Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera) is a cornerstone adaptogenic herb in Ayurvedic medicine, valued for over 3,000 years for its role in supporting the body’s response to stress and anxiety levels (subjectively measured by validated rating scales), reduced sleeplessness and fatigue, and reduced serum cortisol levels (a stress hormone) when compared with placebo promoting balance. Ashwagandha root has been used in the traditional Ayurvedic and Unani medicine systems of India as an adaptogen, which is loosely defined as a compound or product that increases the ability of a person to resist, adapt, or become resilient in nonspecific ways to biological, physical, or chemical stressors.
Ashwagandha is rich in phytochemicals, including steroidal lactones (known as withanolides) and alkaloids. While withanolides are believed to be responsible for many of ashwagandha’s proposed effects, evidence from preclinical studies suggests that other, non-withanolide components may also be involved. Most commercial ashwagandha supplements contain extracts from the plant’s root, although some contain extracts from both the root and leaf.
“Published in Journal of National Institute of Health”
Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera) is a cornerstone adaptogenic herb in Ayurvedic medicine, valued for over 3,000 years for its role in supporting the body’s response to stress and anxiety levels (subjectively measured by validated rating scales), reduced sleeplessness and fatigue, and reduced serum cortisol levels (a stress hormone) when compared with placebo promoting balance. Ashwagandha root has been used in the traditional Ayurvedic and Unani medicine systems of India as an adaptogen, which is loosely defined as a compound or product that increases the ability of a person to resist, adapt, or become resilient in nonspecific ways to biological, physical, or chemical stressors.
Ashwagandha is rich in phytochemicals, including steroidal lactones (known as withanolides) and alkaloids. While withanolides are believed to be responsible for many of ashwagandha’s proposed effects, evidence from preclinical studies suggests that other, non-withanolide components may also be involved. Most commercial ashwagandha supplements contain extracts from the plant’s root, although some contain extracts from both the root and leaf.
“Published in Journal of National Institute of Health”
