As with many things internet based, a lot of information is copied and pasted, has a dash of creative license, a sprinkling of Chinese whispers and boom you have a new superfood or a superherb. When we select our products we look for the most effective and the very best quality. So we research, then research some more, and provide all of that research here, so that you can make up your own mind.
Immune Support
Science has suggested that a bio-active compound found in Ashwagandha — Withaferin — could potentially have the ability to reduce the growth of cancer stem cells in ovarian cancer and may also be beneficial as an adjunct treatment to radiotherapy or chemotherapy. (2,11,12)
Other studies have suggested that the Immunomodulatory effects of Ashwagandha could be useful in potentially managing the immune system and possibly the growth of tumour cells. (9)
ANTI-INFLAMMATORY / Anti-oxidant — CIRCULATORY, SKELETAL and ORGANS
Chronic inflammation is rampant in the 21st century, as too is the correlated fatigue and disease. We have regulators of inflammation called cytokines, there are both ‘pro’ and ‘anti’ inflammatory kinds. Studies are suggesting that Pro-Inflammatory cytokines + immunoregulatory cytokines, that cause inflammation of the kidney and hyperglycemia, were reduced with the addition of Ashwagandha into the diet for a period of 4 weeks. Also suggesting that people suffering from diabetes, may benefit from consuming Ashwagandha as it may help reduce any diabetic related kidney complications. (1)
It has also been suggested that consuming Ashwagandha could potentially act as an anti-inflammatory and anti-oxidant which may reduce the severity of arthritis. (17)
These anti-inflammatory and anti-oxidative effects may be due to Ashwagandha being rich in phenolic acids and flavonoids. (18)
ANTI-OXIDANT
Anti-oxidants play an important role when preventing the body from oxidising and thus put under more stress, potentially leading to health concerns and ageing. Ashwagandha has been shown to contain high levels of the anti-oxidants (phenolic acids and flavonoids) and research suggests that Ashwagandha has the potential to increase the levels of three natural antioxidants; superoxide dismutase, catalase and glutathione peroxidase. (3,10,12,18)
CIRCULATORY and ANTI-OXIDANTS (HYPERTENSION)
Ashwagandha has been shown to potentially reduce the effects of pulmonary hypertension by reducing the blood pressure, inflammation and oxidative stress, and aiding the proper function of the lining of the blood vessels. (3)
The anti-oxidants (phenolic acids and flavonoids) in Ashwagandha have been suggested to be responsible for the potential benefits to blood pressure and hypertension. (20)
Nootropic (ANTI-DEPRESSANT / ANTI-STRESS / SLEEP AID)
Studies have shown that Ashwagandha has the potential to support homeostasis when the body is under stress due to its adaptogenic actions. (5)
When under stress we are more susceptible to depression as the body is working harder to deal with the stressors (inflammatory, immune etc.) making you feel less energised, fatigued, anxious and generally not great. Once fatigued you are then less functional mentally and physically, potentially leading to depression and anxiety. Studies suggest that Ashwagandha may help stabilise clinical conditions of depression and anxiety when taken over 5 days, similar to that of the drug benzodiazepine lorazepam — supporting Ayurvedic use as a brain tonic. (13)
Gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) is made naturally in the brain, and acts as an inhibitory neurotransmitter — meaning that it blocks nerve impulses — in the Central Nervous System (CNS). We can take exogenous GABA supplements, but science has suggested that it may not yet determined if there can actually get past the bloody brain barrier (which protects the brain against harmful substances). (14)
Recent studies suggest that Ashwagandha may enhance cognitive function by aiding neurotransmission by mimicking the GABAergic system. These potential cognitive and memory enhancements have been suggested to be due to the withaferin-A and sitoindosides found in Ashwagandha. (6,12)
Disturbed sleep and insomnia is a common complaint due to our busy sometimes stressful lifestyles, the importance of proper sleep has been studied significantly, suggesting that when we are deprived of the sleep we need it may impacts our cognitive and physical performance. GABAs action in the body has been studied and shown to potentially promote sleep and also consolidate the various stages of sleep. (15,16)
Because recent studies suggest that Ashwagandha may mimic the GABAergic system by modulating and/or binding to the GABA receptor it has also been suggested that Ashwagandha may have sleep inducing capacities by reducing the time it takes to fall asleep and increasing the length of REM sleep. These potential effects have been suggested to be due to the withaferin-A and sitoindosides found in Ashwagandha. (6,7,8)
PHYSICAL PERFORMANCE (strength / growth
Many studies have been performed on the adaptogenic capacity of Ashwagandha, and they suggest that due to these anti-stress actions it may aid physical endurance. (5,11)
Studies suggest that Ashwagandha may improve VO2 Max and muscular strength of the lower body, making it a potentially good addition to individuals seeking increased performance and strength. (21)
