Ashwagandha Extract Benefits

For centuries, Ashwagandha extract benefits have been an integral part of the Ayurvedic system of medicine. Also known as winter cherry and Indian ginseng, Ashwagandha is highly effective to treat anxiety and stress because of its Vata balancing and rejuvenating properties. In addition to these advantages, Ashwagandha extract is also used to improve stamina and treat severe health conditions such as erectile dysfunction and male infertility.

Let us read about more Ashwagandha extract benefits to know more about this amazing ingredient that finds a place in many dietary supplements.

Considered to be an effective nervine tonic, Ashwagandha offers significant protection against stress-induced gastric ulcers. Ashwagandha is also prescribed to old age people who experience loss of memory and children with memory deficits. It is also effective to treat neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer's disease, Huntington’s disease, and Parkinson's disease. Ashwagandha offers Gamma-Aminobutyric acid (GABA) mimetic effects and promotes the formation of dendrites. It is also known to improve mitochondrial health and energy levels in the body. Clinically, Ashwagandha is prescribed to patients who are suffering from osteoarthritis and rheumatoid.

The biologically active chemical constituents of Ashwagandha include saponins, steroidal lactones (withanolides, withaferins), and alkaloids (isopelletierine, anaferine, cuseohygrine, anahygrine, etc.). Ashwagandha's root is considered a narcotic, diuretic, anthelmintic, tonic, aphrodisiac, thermogenic, stimulant, and astringent. Medically, Ashwagandha is recommended to treat debility from old age, insomnia, nervous breakdown, goiter, leukoderma, constipation, rheumatism, leucorrhea, boils, pimples, flatulent colic, carbuncles, ulcers, hysteria, anxiety, memory loss, and vitiated conditions of Vata.

The adaptogenic, as well as anti-stress properties of Ashwagandha, make it an excellent choice to prevent carbon tetrachloride (CCl4) induced hepatotoxicity and mortality. It is second to none for increasing stamina and treating severe and debilitating health conditions such as arteriosclerosis, premature aging, arthritis, diabetes, hypertension, and malignancy. Ashwagandha exerts considerable inhibitory effect on incorporation of ribosome -35S into the granulation tissue and minimizes the succinate dehydrogenase enzyme activity in the mitochondria of granulation tissue. The unmatched antibacterial, antitumoral, immunomodulating, and anti-inflammatory properties of Ashwagandha make it a good choice for everyone.

The best thing about Ashwagandha is that it increases longevity and promotes a youthful and happy state of mental and physical health. If this is not all, Ashwagandha enhances the function of the nervous system and the brain while improving the body's resilience to stress. It is also renowned for its unique ability to enhance the defense mechanism of the body by improving cell-mediated immunity. Ashwagandha is also known to protect the body against cellular damage caused by the presence of free radicals.

Relieves anxiety and stress

Ashwagandha (or Withania somnifera) is best known for its unique ability to relieve stress and anxiety. Several studies in the past have highlighted these advantages of Ashwagandha. One study also indicated that Ashwagandha is highly useful to improve the quality and duration of sleep.

Reduces fat and blood sugar

Several clinical studies have indicated that Ashwagandha is highly effective to reduce triglycerides and blood sugar levels. A study likened the blood sugar-lowering effects of Ashwagandha to those of medications prescribed by medical practitioners to treat type 2 diabetes.

Improves strength and muscle

According to research, Ashwagandha demonstrates unmatched efficacy to improve muscle size and body strength. A study found that participants noticed significant strength and speed after making use of Ashwagandha. Another study indicated an increase in muscle power, reduced cholesterol levels, and a lower body fat percentage when Ashwagandha was consumed. Male participants who received Ashwagandha experienced considerable gains in the levels of muscle size in their chests and arms as well as muscle strength (measured using leg extension and bench press exercises). They also experienced reduced body fat percentage and post-workout muscle damage.

Enhances sexual function in women

Ashwagandha is routinely prescribed to women who are experiencing sexual dysfunction. The consumption of Ashwagandha leads to considerable improvements in the levels of orgasm, arousal, satisfaction, and lubrication. Ashwagandha is also associated with an improvement in the count of successful sexual encounters and enhanced metrics of distress around their sexuality and sex lives.

Boosts testosterone and fertility levels in men

Ashwagandha is globally renowned for its amazing reproductive benefits for men. The administration of Ashwagandha to infertile men is known to significantly enhance sperm quality by rebalancing reproductive hormone levels. Another study indicated that Ashwagandha increased the levels of testosterone in male participants while also leading to positive effects on muscle strength in men.

Sharpens memory and focus

Ashwagandha is known to enhance memory, cognition, alertness, energy output, and the ability to perform motor responses after instruction. This herb is known to considerably improve the reaction times of participants during psychomotor and cognition tests. One study also found that Ashwagandha has the unique ability to improve the attention spans of participants as well as their general and immediate memory across a wide range of tests.

Supports heart health

Ashwagandha can significantly increase VO2 max levels, which is considered to be the maximum amount of oxygen that you can take in while physically exerting yourself. VO2 max levels are used to measure cardiorespiratory endurance (how well the lungs and heart deliver oxygen to muscles during physical activity). Higher VO2 max levels mean a heart is healthy and performing well under challenging circumstances.

The recommended dose of Ashwagandha is 1-2 capsules a day or as suggested by your doctor. Ashwagandha dosages are best taken with milk or water and after a meal. Medical advice should be sought before using Ashwagandha if you are a breastfeeding, pregnant, or lactating woman.

We hope that this blog on Ashwagandha extract benefits was useful for you to develop a clear and complete understanding of this amazing herb.