Ashwagandha pills
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Ashwagandha Pills: Benefits, Efficacy, and Safety
Introduction to Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera)
Ashwagandha, also known as Withania somnifera or Indian ginseng, is a prominent herb in Ayurvedic medicine, traditionally used for its rejuvenating and adaptogenic properties. The roots of the plant contain active compounds such as withanolides, alkaloids, and sitoindosides, which contribute to its therapeutic effects1.
Cognitive Function and Memory Enhancement
Keywords: Cognitive Function, Memory Enhancement, Mild Cognitive Impairment
Ashwagandha has shown promise in improving cognitive functions and memory. A pilot study involving adults with mild cognitive impairment (MCI) demonstrated significant improvements in both immediate and general memory, as well as executive function, sustained attention, and information-processing speed after eight weeks of ashwagandha supplementation2. These findings suggest that ashwagandha may be beneficial for enhancing cognitive performance in individuals experiencing cognitive decline.
Neuroprotective Effects in Brain Disorders
Keywords: Neuroprotective Effects, Brain Disorders, Anxiety, Alzheimer's, Parkinson's
Ashwagandha's neuroprotective properties have been explored in various brain disorders. The herb's active phytoconstituents, such as withaferin A and withanolide A, have shown potential in managing conditions like anxiety, Alzheimer's, Parkinson's, schizophrenia, and depression1. Although preclinical studies and patents support its neuroprotective role, more research is needed to fully understand the mechanistic pathways and clinical efficacy1.
Physical Endurance and Muscle Strength
Keywords: Physical Endurance, Muscle Strength, Resistance Training
Ashwagandha has been found to enhance physical endurance and muscle strength. In a study involving healthy adults performing resistance training, participants who took ashwagandha root extract showed significant improvements in muscle strength, muscle size, and cardiorespiratory endurance compared to the placebo group8. Another study reported similar benefits in cardiorespiratory endurance and recovery in athletic adults4.
Hormonal Balance and Vitality
Keywords: Hormonal Balance, Vitality, Aging Males
In aging, overweight males, ashwagandha supplementation was associated with increased levels of DHEA-S and testosterone, although no significant differences were observed in cortisol and estradiol levels3. These hormonal changes were linked to improvements in fatigue, vigor, and overall well-being, suggesting ashwagandha's potential in promoting vitality in aging populations3.
Sleep Quality and Insomnia Management
Keywords: Sleep Quality, Insomnia, Sleep Parameters
Ashwagandha has been traditionally used for its sleep-inducing effects. Clinical trials have shown that ashwagandha root extract can significantly improve sleep parameters such as sleep onset latency, total sleep time, and sleep efficiency in both healthy individuals and those with insomnia5. These improvements were more pronounced in insomnia patients, indicating ashwagandha's potential as an alternative treatment for sleep disorders5.
Safety and Tolerability
Keywords: Safety, Tolerability, Adverse Effects
The safety of ashwagandha root extract has been evaluated in several studies. In a randomized, placebo-controlled trial, no significant adverse effects were reported, and the herb was well-tolerated by participants6. Hematological and biochemical parameters, including thyroid function, remained stable, confirming the safety of ashwagandha for short-term use6.
Conclusion
Ashwagandha pills offer a range of potential health benefits, including cognitive enhancement, neuroprotection, improved physical endurance, hormonal balance, and better sleep quality. While current research supports these benefits, further studies with larger sample sizes and robust methodologies are needed to confirm these findings and explore the long-term safety and efficacy of ashwagandha supplementation.
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Most relevant research papers on this topic
Ashwagandha 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 ReviewEfficacy and Safety of Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera (L.) Dunal) Root Extract in Improving Memory and Cognitive Functions
Ashwagandha root extract may improve memory and cognitive functions in adults with mild cognitive impairment, enhancing executive function, attention, and information processing speed.
RCT
Highly CitedA 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 JournalA double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled trial on the effect of Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera Dunal.) root extract in improving cardiorespiratory endurance and recovery in healthy athletic adults.
Ashwagandha root extract effectively enhances cardiorespiratory endurance and improves quality of life in healthy athletic adults without causing adverse events.
RCTClinical evaluation of the pharmacological impact of ashwagandha root extract on sleep in healthy volunteers and insomnia patients: A double-blind, randomized, parallel-group, placebo-controlled study.
Ashwagandha root extract improves sleep quality and helps manage insomnia, with more significant improvements in insomnia patients.
RCTSafety 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.
RCTEfficacy and Safety of Ashwagandha Root Extract in Subclinical Hypothyroid Patients: A Double-Blind, Randomized Placebo-Controlled Trial.
Ashwagandha root extract may effectively normalize thyroid indices in subclinical hypothyroid patients, with few mild and temporary adverse effects.
RCTEffects of Ashwagandha ( Withania somnifera) standardized root extract on physical endurance and VO 2max in healthy adults performing resistance training: An eight-week, prospective, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study
Ashwagandha root extract supplementation for eight weeks effectively improves muscle strength, growth, endurance, and recovery in both male and female participants.
RCTAn alternative treatment for anxiety: a systematic review of human trial results reported for the Ayurvedic herb ashwagandha (Withania somnifera).
Ashwagandha treatment significantly improves anxiety and stress scores compared to placebo in most studies, but current evidence is limited by study methods and potential bias.
Systematic ReviewHighly CitedAshwagandha (Withania somnifera) for the treatment and enhancement of mental and physical conditions: A systematic review of human trials
Ashwagandha shows potential in alleviating stress and anxiety symptoms, but more robust and adequately-powered research is needed to confirm its effectiveness across various mental and physical conditions.
Systematic Review