Ashwagandha (Withania Somnifera)
Withania somnifera, commonly known as Ashwagandha, is a prominent herb in Ayurveda, the traditional Indian system of medicine, with a history of use spanning over 4,000 years.
Key Bioactive Compounds:
The primary bioactive constituents of Ashwagandha root are steroidal alkaloids and steroidal lactones, collectively known as withanolides. To date, 12 alkaloids, 35 withanolides, and several sitoindosides have been identified. Sitoindosides are withanolides containing a glucose molecule at carbon 27. Notably, withaferin A and withanolide D are considered major contributors to Ashwagandha's pharmacological activities.
Reported Medicinal Uses:
Ashwagandha has been documented to possess a wide range of pharmacological properties, including thyroid stimulant, anti-stress, antitumor, radiosensitizing, immunomodulatory, hepatoprotective, anticonvulsant, cardioprotective, hypoglycemic, diuretic, hypocholesterolemic, adaptogenic, and antioxidant effects. Its diverse actions impact various physiological systems.
Clinical Evidence:
- Effects on Healthy Males:
- A double-blind clinical trial involving healthy males aged 50-59 years demonstrated that daily Ashwagandha supplementation significantly improved hemoglobin levels, red blood cell count, and hair melanin.
- The study also reported a decrease in serum cholesterol, preservation of nail calcium, a significant decrease in erythrocyte sedimentation rate, and improved sexual performance in a significant portion of participants.
- Effects on Type 2 Diabetes and Hypercholesterolemia:
- A study assessing the hypoglycemic, diuretic, and hypocholesterolemic effects of Ashwagandha root in individuals with type 2 diabetes and mild hypercholesterolemia showed a decrease in blood glucose levels comparable to oral hypoglycemic drugs.
- The study also observed significant increases in urine sodium and urine volume, as well as decreases in serum cholesterol, triglycerides, and low-density lipoproteins.
Available Grades and Specifications:
- Ashwagandha extracts are available in grades standardized to 1.5% and 2.5% withanolides.
- Specifications:
- Botanical/Scientific Name: Withania somnifera
- Identification: TLC
- Heavy Metals: Arsenic (≤ 1 ppm), Lead (≤ 3 ppm)
- Microbiological profile: As per JPN Food Regulation.