ASHWAGANDHA SUPPLEMENTATION

What exactly is ashwagandha, what are its

purported benefits, and is there scientific merit to these claims?

A: Withania somnifera, which goes by the common names ashwagandha, Indian ginseng, or winter cherry, is a common herb used in Indian Ayurvedic medicine, typically to improve energy levels, overall health, longevity, and a variety of other conditions.

Some research on ashwagandha has been conducted on animals or in vitro, but few human studies have been done, resulting in limited evidence of anti-inflammatory and antistress benefits.

Claims

 Ashwagandha means “the smell of a horse” in Sanskrit (the root is known for smelling like a horse) and is traditionally said to confer “the power of a horse” upon consumption. It’s used as a Rasayana, a type of herb believed to promote physical and mental youthfulness and expand happiness, and typically is given to small children and middle-aged and older adults to increase longevity.

Many Rasayana herbs, including ashwagandha, are adaptogens, purported to help the body cope with daily stress and adverse effects of physical, chemical, and biological agents.1 Ashwagandha also is used to reduce pain; treat rheumatoid arthritis, diabetes, and

epilepsy; enhance the function of the brain and nervous system; improve memory; and promote sexual and reproductive balance.

There are more than 35 chemical constituents of ashwagandha that have been isolated, and many have been studied, including bioactive components such as alkaloids, steroidal lactones, saponins,

and withanolides.2 It’s also a good source of iron.

Research Ashwagandha is touted for its anti-inflammatory properties to provide relief for those with rheumatoid arthritis. 

In a threeday study published in the Indian Journal of Experimental Biology, researchers gave powdered ashwagandha root to rats orally one hour before administering an inflammation-promoting injection.

Compared with placebo, ashwagandha considerably reduced inflammation based on serum protein markers in the blood.3 Another study published in the same journal looked at the antiinflammatory effects of ashwagandha also in rats. 

Based on radiological exam, rats that were orally administered powdered ashwagandha root for 15 days showed significant reductions in paw swelling and bone degeneration changes compared with

rats given a hydrocortisone placebo.4

Antistress effects of ashwagandha were evaluated in rats swimming in cold water (ie, exposed to a stressor). Rats given an alcohol extract from defatted ashwagandha seeds dissolved in saline could tolerate the stressor longer, demonstrating a

swimming time double that of mice administered saline solution alone.5 A 2012 prospective, randomized, double-blinded, placebocontrolled study of 64 human subjects with a history of chronic stress demonstrated substantially lower serum cortisol levels in

those who took one capsule of ashwagandha root extract twice

a day for 60 days compared with placebo.6

While no side effects were reported in the latter study, shortterm side effects of ashwagandha supplementation can include drowsiness, upper gastrointestinal discomfort, and loose stool; therefore, it’s considered possibly safe when taken short term.

Long-term safety of ashwagandha supplementation is unknown for all populations, but any ashwagandha use is contraindicated during pregnancy, as it may induce abortion, and while using sedatives, as ashwagandha may increase their effects.

Ashwagandha typically is available in powder form made from the root of the plant, as well as in teas and capsules combined with numerous other herbs touting benefits such as sustained energy, thyroid support, and detoxification/cleanse.

Bottom Line

While there’s some evidence to support ashwagandha’s possible antistress and anti-inflammatory benefits, more research is needed. No safe or effective dosage has been established, and ashwagandha tends to be added to supplements that already

contain vitamins, minerals, and other herbs that can be contraindicated

for certain health conditions and medications. If clients insist on taking ashwagandha, they should be warned about medication and condition interactions and instructed to

stick to short-term use.