The Benefits and Contraindications of Ashwagandha

Ashwagandha, in Ayurvedic medicine, is considered a natural remedy to increase energy levels, reduce stress, and prevent some diseases. But what does the science say about it?

Reviewed and approved by the doctor Leonardo Biolatto.

Written by Daniela Echeverri Castro

Last update: 07 April, 2023

Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera L.) is also known as “oroval” and “bufera somnifera” (in Catalan). It’s a very popular herb in Indian Ayurvedic medicine, valued for its adaptogenic and revitalizing properties.

According to a study published in the medical journal Cureus, Ashwagandha extracts have positive effects in relieving stress and anxiety. In addition to this, various health benefits are attributed to it. Let’s take a closer look.

What is Ashwagandha?

Ashwagandha is called by a variety of names in different territories and cultures. Some are phonetically similar, such as Ajagandha, Asgandha, or Ashvagandha. However, it’s also known as Ayurvedic Ginseng or Indian Ginseng, even Cerise d’Hiver and Winter Cherry (winter cherry, in French and English, respectively).

This is a plant that belongs to the Solanaceae family, which also includes tomatoes, tobacco, and potatoes. Ashwagandha grows between 60 and 120 centimeters tall, with semi-woody stems, oblong-ovate leaves, and greenish-yellow bell-shaped flowers.

Its fruit is spherical, small, and bright red (hence some of its many names). However, various parts of this species are used, including the leaves, as well as extracts or a powder made from the root, which are the most commonly marketed forms.

Ashwagandha cultivars are usually found in India and Pakistan; however, both supplements and leaves of the plant are now distributed in many other countries.

Properties of ashwagandha

Ashwagandha is noted for its content of biologically active chemical compounds, including alkaloids, steroidal lactones, and soponins.

Other substances contained in this plant include the following:

• Triethylene glycol: in clinical studies with mice this substance has shown interesting effects against insomnia.
• Flavonoids: these are known for their ability to inhibit the effects of oxidative stress.
• Mineral salts such as iron and potassium.

Ashwagandha health benefits

There are several health benefits of ashwagandha; many are scientifically proven. In this sense, anti-inflammatory, sedative, antioxidant, anti-diabetic, and revitalizing properties are attributed to it. Let’s take a closer look.

1. It can help reduce the effects of stress in the body

Ashwagandha has been classified as an adaptogenic remedy, that is, it has the ability to increase the body’s resistance to situations of physical and mental stress. Research published in the Indian Journal of Psychological Medicine found that ashwagandha supplements help reduce cortisol levels.

2. It can help control anxiety

Because of the above, researchers consider it a good supplement against episodes of stress and anxiety. In particular, it’s attributed to a relaxing effect, since it regulates the chemical signaling of the nervous system that causes the feeling of tension.

3. Ashwagandha decreases the symptomatology of depression

Depression is a mental health problem that requires the intervention of professionals. Therefore, herbal supplements should not be considered a first-choice treatment to control its symptoms. Even so, some plants have shown a potential to improve mood in the face of this condition.

In a controlled study reported in the Indian Journal of Psychological Medicine, 64 adults were given 600 milligrams of a highly concentrated ashwagandha extract each day. After 60 days, 79% reported a reduction in symptoms of major depression. Despite this, more evidence is needed.

4. Ashwagandha contributes to regulating glucose levels

Although it’s not considered a remedy to fight diabetes, some research has determined that ashwagandha has the ability to regulate blood glucose levels.

In this regard, in a test tube study, published in the journal Phytochemistry, it was observed that it increased insulin secretion and improved sensitivity to this hormone in muscle cells.

On the other hand, in a clinical trial reported in the Indian Journal of Experimental Biology, it was determined that extracts of this medicinal herb favor the regulation of sugar levels in both healthy people and people with diabetes.

5. It promotes muscle mass increase

Sports and fitness enthusiasts can find in ashwagandha a natural supplement to increase muscle mass. In fact, as a randomized controlled trial in the Journal of the International Society of Sports Nutrition found, ashwagandha improves body composition and increases muscle strength.

6. It may help help reduce body fat

It even appears to help reduce body fat percentage. Of course, for this to happen, it must be included in the framework of a healthy diet and good habits, such as physical exercise.

7. It helps fight inflammation

A large number of diseases are attributed to an uncontrolled inflammation markers. On this, animal studies suggest that ashwagandha has anti-inflammatory properties that help keep the body healthy.

8. It can reduce your risk of heart disease

In human studies, the components of the plant increased the activity of immune cells that fight infections and are also key to regulating inflammatory processes. It has even been observed to decrease C-reactive protein (CRP), a marker associated with an increased risk of heart disease.

9. It lowers cholesterol and triglycerides

According to anecdotal data, another reason Withania somnifera L may be a supplement to reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease is that it helps control cholesterol and triglyceride levels in the blood.

Research in rats found that ashwagandha helped reduce total cholesterol and triglycerides by 53% and almost 45%, respectively. A decrease in LDL or bad cholesterol levels has also been observed. As in the previous cases, more evidence is needed.

10. It has antioxidant activity

The antioxidant activity of ashwagandha helps protect nerve cells against the negative effects of free radicals. In research published in Neurochemical Research , rats with epilepsy that were treated with this plant showed a decrease in the deterioration of spatial memory.

11. Ashwagandha contributes to improved brain function

In the same vein, in a study in Pharmacognosy Research , a group of healthy men took 500 milligrams of standardized ashwagandha extract daily. In the end, they reported significant improvements in their performance and reaction time compared to those who received a placebo.

12. It can help with sleep disorders

Because of its withanolides and triethylene glycol content , it’s suggested that the plant helps to reduce sleep disorders. In particular, it reduces the recurrence of insomnia.

13. It can help with the treatment of anemia

In Ayurvedic medicine, ashwagandha is used to reduce states of nervous fatigue, weakness, and iron deficiency anemia. Apparently, its extracts help to increase hemoglobin and erythrocyte levels.

14. It increases physical performance

Studies have shown that ashwagandha can help increase respiratory capacity and muscle strength during intense physical activity.

15. Ashwagandha raises energy levels

In the same vein as the previous point, ashwagandha is considered to be revitalizing, not only for athletes, but also for the elderly, helping to combat low mood and vitality.

16. It can help with rheumatic conditions

Due to its anti-inflammatory properties, it’s used as a supplement against rheumatic conditions, reducing deterioration in tendons, ligaments, joints, and bones. Although this is still under investigation.

17. It’s aphrodisiac

In India, its supplements have been traditionally used to improve sexual response, which could positively affect fertility, although there is no conclusive evidence.

18. It can aid in thyroid hormone production

Trials have been done that allow affirming that the treatment with Withania somnifera can be beneficial to normalize the thyroid indexes in patients with subclinical hypothyroidism..

19. It’s associated with increased immunity

It’s attributed to the ashwagandha an effect on the increase of leukocytes, which would strengthen the immune system, helping to prevent possible infections.

20. Decrease in bone loss

In vitro studies have found that consumption of Withania somnifera has been found in in vitro studies to slow bone loss, which, when applied to humans, would be good news for those suffering from osteoporosis.

21. It may be promising for the treatment of cancer

The use of withanolide extracts (withaferin A) seems promising for the treatment of certain types of cancer by inhibiting the growth of tumor cells. However, the findings are not yet conclusive.

Contraindications of ashwagandha

All herbal remedies derived from ashwagandha should be used with caution. As with other plants, there are risks of side effects and possible interactions. In this case, its alkaloid content makes it incompatible with some patients and their medical treatments.

In general, Ashwagandha is contraindicated in the following cases:

• Pregnancy and lactation
• Children under 12 years of age
• Hyperthyroidism
• Hemochromatosis
• Gastric sensitivity
• Treatments with antidepressants such as zolpidem, clonazepam, sertraline, and others
• If you take sleeping pills
• Medications for hypertension or high cholesterol: here, it’s advisable to consult a doctor before taking it

Dosage and presentations

To date, there is no data on the exact recommended dosage of ashwagandha. However, extracts of the root vary between 300 and 500 milligrams daily. In tea, 3 to 5 grams per day are usually used. The plant can be found in any herbalist store in the following presentations:

• Dried root, chopped or powdered, for use in decoction
• Dried or powdered leaves for infusion
• Dried or dehydrated berries (without seeds)
• Liquid extracts
• Pulverized root extract

What to remember about ashwagandha

Ashwagandha is popular in Ayurvedic medicine due to its antioxidant and revitalizing action. In folk medicine, it’s recognized as a helpful supplement to reduce stress, anxiety, and other mood disorders. In addition, it’s also recommended to take care of your cardiovascular health and improve your overall physical condition.

In any case, it should not be consumed excessively, but it’s necessary to take some precautions. You should also keep in mind that there are certain contraindicated cases in which it may be harmful to take this supplement.