Ashwagandha supplements (withania somnifera) is an ancient medicinal herb that is also commonly known as Indian ginseng, poison gooseberry or winter cherry and is a member of the nightshade family.
It is one of the most important medicines in Ayurveda, an Indian alternative medical practice based on natural healing. In modern medicine it is placed in the adaptogen class of medicines which are used to manage stress. Ashwagandha is also known for providing other health benefits including boosting brain function, lowering blood sugar, lowering cortisol levels and also helping to alleviate the symptoms of anxiety and depression. Ashwagandha supplements contain the herb’s roots and leaves in powdered form contained in a capsule. It is classified as a vegetarian product that can be used to inhibit fatigue, tension and exhaustion.
Ashwagandha has been used for over 3000 years in natural medicine to relieve stress, increase energy levels and to improve concentration. Research has also shown that it has other medical benefits as follows:
• Reduces Blood Sugar
Several studies have shown that Ashwagandha reduces blood sugar levels, helps increase the body’s production of insulin and improves muscle cells’ sensitivity to insulin. Studies have shown that it has the ability to reduce sugar levels in both healthy people as well as those suffering from diabetes.
• Has Anti Cancer Properties
Some studies (conducted on animals and in the laboratory) have shown that the withaferin compound present in Ashwagandha can induce apoptosis, which causes cancer cells to destroy themselves, as well as inhibiting the growth of new cancer cells. It is believed to be able to treat several types of cancers including those found in the breasts, lungs, colon, brain and ovaries.
• Reduces Cortisol Levels
One of the most well known benefits of Ashwagandha is its ability to reduce stress. Cortisol is a hormone that is released by the adrenal glands in the human body when a person is under stress or their blood sugar levels have fallen. Studies have shown that Ashwagandha acts to reduce cortisol levels in the body.
• Reduces Stress, Anxiety and Depression
Ashwagandha acts to block stress pathway by regulating the chemical signals sent through the nervous system in studies done on rats. Human studies have shown that it helps reduce symptoms for people suffering from chronic stress and anxiety. Also, while it hasn’t been researched by medical science, there is some evidence that the herb can also alleviate the symptoms of depression although this is not proven by medical trials.
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