While
Ashwagandha is claimed to have a wide variety of
health benefits, there have been few clinical trials to test these claims.
Studies completed so far support that W. somnifera may possibly be beneficial
for:
easing drug
withdrawal symptoms
reducing
anxiety
reducing
arthritis pain in the knee
In addition,
there are registered clinical trials in progress to determine if W. sominifera
is useful for treating:
Tuberculosis,
Parkinson's Disease, Bone Cancer, Bipolar disorder, Diabetes
improve the well-being of the elderly and breast cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy
improve the well-being of the elderly and breast cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy
SIDE-EFFECTS
: In at least two published clinical trials of Withania somnifera, the side
effects experienced by W. somnifera treated individuals were not significantly
different than the side effects experienced by placebo treated individuals. If
taken in excess it can cause liver failure. However, there has been one report
that Withania somnifera can stimulate the thyroid and lead to thyrotoxicosis in
some people.
OTHER BENEFITS :
OTHER BENEFITS :
Shown to
increase semen quality and reduce oxidative stress.
Potential
preventive or therapeutic drug for stress induced neurological disorders
Withania
somnifera extract protects from the structural changes induced by morphine
withdrawal
Scholars at
Banaras Hindu University, located in Varanasi, India, have conducted research
that has shown that many of the elements of ashwagandha are antioxidants.
For years, Indians have prescribed ashwagandha as a treatment for cerebral disorders in the elderly, including memory loss. Scholars from the University of Leipzig looked at the effects of ashwagandha on the brain. They dosed rats with ashwagandha and then looked at their brains to see if ashwagandha affected neurotransmitters. The research showed that ashwagandha led to more acetylcholine receptor activity. The scholars concluded that the increase of activity in that particular neurotransmitter could account for the increase in cognitive ability and memory that is attributed to ashwagandha.
For years, Indians have prescribed ashwagandha as a treatment for cerebral disorders in the elderly, including memory loss. Scholars from the University of Leipzig looked at the effects of ashwagandha on the brain. They dosed rats with ashwagandha and then looked at their brains to see if ashwagandha affected neurotransmitters. The research showed that ashwagandha led to more acetylcholine receptor activity. The scholars concluded that the increase of activity in that particular neurotransmitter could account for the increase in cognitive ability and memory that is attributed to ashwagandha.
Researchers
at the University of Texas Health Science Center also looked at the effects of
ashwagandha. They found that extracts of the shrub had activity that was
similar to GABA, which could explain why the plant is effective in reducing
anxiety.
Another study, conducted in 2002, found that ashwagandha leads to increased growth of axons and dendrites. Another study in 2001 found that the plant can enhance memory. A 2000 project indicated that ashwagandha reduced anxiety and depression in animals.
Another study, conducted in 2002, found that ashwagandha leads to increased growth of axons and dendrites. Another study in 2001 found that the plant can enhance memory. A 2000 project indicated that ashwagandha reduced anxiety and depression in animals.
