Ashwagandha

HABITAT

Ashwagandha is grown on sub-marginal waste lands and low fertility areas. Plant grows well in red, sandy, black and loamy soil with pH 6.5- 8.0 with good water drainage. It can be cultivated up to altitudes of 1000 meter. It is found throughout the drier parts in subtropical regions and upper Gangetic Plains.

INTRODUCTION

Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera, fam. Solanaceae) is commonly known as “Indian Winter cherry” or “Indian Ginseng”. The root smells like horse (“ashwa”), that is why it is called Ashwagandha. It is one of the most important herbs of Ayurveda (the traditional system of medicine in India) used for millennia as a Rasayana for its wide-ranging health benefits. Rasayana is described as an herbal or metallic preparation that promotes a youthful state of physical and mental health and expands happiness.

It is most well-known for its restorative and rejuvenating benefits. Being a powerful adaptogen, it enhances the body's resilience to stress. Ashwagandha improves the body's defence against disease by improving the cell-mediated immunity. It also possesses potent antioxidant properties that help protect against cellular damage caused by free radicals. Ashwagandha has been shown to promote healthy levels of cortisol and the healthy inflammatory processes that are stimulated in the response to stress.

BENEFITS

Relieves Anxiety & Depression: Ashwagandha is classified as an adaptogen which means that it helps the body to adapt to stress. It can boost brain function and help fight symptoms of anxiety and depression.

Reduces Inflammation: Inflammation is the body’s normal response to conditions such as infection, toxins, and trauma. Ashwagandha is one such herb which has proven to be effective in reducing inflammation.

Prevents and Heals Acne: Ashwagandha root has both antibacterial and antimicrobial properties which protect the skin from infections or acne. It also boosts the collagen in the skin which prevents it from ageing.

Increases Stamina: Ashwagandha facilitates the body to reserve and sustain vital energy throughout the day to promote sound and peaceful sleep at night. It also increases your overall ability to exercise and work.

Strengthens Immunity: Ashwagandha is one of the most powerful herbs for immune-system support for young and old alike. One animal study found that Ashwagandha strengthened the immune systems of mice by promoting an increase in white blood cells.

MECHANISM OF ACTION

The active principles of Ashwagandha, sitoindosides VII-X and withaferin A (glycowithanolides), have been tested for antioxidant activity using the major free-radical scavenging enzymes, superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), and glutathione peroxidase (GPX) levels in the rat brain frontal cortex and striatum. Decreased activity of these enzymes leads to accumulation of toxic oxidative free radicals and resulting degenerative effects. Ashwagandha reduces activation of the hypothalamic–pituitary–adrenal axis and cortisol (stress hormone) release in a hyper state yet, it can increase cortisol when needed in cases of adrenal exhaustion based on animal models of stress.

CLINICAL STUDIES & REFERENCES

Pharmacol Biochem Behav. 2003;75(3):547–55. Adaptogenic activity of Withania somnifera: an experimental study using a rat model of chronic stress. Bhattacharya SK, Muruganandam AV.
Bajad, S. 2001. Antidiarrhoeal activity of piperine in mice. Planta Med., 67: 284–287.
Integr Cancer Ther. 2013;12(4):312–22. Effect of Withania somnifera (Ashwagandha) on the development of chemotherapy-induced fatigue and quality of life in breast cancer patients. Biswal BM, Sulaiman SA, Ismail HC, Zakaria H, Musa KI.
R Agarwal, S Diwanay, P Patki, B Patwardhan, Studies on immunomodulatory activity of Withania somnifera (Ashwagandha) extracts in experimental immune inflammation. J Ethnopharmacol. 1999 Oct;67(1):27-35. doi: 10.1016/s0378-8741(99)00065-3.
Afr J Tradit Complement Altern Med. 2011;8(5 Suppl):208–13. An overview on ashwagandha: a Rasayana (rejuvenator) of Ayurveda. Singh N, Bhalla M, de Jager P, Gilca M.
Winston, David and Maimes, Steven. "Adaptogens: Herbs for Strength, Stamina, and Stress Relief," Herbal Therapeutics. Rochester, Vt: 2007.