Ashwagandha (Indian Ginseng or Withania somnifera) is one the most important herbs used in Ayurveda medicine. It got its name due to its characteristic smell of horse which comes out of its fresh roots. There is a popular traditional belief that ingestion of Ashwagandha confers the strength and virility of a horse.

Ashwagandha is considered as an adaptogen because of its ability to prevent physical and chemical effects of stress. Ashwagandha’s anti-anxiety effect has been found to be synergistic with even alcohol. Also, it is very effective in relieving insomnia and depressive episodes caused by stress. Recent research has found Ashwagandha highly effective in reducing cortisol concentrations and immunosuppressive effects of stress.

 

Ashwagandha Indian Ginseng Withania Somnifera

Ashwagandha – Indian Ginseng – Withania Somnifera

 

Apart from reducing stress levels, Ashwagandha is known for improving physical performance. Ashwagandha can improve memory formation and consolidation, and even, may be quite effective in treatment of Alzheimer’s disease.

In traditional healing system of Ayurveda, Ashwagandha is primarily recommended for cancer patients. Although there is no conclusive evidence of anti-cancer activity but it is a great supplement to reduce immunosuppression. It can also ease the pain of chemotherapy treatment by greatly reducing stress and fatigue.

Background

Ashwagandha is also known As Withania Somnifera, Indian Ginseng, Smell of Horse, Winter Cherry, Dunal, and Solanaceae. It is majorly cultivated in the drier regions of India, such as Mandsaur and Neemuch District of Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan, Gujarat, Punjab, and Kerala. It is also found in Nepal, China and Yemen.

Chemical Composition

The biologically active chemical constituents of Withania somnifera (WS) include alkaloids (isopelletierine, tropine, anaferine, cuseohygrine, anahygrine, etc.), steroidal lactones (withanolides, withaferins) and saponins. The leaves contain the steroidal lactones, withanolides, notably withaferin A, which was the first to be isolated from the plant. Sitoindosides and acylsterylglucosides in Ashwagandha are basically anti-stress agents. Active principles of Ashwagandha, for instance the sitoindosides VII-X and Withaferin-A, have been shown to have significant anti-stress activity against acute models of experimental stress. Many of its constituents support immunomodulatory actions.

 

General Health Benefits

Classical Uses of Ashwagandha in Ayurveda

  • The root of Ashwagandha is regarded as tonic, aphrodisiac, narcotic, diuretic, anthelmintic, astringent, thermogenic and stimulant.
  • It is commonly used in treatment of underweight children, debility from old age, rheumatism, leucoderma, constipation, insomnia, nervous breakdown, goiter etc. (Sharma, 1999).
  • Paste of crushed Ashwagandha, mixed with water is applied to treat the inflammation at the joints and also, it is locally applied in carbuncles, ulcers and painful swellings.
  • Ashwagandha root in combination with other drugs is considered effective in treatment of snake venom as well as in scorpion-sting.
  • Ashwagandha is very effective in treatment of leucorrhoea, boils, pimples, flatulent colic, worms and piles.
  • The Nagori Ashwagandha is considered the best among all Ashwagandha varieties. Freshly ground Ashwagandha powder gives the maximum benefit.
  • Ashwagandha leaves are bitter in taste and are recommended in fever and painful swellings. Ashwagandha flowers are astringent, depurative, diuretic and aphrodisiac. The seeds are anthelmintic and combined with astringent and rock salt remove white spots from the cornea.
  • Ashwagandharishta, a sort of fermented decoction, prepared from Ashwagandha is used in hysteria, anxiety, memory loss, syncope, etc. It also acts as a stimulant and increases the sperm count.

Scientific Studies on General Health Benefits of Ashwagandha

  • Extensive studies on Ashwagandha’s adaptogenic/anit-stress effects have shown it to be effective in stamina improvement, prevention of stress induced gastric ulcer, hepatotoxicity due to carbon tetrachloride and mortality.
  • Ashwagandha has been described as a nervine tonic in Ayurveda. Numerous studies have supported Ashwahandha’s use as tonics, vitalizers and rejuvenators which indicate clinical use of Withania somnifera in the prevention and treatment of many stress induced diseases like arteriosclerosis, premature ageing, arthritis, diabetes, hypertension and malignancy.
  • Ashwagandha can be used as an adjunct to cancer chemotherapy or radiotherapy. Besides having an anti-cancer effect it also reduces the side effects of anti-cancer agents, which invariably reduce immunity and quality of life. Ashwagandha also acts as an immunomodulator and hence can enhance life span of cancer patients, where lowered immunity states of the patient are the cause of concern.
  • Ashwagandha is a well known for improving memory and intellectual capacity. The cognition-promoting effect of Ashwagandha is best seen in children with memory deficits, or when memory is compromised following head injury, or a prolonged illness and in old age.
  • Numerous studies have shown that Ashwagandha slows, stops, reverses or removes neuritic atrophy and synaptic loss. Therefore Ashwagandha can be used to treat Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s, Huntington’s and other neurodegenerative diseases at any stage of the disease, even before a person has been diagnosed and is still in the state of mild forgetfulness, etc.
  • Ashwagandha has been found to induce a calming anxiolytic effect that is comparable to the drug Lorazepam. Further, Ashwagandha also exhibits an antidepressant effect, comparable with that induced by imipramine. The investigations support the use of Ashwagandha as a mood stabilizer in clinical conditions of anxiety and depression.
  • Ashwagandha is an analgesic that soothes nervous system from pain response. The powerful anti-arthritic properties of Ashwagandha are now widely accepted and documented; it is furthermore found to be effective as antipyretic as well as analgesic also.
  • There is a decrease in total cholesterol of around 10% when Ashwagandha (water extract of the roots) is ingested. It is notable, however, since this appears to occur in all persons regardless of whether they have high cholesterol or not.

 

Ashwagandha for Sexual Health

Ashwagandha for Sexual Health

Increases Libido

Ashwagandha has been found to be very effective in enhancing libido through following mechanisms:

Treats depression: The whole process of sexual arousal starts with the ability to anticipate pleasure, which is lost with depression. People who are depressed are locked in the moment of their suffering. Drugs that treat depression can release sexual function from the grips of depression. Various studies have found Ashwagandha with anti-depressive effects, which can significantly boost sex drive6, 7.

Reduces Cortisol level: We all know that hormones affect our bodies in numerous ways. Cortisol is one of the hormones produced by stress. If elevated levels of Cortisol are being produced for a prolonged period of time, they suppress our sex hormones which results in lower libido. Ashwagandha appears to significantly reduce the symptoms of stress and its comorbidities (fatigue, temporary cognitive impairment, etc.) as well as biomarkers such as cortisol4.

Reduces stress, anxiety and fatigue: Stress, anxiety and exhaustion can be all-consuming and have a major impact on your happiness, including your sex drive. If you feel you’re constantly tired, stressed or anxious, you may find answer in Ashwagandha. Secondary to its adaptogenic effects, Ashwagandha is able to reduce the perceptions of fatigue with prolonged daily usage8, 9. Besides this, Ashwagandha also helps in improving social functioning and subjective well-being18, 19.

Increases motivation: An increase in motivation has been noted to occur in a study where anxiety was reduced; it is not sure if this is a ‘per se’ effect of supplementation or due to reducing anxiety15, but being in a relaxed and motivated state can definitely reward you with an amazing sex.

Increases Luteinizing Hormone level: LH (which stands for luteinising hormone) controls the production of sex hormones by the ovaries. Studies have found LH is strongly linked to desire for sex. An increase in luteinizing hormone has been detected with Ashwagandha supplementation which can boost sex drive13, 14.

Increases DHEAS hormone level: Dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) and its sulphate ester (DHEAS), are the most abundant circulating sex steroid hormones in women. The ovaries and adrenal glands produce DHEA, whereas DHEAS synthesis occurs in the zona reticularis of the adrenal cortex. Observational studies have shown that circulating DHEAS levels below the 10th centile are associated with increased likelihood of low sexual function in both premenopausal and post-menopausal women and an association between low circulating DHEAS and low well-being has been reported in premenopausal women. Higher DHEAS protects against the onset of depression in the elderly. Clinical studies have found that 60 days of Ashwagandha supplementation led to increased level of serum DHEA sulfate (13.2%), which can promote better sexual health and well being among elderly12.

Treats Erectile Dysfunction

Clinical studies have confirmed Ashwagandha’s effectiveness in treatment of erectile dysfunction through following mechanisms:

Lowers Triglyceride levels: High triglyceride levels are associated with erectile dysfunction. Men with high cholesterol often have high triglyceride levels, as do men with what is known as metabolic syndrome. Metabolic syndrome is a collection of risk factors that predict heart disease, and it is also associated with erectile dysfunction. High triglycerides are considered part of metabolic syndrome, which is largely attributed to poor diet, sedentary lifestyle, and being overweight – three factors that also increase risk for erectile dysfunction. The bottom line is, lifestyle practices that negatively affect the heart tend to also negatively affect erectile health. Studies have found, Ashwagandha supplementation decreases Triglycerides level, especially in those with metabolic impairments12, 26, 27, 28.

Lowers LDL-Cholestrol level: Low-density lipoprotein (LDL) is one of the body’s lipoproteins and an important carrier of cholesterol. It’s bad because it becomes part of plaque, the stuff that can clog arteries and make heart attacks and strokes more likely. Too much LDL-C in the bloodstream creates arterial plaque that damages and blocks blood flow. These blockages will result to inadequate circulation of blood throughout the system including the penis and genital area. This could result in erection problem, which can eventually lead to erectile dysfunction. Also, high cholesterol can make the body more difficult to produce the necessary chemicals to create an erection. High cholesterol affects the body’s ability to properly release nitric oxide into the bloodstream. This prevents the proper relaxation of penile tissues to cause erectile engorgement. Clinical studies have found Ashwagandha supplementation is helpful in lowering LDL-Cholestrol level10, 11, 12.

Improves Testosterone level: Testosterone isn’t the only fuel for a man’s sex drive and performance. But low testosterone can reduce your ability to have satisfying sex. Lack of sex drive and erectile dysfunction are sexual problems that can result from low testosterone. Men might experience less interest in sex as the level declines, or not be able to sexually perform as well as they would like. A dip in sexual interest can cause depression and could damage important intimate relationships. Ashwagandha seems to have answer here. Clinical studies have found that Ashwagandha may increase Testosterone level in infertile men22, 23, 24, 25.

Improves Agility and Stamina

Recent research has shown that Ashwagandha can be very effective in improving agility and stamina through following mechanisms:

Improves VO2 max level: VO2 max is the maximum rate of oxygen consumption measured during incremental exercise (exercise of increasing intensity). VO2 max is widely used as an indicator of health. In 2016, the American Heart Association published a scientific statement recommending that cardiorespiratory fitness (CRF), quantifiable as VO2 max, be regularly assessed and utilized as a clinical vital sign. This statement was based on mounting evidence that lower fitness levels are associated with high risk of cardiovascular disease, all-cause mortality, and mortality rates stemming from various types of cancers. Studies have found 8 weeks of Ashwagandha supplementation led to increased VO2 max level in otherwise untrained persons29, 30. There’s no doubt that good cardiovascular health is an indicator of good sexual health as well!

Increases Power Output: Ashwagandha appears to increase time to exhaustion on a treadmill test when given to athletes; the increase in endurance is mild but present5. Supplementation of 500mg of the water extract has been noted to improve intermittent sprint performance in otherwise untrained persons then subject to a training protocol2. Clinical studies have shown improvements in power output in trained athletes and sedentary persons, both, who simply took the supplement as well as untrained people who began strength training1, 2, 3. Such findings are especially relevant for an amazing sex which requires agility and stamina, both.

Improves overall sperm quality and sperm count

Alongside improvements in all seminal parameters, Ashwagandha is able to increase seminal motility as well; both are thought to underlie pro-fertility effects16, 17. Ashwagandha works well in enhancing overall sperm quality20, 21. Also, there appears to be an increase in sperm count in normozoospermic men with infertility consuming 5g Ashwagandha daily, with more potency seen in men who self-identify as stressed31.

 

Recommended dosage of Ashwagandha

The lowest effective dose for acute usage of Ashwagandha, and perhaps the most cost-effective dose, is 300-500mg. The optimal dose is 6,000mg a day usually divided into three doses (2,000mg).

Ashwagandha root extract is the preferred form of Ashwagandha, for the purposes of supplementation.

Ashwagandha should be taken with meals. If taken once a day, it should be taken with breakfast.

 

Conclusion

The available data from various clinical studies support the conclusion that Ashwagandha is one of the most potent regenerative tonic due to its adaptogenic, neuroprotective, antitumor, anti-arthritic, analgesic and anti-inflammatory properties.

On the sexual wellness side, Ashwagandha has been found to be very effective in increasing sexual desire, boosting Testosterone levels, enhancing sperm count, endurance boosting, and in stabilizing hormone levels that cumulatively boosts overall sexual health of men and women, both.

 

Reference:

  1. Examining the effect of Withania somnifera supplementation on muscle strength and recovery: a randomized controlled trial.
  2. Effects of Withania somnifera (Ashwagandha) and Terminalia arjuna (Arjuna) on physical performance and cardiorespiratory endurance in healthy young adults.
  3. Exploratory study to evaluate tolerability, safety, and activity of Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera) in healthy volunteers.
  4. A prospective, randomized double-blind, placebo-controlled study of safety and efficacy of a high-concentration full-spectrum extract of Ashwagandha root in reducing stress and anxiety in adults.
  5. Effects of eight-week supplementation of Ashwagandha on cardiorespiratory endurance in elite Indian cyclists.
  6. A double-blind, placebo-controlled evaluation of the anxiolytic efficacy ff an ethanolic extract of withania somnifera.
  7. A prospective, randomized double-blind, placebo-controlled study of safety and efficacy of a high-concentration full-spectrum extract of Ashwagandha root in reducing stress and anxiety in adults.
  8. Effect of Withania somnifera (Ashwagandha) on the development of chemotherapy-induced fatigue and quality of life in breast cancer patients.
  9. Naturopathic care for anxiety: a randomized controlled trial ISRCTN78958974.
  10. Hypoglycemic, diuretic and hypocholesterolemic effect of winter cherry (Withania somnifera, Dunal) root.
  11. Exploratory study to evaluate tolerability, safety, and activity of Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera) in healthy volunteers.
  12. The Journal of the American Nutraceutical Association
  13. Withania somnifera Improves Semen Quality in Stress-Related Male Fertility.
  14. Withania somnifera improves semen quality by regulating reproductive hormone levels and oxidative stress in seminal plasma of infertile males.
  15. Naturopathic care for anxiety: a randomized controlled trial ISRCTN78958974.
  16. Withania somnifera Improves Semen Quality in Stress-Related Male Fertility.
  17. Efficacy of Withania somnifera on seminal plasma metabolites of infertile males: a proton NMR study at 800 MHz.
  18. Effect of Withania somnifera (Ashwagandha) on the development of chemotherapy-induced fatigue and quality of life in breast cancer patients.
  19. A prospective, randomized double-blind, placebo-controlled study of safety and efficacy of a high-concentration full-spectrum extract of Ashwagandha root in reducing stress and anxiety in adults.
  20. Withania somnifera improves semen quality by regulating reproductive hormone levels and oxidative stress in seminal plasma of infertile males.
  21. Efficacy of Withania somnifera on seminal plasma metabolites of infertile males: a proton NMR study at 800 MHz.
  22. Examining the effect of Withania somnifera supplementation on muscle strength and recovery: a randomized controlled trial.
  23. Withania somnifera Improves Semen Quality in Stress-Related Male Fertility.
  24. Withania somnifera improves semen quality by regulating reproductive hormone levels and oxidative stress in seminal plasma of infertile males.
  25. Efficacy of Withania somnifera on seminal plasma metabolites of infertile males: a proton NMR study at 800 MHz.
  26. Hypoglycemic, diuretic and hypocholesterolemic effect of winter cherry (Withania somnifera, Dunal) root.
  27. Effects of Withania somnifera in patients of schizophrenia: a randomized, double blind, placebo controlled pilot trial study.
  28. Exploratory study to evaluate tolerability, safety, and activity of Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera) in healthy volunteers.
  29. Effects of Withania somnifera (Ashwagandha) and Terminalia arjuna (Arjuna) on physical performance and cardiorespiratory endurance in healthy young adults.
  30. Effects of eight-week supplementation of Ashwagandha on cardiorespiratory endurance in elite Indian cyclists.
  31. Withania somnifera Improves Semen Quality in Stress-Related Male Fertility.

Disclaimer: The information on this page is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice. Do not use this information to diagnose or treatment of men’s and women’s sexual health and general health conditions without consulting the doctor. While we review and promote nutrients, herbs, Ayurvedic medicines, and alternative therapies for men’s and women’s sexual health and general health conditions, you must consult an authorized physician before taking any of the products.

 

Posted by Asmidev