Does ashwagandha raise blood pressure
Pro Research Analysisby
Searched over 200M research papers
Consensus Meter
Ashwagandha and Blood Pressure: Analyzing the Evidence
Introduction to Ashwagandha and Its Uses
Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera) is a prominent herb in Ayurvedic medicine, known for its rejuvenating and adaptogenic properties. It is commonly used to enhance general well-being, improve energy levels, and manage stress-related conditions.
Safety of Ashwagandha: No Significant Impact on Blood Pressure
A comprehensive study evaluated the safety of Ashwagandha root extract in healthy adults over an 8-week period. This randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study involved 80 participants who were administered 300 mg of Ashwagandha or a placebo twice daily. The study meticulously monitored various vital signs, including systolic and diastolic blood pressure, at both the beginning and end of the study. The results indicated no statistically significant changes in blood pressure among the participants, suggesting that Ashwagandha does not adversely affect blood pressure in healthy individuals.
Ashwagandha in Hypertension Management: Potential Benefits
Another study focused on the effects of Ashwagandha root powder supplementation in individuals with stress-oriented hypertension. This study involved 51 hypertensive subjects aged 40 to 70 years, divided into two groups. One group received Ashwagandha with milk, while the other received it with water. Over a three-month period, both groups experienced a decrease in diastolic blood pressure, with the milk group also showing a significant reduction in systolic blood pressure. These findings suggest that Ashwagandha, particularly when taken with milk, may help manage hypertension, especially in stress-related cases.
Conclusion
Current research indicates that Ashwagandha does not raise blood pressure in healthy individuals and may even help reduce blood pressure in those with stress-related hypertension. While these findings are promising, further long-term studies with varied dosages are recommended to fully understand the herb's impact on blood pressure across different populations.
Sources and full results
Most relevant research papers on this topic