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Ashwagandha Extract
Stress Reduction and Immune system
Ashwagandha Extract, used in PhytoMatrix® and Thryrovus®, is an all-natural, standardized plant extract derived from the Withania somnifera root. A powerful tonic and adaptogen, Ashwagandha Extract helps reduce stress and promote overall well-being. Ashwagandha is a traditional Ayurvedic herb used in India for more than 3,000 years and is often referred to as “Indian Ginseng.
Ashwagandha and research
Latest researches reveal that Ashwagandha, if given in proper dose, can restore the neurotransmitters and hence can be useful in various mental disorders. Ashwagandha can be used by both men and women and it acts to calm the mind and promote sound, restful sleep. Ashwagandha works as an adaptogen, promoting the body's ability to maintain homeostasis and resist stress. It prevents or minimizes imbalances that may lead to disease, whether from poor diet, lack of sleep, mental or physical strain, or chemical toxins in the environment. It is especially beneficial in stress related disorders such as arthritis, hypertension, diabetes, general debility, etc. It has also shown impressive results when used as a stimulant for the immune system. Ashwagandha is a unique herb with anti-stress adaptogenic action that leads to better physical fitness and helps to cope with life's daily stress.
What does Ashwagandha extract do?
Reduces stress and promotes well-being
Promotes healthy immune function
Promotes healthy joint function
Promotes healthy thyroid function
Promotes healthy sexual function
Ashwagandha and thyroid function
J Pharm Pharmacol. 1998 Sep;50(9):1065-8.
Changes in thyroid hormone concentrations after administration of ashwagandha root extract to adult male mice.
* Panda S, * Kar A. School of Life Sciences, D.A. University, Indore, India.
The importance of ashwagandha root extract in the regulation of thyroid function with special reference to type-I iodothyronine 5’-monodeiodinase activity in mice liver has been investigated. Although the root extract (1.4 g kg(-1)) administered daily for 20 days by gastric intubation increased serum 3,3’,5-triiodothyronine (T3) and tetraiodothyronine (T4) concentrations and hepatic glucose-6-phosphatase activity, hepatic iodothyronine 5’-monodeiodinase activity did not change significantly. Furthermore, ashwagandha root extract significantly reduced hepatic lipid peroxidation, whereas the activity of antioxidant enzymes such as superoxide dismutase and catalase were increased. These findings reveal that the ashwagandha root extract stimulates thyroidal activity and also enhances the antiperoxidation of hepatic tissue.
Ashwagandha as a powerful antioxidant
Ashwagandha is classified in Ayurveda, the ancient Indian system of medicine, as a rasayana, a group of plant-derived drugs which promote physical and mental health, augment resistance of the body against disease and diverse adverse environmental factors, revitalize the body in debilitated conditions and increase longevity. We investigated the effects of Ashwagandha on copper-induced lipid peroxidation and antioxidant enzymes in aging spinal cord of Wistar rats. The activity of glutathione peroxidase (GPx) decreased significantly in the spinal cord from adult to aged mice. Treatment with Ashwagandha successfully attenuated GPx activity and inhibited lipid peroxidation in a dose dependent manner. Ashwagandha inhibited both the lipid peroxidation and protein oxidative modification induced by copper. These effects were similar to those of superoxide dismutase and mannitol. The results indicate the therapeutic potential of Ashwagandha in aging and copper-induced pathophysiological conditions.
Withania Somnifera (Ashwagandha)
Introduction
This herb is used for 4000 years plus in India. It is a very important herb in ayurveda, the traditional Indian medicine. It is used for tumors, inflammation including arthritis), and a wide range of infectious diseases. The shoots and seeds are also used as food and to thicken milk in India. In Ayurvedic medicine, this herb is considered the "Ginseng of India", said to "protect the organism from illness through maintaining the healthy balance of physical energies." Like other adaptogens, ashwagandha root exhibits an anti-stress effect, an immunomodulatory effect; it can enhance both short and long term memory.
Origin
It is distributed in drier parts of India upto 5,500 m. The plant is widely distributed in North-Western India, Bombay, Gujarat, Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh, Uttar Pradesh, Punjab plains and extends to the mountain regions of Himachal Pradesh and Jammu. The plant is distributed throughout the drier subtropical regions of India. Not common in Kerala. The plant is also recorded to occur in Mediterranean (Israel), Canary Islands and Cape of Good Hope.
Chemical composition / key active constituents
The principle constituents of its roots Compounds known as withanolides are believed to account for the multiple medicinal applications of ashwagandha.These molecules are steroidal lactones with erggostane, which (include withanone, withaferin, withanolides, withasomidienone, withanolide C and alkanoids about 0.2 %) and bear a resemblance, both in their action and appearance, to the active constituents of Asian ginseng (Panax ginseng) known as ginsenosides.
Pharmacology
Roots of the plant show antitumor and radiosensitizing effects in animal model.Total alkaloid fraction of the root extract exhibit hypotensive bradycardic and respiratory stimulant activities in dogs. It shows relaxant and antispasmodic effects against several plasmogens on intenstinal, uterine, bronchial, tracheal and blood vascular muscles. Withanolides possess remarkable antibacterial, antitumor, ant arthritic and immunosuppressive.
Remedies For
Ashwagandha has been found to have important healing effects on solid tissues, skin support, connective tissue, lymph tissues, blood vessels, and mucous membranes. Ashwagandha has found its most successful applications in treatment of conditions involving venous insufficiency, tissue inflammation and infection, and post-surgical healing. Taken together, these actions support the traditional reputation of Ashwagandha as a tonic or adaptogen. It counteracts the effects of stress, headaches and generally promotes wellness.
Other benefits are for:
Arthritis & Parkinsons, Hypertension, Diabetes, General debility.
Dosage
3-6 gms drug in powdered form and 4- 8 ml of ashwagandha liquid extract.
Withania somnifera and Bauhinia purpurea in the regulation of circulating thyroid hormone concentrations in female mice.
Panda S, Kar A. J Ethnopharmacol. 1999 Nov 1;67(2):233-9.School of Life Sciences, Devi Ahilya University, Vigyan Bhavan, Indore, India. genetics@bom4.vsnl.net.in
The effects of daily administration of Withania somnifera root (ashwaghanda) extract (1.4 g/kg body wt.) and Bauhinia purpurea bark extract (2.5 mg/kg body wt.) for 20 days on thyroid function in female mice were investigated. While serum triiodothyronine (T3) and thyroxine (T4) concentrations were increased significantly by Bauhinia, Withania could enhance only serum T4 concentration. Both the plant extracts showed an increase in hepatic glucose-6-phosphatase (G-6-Pase) activity and antiperoxidative effects as indicated either by a decrease in hepatic lipid peroxidation (LPO) and/or by an increase in the activity of antioxidant enzyme(s). It appears that these plant extracts are capable of stimulating thyroid function in female mice.
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