Ashwagandha Withania somnifera Current Research on the Health-Promoting Activities: A Narrative Review

Its root has been used as an aphrodisiac, narcotic, tonic, diuretic, anthelmintic and stimulant. It is naturally native to India, but it is also cultivated in other areas such as the Mediterranean countries, the Himalayan areas, Africa, Canary Islands, Cape of Good Hope and Australia 2,3,4. Is it difficult to discuss the pituitary gland and hypothalamus synthroid inhaler as separate glands of the hormonal system. Together, they create a complex system of neuroendocrine pathways and feedback loops which maintain homeostasis.

In the case of clinical trials on diabetes, despite not showing an effect on blood sugar levels, interesting results were achieved in improving the lipidemic profile, body weight, and blood pressure in a study by Agnihotri et al. 82. Nayak et al. 83 showed an improvement in the lipidemic profile and patient assessment with the DDS17 scale assessing patients’ distress scale. Usharani et al. 84 noted that the administration of a standardised Ashwagandha extract under the name SENSORIL improved antioxidant parameters and the lipidemic profile and demonstrated the tolerability and safety of the raw material. Usharani, et al., in spite of its tolerability and safety, demonstrated an effect on lipidemic profile and a change in the reflection index RI. In an animal model, symptoms of Huntington’s Disease were artificially induced by applying 3-NP intraperitoneally. It was observed that the chronic administration of Ashwagandha extract had a beneficial effect on biochemical parameters and motor function due to the antioxidant properties of the plant studied.

In a double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled trial, Sharma et al. evaluated the responses of 50 patients with SCH to placebo or ashwagandha root extract (administered at 300 mg twice daily). At the end of the 8-week trial, patients taking ashwagandha had measurable increases in T4 and T3 and significant reductions in TSH. While more studies are needed, these results suggest that ashwagandha may be helpful in supporting thyroid health in SCH.

• Any imbalance in these hormones can lead to various symptoms such as weight gain or loss, tiredness, forgetfulness, and changes in mood.
• First and foremost, I want to point out this it can tricky to determine whether or not a dietary/herbal supplement will interact with prescription drugs due to a general lack of studies on the matter.
• Additionally, it has been noted that withaferin A in the form of Ashwagandha extract significantly inhibits not only the production of amyloid β, but also the gene expression of neuroinflammatory molecules related to NF- κB 21.
• Side effects typical of benzodiazepines, such as impairment of cognitive and motor functions, were not observed during the course of the experiments 109,115,116.

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The second part of the name “gandha,” means fragrance and refers to the characteristic smell of the fresh root of the plant 1. Since ancient times, it has been traditionally used in Ayurvedic medicine as a substance that strengthens the nervous system. This is evidenced by its adaptogenic effects and medicinal uses—the so-called “rasayana”.

Figure 3. Graph illustrating TSH and T4 trend over a two-month period.

• For acute treatment of the supraventricular tachycardia, ​​adenosine 6 mg, adenosine 12 mg, and diltiazem 10 mg bolus were administered to convert to normal sinus rhythm.
• A group of healthy individuals exhibiting symptoms of NRS were administered 120 mg of standardised Ashwagandha extract (Shoden®) once daily for 6 weeks.
• Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera) is an evergreen shrub found in parts of India, Asia, and Africa.
• If you are interested in taking ashwagandha, discuss any medications or supplements you may be taking with your healthcare provider.

Therefore, its effectiveness in powder and tea forms has yet to be established. People with these conditions need to be cautious and seek medical advice before taking ashwagandha. Thyrotoxicosis is characterized by extremely high levels of circulating T3/T4 but low levels of TSH. Its symptoms include extreme thirst, weight loss, skin problems, and heart failure if left untreated. Ashwagandha, scientifically known as Withania somnifera, is also called Indian ginseng or winter cherry. Some mixtures of medications can lead to serious and even fatal consequences.

Does Ashwagandha Interact With Prescription Drugs?

O’Connor et al. 105 conducted a double-blind randomized control trial that investigated the impact of Ashwagandha on stress, sleep quality, and food cravings in college students using quantitative analysis. The study found that Ashwagandha had a significant positive impact on reducing stress and improving sleep quality, but did not have a significant effect on food cravings. Somnifera, popularly known as Ashwagandha, is famous for its anti-inflammatory 17, anti-cancer 18,19,20, anti-depressant, anti-anxiety and insomnia-treating properties 21. In addition, there are scientific reports supporting the use of Ashwagandha in the treatment of infertility and hormonal disorders 12,16. Ashwagandha’s remarkable medicinal properties are undoubtedly due to its wealth of active substances, which demonstrate a variety of actions.

Ashwagandha’s Active Substances and Their Biological Effects

Despite a multiplicity of valuable information and excellent direction of research, a limitation of this meta-analysis is a small number of studies and their high heterogeneity 40. Another study on a smaller group of volunteers (18 people) confirms, among other things, the lack of significant effects on red blood cell count, white blood cell percentage, ESR value, bilirubin, and plasma protein levels. However, an increase in serum creatinine and a decrease in blood urea nitrogen levels were observed. The researchers attributed this phenomenon to the concomitantly observed increase in muscle mass during the study. Volunteers took aqueous extracts over a 10-day period in doses that increased over time, starting with the equivalent of 6 g and ending with the equivalent of 10 g of vitania sluggard root 142.

Dried Blood Spot Testing for Hypothyroidism

First meta-analysis that examined effects of Ashwagandha on physical performance included 4 randomized trials with a total number of 142 participants and focused on VO2max 40. Participants were given Ashwagandha (total dose of 330 to 1000mg/d) or placebo, for 2 to 12 weeks. Results showed that Ashwagandha was significantly better than placebo in improving aerobic capacity and aerobic performance in healthy adults 41, 42, hockey players 43, and elite cyclists 44.

Recently, it has garnered increasing attention for its potential benefits in thyroid health. As a natural remedy, ashwagandha’s adaptogenic and anti-inflammatory qualities are being explored for their potential to support thyroid function and complement conventional treatments for thyroid disorders. It’s the most common mental disorder, causing a disruption in health and quality of life 54. Early systematic review identified 4 randomized controlled trials comparing the impact of Ashwagandha supplementation on Hamilton Anxiety Scale or Beck Anxiety Inventory. Compared to placebo Ashwagandha significantly decreased anxiety scores in 3 out of 4 experiments, although all studies had uncleared or high risk of bias 9. In a more recent systematic review, all 3 studies examining the impact of Ashwagandha on anxiety levels (Hamilton Anxiety Scale) showed significantly positive results 18.

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Automatically receive FDA alerts, drug interaction warnings, plus data on food, allergy & condition interactions. Using multivitamin with minerals together with levothyroxine may decrease the effects of levothyroxine. You should separate the administration of levothyroxine and multivitamin with minerals by at least 4 hours. If your doctor does prescribe these medications together, you may need a dose adjustment or special test to safely use both medications. Your doctor may be able to adjust the dose of levothyroxine or prescribe alternatives that do not interact. Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera) is an evergreen shrub grown in parts of India, Asia, and Africa.