Ashwagandha and menopause
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Ashwagandha and Menopause: Efficacy and Benefits
Introduction to Menopause and Ashwagandha
Menopause is a natural phase in a woman's life marked by the cessation of menstrual cycles and a decline in ovarian function, leading to various biological and psychological changes. Ashwagandha, a traditional herb used in Ayurvedic medicine, has been studied for its potential benefits in managing menopausal symptoms.
Clinical Trials on Ashwagandha for Menopausal Syndrome
Combined Ayurvedic Formulations
Two significant clinical trials have evaluated the efficacy of Ashwagandha in combination with other Ayurvedic formulations, namely Ashokarishta and Praval Pishti, in managing menopausal syndrome.
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First Clinical Trial: This study involved 52 participants, with 51 completing the trial. The trial used specialized rating scales such as the Kupperman Index Score, Menopause Rating Scale (MRS), and Menopause-Specific Quality of Life (MENQOL) questionnaires to assess the effects. The results showed a highly significant reduction in menopausal symptoms, both somatic and psychological, indicating the combined treatment's effectiveness in improving the quality of life for women with mild to moderate menopausal symptoms 1.
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Second Clinical Trial: Conducted across three centers, this study included 115 women aged 40-55 years. The participants were administered the Ayurvedic formulations for 12 weeks, followed by a 2-week follow-up without intervention. The findings revealed a statistically significant decrease in the MRS total score from 22.43 at baseline to 5.29 after treatment, further reducing to 5.06 at the follow-up. Improvements were also noted in the MENQOL domains, including vasomotor, psychosocial, sexual, and physical aspects. Additionally, safety parameters remained within normal limits, confirming the clinical safety of the treatments 2.
Ashwagandha's Broader Clinical Usage
A review of Ashwagandha's potential clinical applications highlights its benefits beyond menopausal symptom management. Ashwagandha has shown promise in improving sleep quality, managing stress-related disorders, enhancing cognitive functions, and alleviating climacteric symptoms during perimenopause. It also has potential benefits in endocrine diseases, cardiovascular health, and muscle strength and recovery 3.
Conclusion
Ashwagandha, particularly when used in combination with other Ayurvedic formulations like Ashokarishta and Praval Pishti, has demonstrated significant efficacy in managing menopausal symptoms. These treatments not only reduce somatic and psychological complaints but also improve the overall quality of life for menopausal women. While current findings are promising, further large-scale research is needed to confirm these benefits and explore additional therapeutic uses of Ashwagandha.
Sources and full results
Most relevant research papers on this topic
Clinical evaluation of Ashokarishta, Ashwagandha Churna and Praval Pishti in the management of menopausal syndrome
Ashokarishta, Ashwagandha Churna, and Praval Pishti combined effectively reduce symptoms and improve quality of life in women with mild to moderate menopausal syndrome.
Clinical Efficacy and Safety of Ashokarishta, Ashvagandha Churna and Pravala Pishti in the Management of Menopausal Syndrome: A Prospective Open-label Multicenter Study
Ashokarishta, Ashvagandha Churna, and Pravala Pishti effectively manage menopausal symptoms and improve quality of life in women.
Non-RCTPotential clinical usage of ashwagandha root extract: A review
Ashwagandha root extract shows potential in treating insomnia, stress-related disorders, cognitive functions, endocrine diseases, and enhancing muscle strength and recovery in healthy adults.
Systematic ReviewA Randomized, Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled, Crossover Study Examining the Hormonal and Vitality Effects of Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera) in Aging, Overweight Males
Ashwagandha intake for 8 weeks increased levels of DHEA-S and testosterone in overweight men, but did not significantly affect cortisol, estradiol, fatigue, vigor, or sexual well-being.
RCT
Rigorous JournalCLINICAL EVALUATION OF THE EFFECT OF SHTAVARIYADI KSHEERAPAKA ON PERIMENOPAUSAL SYNDROME
Shatavariyadi Ksheerapaka, a mixture of Ashwagandha, Shatavari, Guduchi, and Yashtimadhu, significantly reduces symptoms of perimenopausal syndrome.
Effect of standardized root extract of ashwagandha (Withania somnifera) on well‐being and sexual performance in adult males: A randomized controlled trial
Ashwagandha root extract improves sexual health and well-being in adult males, as demonstrated in a randomized controlled trial.
RCTRole of Withania somnifera (Ashwagandha) in the management of male infertility.
Ashwagandha root supplementation may improve male fertility by reducing oxidative stress and regulating hormonal balance through endocrine glands.
Literature Review
Highly CitedSafety of Ashwagandha Root Extract: A Randomized, Placebo-Controlled, Study in Healthy Volunteers.
Ashwagandha root extract consumption for 8 weeks was safe in both males and females, with no reported adverse events.
RCTClinical Evaluation of the Spermatogenic Activity of the Root Extract of Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera) in Oligospermic Males: A Pilot Study
Ashwagandha root extract significantly improves sperm count, semen volume, and motility in males with oligospermia, potentially reducing infertility.
RCTRigorous JournalHighly CitedAshwagandha in brain disorders: A review of recent developments.
Ashwagandha shows potential as a neuroprotective agent in various brain disorders, but further study is needed to confirm its mechanistic pathways and promote it as a promising drug candidate.
Systematic Review