Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera) is derived from the Sanskrit words “ashva” (horse) and “gandha” (smell). This herb was named after its horse-like odor. This herb originated in India over 5,000 years ago and has numerous benefits. It assists the body in adapting to stressors and achieving balance. It also helps to keep the body’s energy levels stable and increases stamina.
Individuals are classified in Ayurveda according to three doshas: Vata, Pitta, and Kapha. Additionally, Ashwagandha has the ability to balance all three doshas. It also acts as a nerve tonic, nourishing the brain while improving memory and attention span. It also promotes sexual vitality and fertility in humans, making it an appropriate herb for controlling reproductive levels. One of the most notable effects of ashwagandha is that it reduces stress and improves sleep quality.
| Scientific Name | Withania somnifera |
| Common Name | Ashwagandha, Indian Ginseng |
| Family | Solanaceae |
| Properties | It helps the body adapt to stressors |
| Benefits | Stress management, cognitive support, immune health, reproductive health, anti-inflammatory, antioxidant |
| Dosage Form | Capsules, powder, and tinctures as prescribed by the physician |
| Active compounds | Withanolides, alkaloids, and saponins |
Active Compounds
Ashwagandha contains a variety of bioactive compounds, like:
1.Withanolides:
- The primary active compound of ashwagandha
- Have adaptogenic and antistress properties
- regulate the activity of neurotransmitters and produce calming effect
2. Tryptophan:
- Essential amino acids in ashwagandha
- it is the precursor of serotonin and helps in mood regulation
3. Alkaloids:
- it has anxiolytic ( anxiety-reducing ) properties
- it includes somniferine and somnine.
4. Flavonoids:
- group of polyphenolic compounds with antioxidant properties
- it helps combat oxidative stress in the body and reduce stress
5. Saponins:
- these are glycosides which have immunomodulatory properties
- it helps to support immune system
Benefits of Ashwagandha
1. Stress Management
Ashwagandha helps manage cortisol levels in the body. Cortisol is often referred to as a stress hormone. By regulating cortisol production, it contributes to a more balanced stress response. Ashwagandha also has anxiolytic properties, which means it relieves stress.
The withanolides in ashwagandha influence the HPA (hypothalamic pituitary adrenal) axis, which is important in stress response. It also stimulates neurotransmitters such as GABA (gamma-aminobutyric acid), which aids in relaxation.
You can try Rasayanam Ashwagandha KSM-66 (500 mg), as it reduces the levels of cortisol, which is the stress-producing hormone in the body, and is also natural and safe.
2. Energy and Stamina
Ashwagandha contains alkaloids and sitoindosides, which help boost energy levels. It improves mitochondrial function, which is the powerhouse of cells, and contributes to increased energy levels. Sitoindosides have adaptogenic properties, which reduce stress and increase stamina and resilience.
The study published in the “Journal of Ayurveda and Integrative Medicine” in 2012 shows that ashwagandha reduces exercise fatigue during workouts, while the “Journal of the International Society of Sports Nutrition” in 2015 shows that ashwagandha supplements improve muscle strength and endurance.
3. Improves Sleep Quality
Ashwagandha contains anxiolytic (anxiety-reducing) properties that can benefit people suffering from sleep disorders. Withanolides in this herb also have a significant effect on thyroid hormones. They aid in the balancing of thyroid hormones and keep them within an optimal range, resulting in a balanced environment.
withanolides in ashwagandha regulate the circadian rhythms, the body sleep-wake cycle. Therefore, it helps the body align with the external day-night cycle, promoting regular sleep.
4. Immune System Support
Ashwagandha promotes production cytokines, protein which regulate immune response. withanolides in it helps in production of macrophages, lymphocytes and natural killer cells; these cells helps in detecting and eliminating pathogens.
It also has anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties; it helps reduce oxidative stress in the body. By reducing stress-induced cortisol levels, Ashwagandha helps maintain immune function.
I would like to suggest Dabur Ashwagandha Tablets (60 tabs), as they boost the strength of the immune system to fight infections and enhance body cognitive function.