyle and health needs. For example, if you prefer taking capsules over mixing powders into drinks, opt for a high-quality capsule supplement.

Read Reviews and Ratings

Customer reviews and ratings can provide insights into the effectiveness and quality of the supplement. Look for products with high ratings and positive feedback from users.

 

Dosage and Safety of Ashwagandha

Recommended Dosages

The recommended dosage of ashwagandha can vary depending on the form and concentration of the supplement. For root powder, a typical daily dose ranges from 1 to 6 grams. For extracts, the dosage is usually between 500 mg to 1,500 mg per day. Most studies have used doses that provide at least 6 mg of withanolides per day, with typical doses ranging from 10 mg to 30 mg (source).

Potential Side Effects

Ashwagandha is generally well tolerated, but some people may experience side effects such as gastrointestinal upset, headache, or allergic reactions. It is advisable to start with a lower dose and gradually increase to monitor your body’s response (source).

Safety Precautions

• Pregnancy and Nursing: Ashwagandha should not be used by pregnant or nursing women.
• Medication Interactions: If you are taking medications for thyroid disorders, diabetes, or blood pressure, consult with a healthcare provider before starting ashwagandha.
• Autoimmune Conditions: Those with autoimmune conditions should use ashwagandha with caution, as it can modulate the immune system (source).

Top Ashwagandha Supplements

GNC Herbal Plus Ashwagandha Extract

GNC’s ashwagandha extract offers a potent dose of 470 mg per capsule, standardized to 7% withanolides. It is a well-reviewed product known for its effectiveness in reducing stress and improving overall well-being

Nature’s Way Ashwagandha

Nature’s Way provides a high-quality ashwagandha supplement with a standardized extract containing 2.5% withanolides. It is a popular choice for those seeking to improve cognitive function and reduce anxiety.

Solaray Ashwagandha

Solaray’s ashwagandha capsules contain 470 mg of root extract standardized to 7% withanolides. This product is praised for its purity and effectiveness in enhancing physical performance and reducing stress

Organic India Ashwagandha

For those who prefer a more traditional approach, Organic India’s ashwagandha root powder capsules are a great choice. This USDA Organic and Non-GMO Project Verified product provides 1,600 mg of root powder per serving, delivering a natural source of withanolides.

Pure Encapsulations Daily Stress Formula

This combination supplement includes ashwagandha extract along with other stress-relieving ingredients like L-tyrosine, rhodiola, and chamomile. It is an excellent option for those looking to manage stress and improve mental clarity.

Conclusion

Ashwagandha is a versatile and powerful adaptogen with a wide range of health benefits. From reducing stress and anxiety to improving cognitive function and physical performance, it offers a natural way to enhance overall well-being. When choosing an ashwagandha supplement, consider factors such as standardization, third-party testing, and your specific health needs. With the right product, you can experience the many benefits of this ancient herb.

Embrace the power of ashwagandha and take a step towards a healthier, more balanced life. Whether you’re looking to reduce stress, boost cognitive function, or enhance physical performance, there’s an ashwagandha supplement out there for you. Always consult with a healthcare professional before starting any new supplement, especially if you have existing health conditions or are taking other medications.