Ashwaghanda

Ashwagandha Clinical Report Summary

Human clinical studies show that ashwagandha can strengthen the immune system and help alleviate high cholesterol, Parkinson's disease and osteoarthritis (1, 2, 3, 4, 5). Other promising studies demonstrate that this anti-oxidant may also help the body fight off cancer and slow the growth of breast, colon and lung tumors (6, 7). More studies need to be done to confirm efficacy of these findings.  Ashwagandha has been used to promote general health and energy in traditional Indian medicine for centuries.

Ashwagandha Overview

Ashwagandha is an herb that has been used in traditional Indian, Ayurvedic medicine for thousands of years. Aswagandha, also called Indian ginseng or Withania somnifera, is a woody shrub native to India, Africa and Europe. In Ayurvedic medicine, ashwagandha classified as rasayana herb or adaptogen (1, 2). Indian adaptogens help support the body when it is under stress and vitalize functions of the immune system. That is why ashwanganda is found in a variety of traditional treatments for arthritis, ageing, pregnancy and athletic performance (1). Scientists have confirmed ashwanganda's versatility in lab tests and found it to have antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties which also boost the immune system and energy (1, 2). The active chemicals of ashwanganda come from the root and are called withanolides, chemicals the body can convert into regulating hormones when necessary (2).

Safe Use of Ashwagandha

Dosages vary but benefits were found at 300-500 mg per day (2). Studies and traditional use show that ashwagandha is generally safe but may not be appropriate for some people like pregnant women or people taking barbiturates or anti-depressants (2).

Clinical Reports for Ashwagandha

Dozens of clinical studies have examined the therapeutic uses of ashwagandha. Most of the research has been conducted on animals but these studies are strong and support results found in smaller human trials (1). Human studies show that ashwagandha can help lower cholesterol and alleviate symptoms associated with Parkinson's disease and osteoarthritis (3, 4, 5). These studies are small and need to be duplicated in bigger research trials. Other research shows that ashwagandha can strengthen the immune system and may help the body fight off cancer (6, 7). Several animal and human in vitro studies show that the herb can slow the growth of tumors and help the body fight off existing cancer cells (1, 6, 7). Researchers have found evidence of this is lab tests of breast, colon and lung tumors (7). Studies also show that ashwagandha enhances the results of radiation therapy in animals (6).  This early research is strong and needs to be tested in long-term human clinical trials.    

Ashwagandha References

1. Mishra LC et al. Scientific basis for the therapeutic use of Withania somnifera (ashwagandha): a review. Alt Med Rev. 2000; 5(4): 334-346.
2. Monograph: withania somnifera. Alt Med Rev. 2004; 9(2): 211-214.
3. Andallu B, Radhika B. Hypoglycemic, diuretic and hypocholesterolemic effect of cherry winter (Withania somnifera, Dunal) root. Indian J Exp Biol. 2000; 38(6): 607-609.
4. Nagashayana N et al. Association of L-DOPA with recovery following Ayurveda medication in Parkinson's disease. J Neurol Sci. 2000; 176(2): 124-127.
5. Kulkarni RR et al. Treatment of osteoarthritis with a herbomineral formulation: a double-blind, placebo-controlled, cross-over study. J Ethnopharmacol. 1991; 33(1-2): 91-95.
6. Winters M. Ancient medicine, modern use: Withania somnifera and its potential role in integrative oncology. Alt Med Rev. 2006; 11(4): 269-277.
7. Subbaraju GV et al. Ashwagandhanolide, a bioactive dimeric thiowithanolide isolated from the roots of Withania somnifera. J Nat Prod. 2006; 69(12): 1790-1792.