ASHWAGANDHA EFFECT ON DIFFERENT DISEASES AS PER MODERN RESEARCHES

In recent years, growing research on Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera) has shown very promising effects on health. It is used in various kinds of diseases and especially has a good effect on the central nervous system. In recent times, many research studies have been conducted on anti-stress activities and neurodegenerative diseases. Ashwagandha is found to be very useful in these types of diseases, such as Huntington’s, Parkinson’s, and Alzheimer’s. Withania somnifera promotes the formation of dendrites as it has a GABA mimetic effect. It has properties that relieve anxiety and boost energy levels and mitochondrial health. As shown in studies, it is useful for rheumatoid arthritis and osteoarthritis due to having an anti-inflammatory and anti-arthritic agent in Ashwagandha.

Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera), also known as “Indian Winter Cherry” or “Indian Ginseng”. As we know, it is one of the most important herbs in Ayurveda and is used for a wide range of health-related issues. The root is the raw material that is used in medicine. It is derived from the words ‘ashwa’, which means horse, and ‘gandha’, which means fragrance. So, as per ancient people, after consuming the root of Ashwagandha, it will give power like horses. About 3000 years ago, the root of Ashwagandha was used as sexually stimulating agents, Sedatives, tonics, diuretics, etc. It is found in the areas of the Himalaya, Africa, Australia, and the Canary Islands. It is also cultivated in many regions of India, like Punjab, Madhya Pradesh, Gujarat, and Rajasthan. It is mainly available in the form of powder, commonly called churna in Ayurveda,taken with water, ghee, or honey. It boosts memory power, improves the functionality of the nervous system and brain, and helps manage stress. Studies show that it promotes sexual health and improves the function of the reproductive system.

Ashwagandha is a good source of carbohydrates, lipids, phenolics, terpenoids, alkaloids, and other nitrogen-containing compounds. The main components are alkaloids and withanaloides (withanaloides A, withanaloides B, 27-withanaloides B, and withanaloides D). 12 alkaloids and 35 withanoloides are contained in Ashwagandha, and the total alkaloids content is around 0.13–0.31%. Withanaloides work as important hormone precursors.

As discussed earlier, the root of ashwagandha is considered tonic, sexually arousing, sedative, diuretic, helminthic, and stimulant. Some studies show that the paste form of ashwagandha reduces inflammation when it is applied to the joints. It is also applied to sores, ulcers, and swellings. It is helpful in poisons as well as in scorpion-sing when the root is used in combination with other drugs. Among all Ashwagandha varieties, the Nagori Ashwagandha is the best one. Studies confirm that we can get maximum benefit when we use fresh ashwagandha powder. In cases of common fever and painful swellings, the leaves are recommended for the patients. One of the studies shows that it also increases the sperm count

The studies on the animals show that they are very effective in stimulating stamina and getting rid of stress-induced gastric ulcers. 100 mg/kg oral dosage of an aqueous suspension of Ashwagandha root was used, and the results showed a remarkable increase in the plasma corticosterone level, phagocytic index, and avidity index in rats. Swimming endurance stress studies were carried out using adult rats. The animals that were treated with ashwagandha showed a significant increase in the duration of swimming time as compared to the animals that were not treated. The animals were treated with a drug swing for around 740 minutes,while others swam for only 385 minutes. Hence, the result was approximately doubled.

The studies show that when rats were treated with Ashwagandha for periods of 3 months, their weight increased as compared to the rats who were not treated.

Ashwagandha also helps in the prevention of stress-induced ulcers of the GIT. It protects against 18-hour immobilisation, cold + immobilisation (4-hour immobilisation), and aspirin-induced gastric ulcers.

Ashwagndha is described as an ayurvedic Rasayana, and it belongs to a sub-group of Rasayanas known as Medhyarasayanas. Medhya means mind and mental. So Medhya Rasayana is used to enhance mental health.

There are lots of studies that show that ashwagandha either slows or stops cognitive impairment. Hence, it is used to treat Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s, or any neurodegenerative diseases at any stage of the disease. 6 -hydroxydopamine-incuded Parkinson’s disease study was conducted on rats. Ashwagandha was orally administered (100/200/300 mg/kg) for three weeks. It was noticed that ashwagandha reduced lipid peroxidation, increased glutathione concentration, increased glutathione s-transferase and increased catalase activity.

Studies show that when ashwagandha is compared to the drug lorazepam, it shows an equal result as lorazepam. So it has anti-anxiety properties. It also has an antidepressant effect comparable to that of imipramine. All studies were conducted on rats and showed positive results.

Ashwagandha is a painkiller that relieves the nervous system from pain. Ashwagndha is now accepted worldwide due to its powerful anti-arthritic properties. A study was conducted in which rats were placed on hot plates after oral administration of Ashwagandha (1000 mg/kg) It was noticed that after the 2nd hour of administration, the peak analgesic effect of Ashwagandha was recorded at 78.03 percent.

Studies show that Ashwagandha has an effective treatment for bacteria like salmonella. It mainly slows the growth of bacteria that are present in our oral cavity. It inhibits the production of bacterial acid.

Ashwagandha is a plant whose root is very essential for health issues; it has been used for centuries. Over the years, much research has been performed or conducted to find out the various benefits of Ashwagndha. On the above page, I have discussed lots of its benefits. Many studies have been completed and have shown great benefit with no side effects, and many more studies are going on to evaluate the benefit of Ashwagandha over allopathic medicine. I have discussed almost all the studies that are conducted on Ashwagandha. It is very useful in stress management and has a good effect on Parkinson’s, Huntington’s, and Alzheimer’s diseases. Studies show that it also helps in gaining weight and improving sexual diseases. So if you want to enhance your knowledge or want to know about the uses of Ashwagandha, please go through my article.