The herb has gained popularity in the global market of supplements for its ability to combat stress, enhance overall vitality, support cognitive functions and physical performance. And the same has made Ashwagandha a go-to option for all the health-conscious consumers out there.
Beyond Tradition: Understanding the significance of Ashwagandha.
Ashwagandha has been traditionally used since a long time, to aid in physical endurance, improve overall vitality, and mitigate numerous ailments such as joint pain, exhaustion, insomnia, anxiety etc. Apart from these basics, what more do we know about this ‘game-changer’?
Ashwagandha, often called Indian Ginseng or Winter Cherry is scientifically known by the name Withania somnifera. It grows as a woody robust shrub and is native to dry and rocky terrains of India and northern Africa. The herb hails from the Solanaceae family with its greenish ovate leaves and red berries. Ashwagandha has remained a cornerstone in Ayurvedic and similar other traditional systems of medicine for over 3000 years, and was lauded all over for its revitalizing and regenerative (Rasayana) properties. It comes under the class of adaptogenic herbs, with its therapeutic part being majorly root and the leaves. The roots of ashwagandha are dried and powdered, transforming it into a palatable form of supplements, each containing rich bio-active constituents delivering excellent adaptogenic effects when consumed. Adaptogens are widely known for their exceptional capacity in regulating hormones and immune functions thereby improving the natural resilience of the body, the same reason why Ashwagandha becomes an evolutionary natural remedy for modern challenges like anxiety, stress, sleeplessness and fatigue.
Secret behind Legacy: The Pivotal Active Ingredients of Ashwagandha.
Ashwagandha’s therapeutic effects are backed up by the powerhouse of its active ingredients which are primarily Withanolides. Most important Withanolide substituents present in Ashwagandha include Withanolide D, Withanoside IV, Withaferin A and Withanone. And these form the backbone in bringing out the best of Ashwagandha in its wellness products.
Let’s have a look and uncover more about their proven benefits.
Stress reducing effects: Withanolides present in Ashwagandha are celebrated all around for their adaptogenic effects, and they work wonders via hormone regulation. Withanolides assists in modulating the HPA axis (Hypothalamic-Pituitary-Adrenal Axis) responsible for cortisol secretion in the body. They help to maintain a stable emotional state as they assuage stress reactions by controlling the cortisol production and secretion. It can be said that they contribute to an all-natural stress busting reaction of the body.
Anti-inflammatory action : Starting from auto-immune disorders, diabetes, heart diseases etc, ‘inflammation’ acts as a key factor in promoting chronic conditions. Withanolides with their natural ability to reduce the activity of Inflammatory enzymes and inflammatory cytokines in the body, thereby helps in reducing systemic inflammatory responses. This quality in-turn assists in the management of diseases like Rheumatoid arthritis, osteoarthritis as well.
Neuroprotective activity : Have we ever considered the possibility of a herb that can help in stimulating growth of new neurons?The neuro-degenerative conditions like Alzheimer’s and Parkinsons are mainly progressed by cognitive decline caused due to oxidative stress. Withanolides are reportedly a promising candidate of neurogenesis (formation of new neurons) that help manage cognitive decline and efficiency of brain functions as they succour in scavenging free radicals that cause neuro-degeneration. Thereby, it also helps boost focus, memory and overall brain activity.
Anti-oxidant properties: Getting old means getting sick most times to most people.Diseases are majorly facilitated by accelerated aging due to oxidative stress damage. Ashwagandha with its Withanolide compounds having anti-oxidant character foster neutralisation of the reactive oxygen species (ROS) responsible for the aging process. Hence its in-return helps improve overall organ health and also promote anti-aging effects. So one may skip their anti-aging cream and treatments if they are supplementing themselves with the right quantity and quality Ashwagandha.!
Beyond Withanolides: Other hidden active compounds in Ashwagandha.
Alkaloids : Alkaloids in Ashwagandha are for those who are seeking a mental refuge amidst the whirlwinds of the modern world. Withanine, the alkaloid present in Ashwagandha aids in calming the fraying nerves and helps reduce the stress responses and over excitability of neurons. They assist in supporting a calm state of mind by fostering tranquillity and improving mental clarity. They also encourage a stabilised sleep cycle and help to balance the serotonin-dopamine levels in the body. They almost act as biological ‘antidepressants’.
Saponins : Saponins are known to activate and boost the action of macrophages and natural killer cells of the body thereby aiding in regulating the immune system against external stresses. They are also powerful anti-inflammatory compounds helping with fastened healing, muscle stiffness, arthritic conditions etc. They help you recover and thrive!
Ashwagandha: An Ayurvedic formula for Modern Wellness.
In Ayurveda, Ashwagandha is known as a powerful Rasayana, accounting to its action in rejuvenating the body and mind. Ashwagandha is the foundational herb in balancing Vata dosha which is the bio-energy responsible for anxiety, fatigue and neurological imbalances. It was considered as a natural ally in restoring emotional stability too. Ashwagandha also stands as a champion of sexual health as a Vajikarana herb in Ayurveda, which enhances the Shukra Dhatu (reproductive tissue), thereby boosting both virility and vitality across all stages of life. Ashwagandha acts as a replenishing solution by supporting Agni (the digestive fire) as well, subsequently restoring metabolic balance within the body. While tapping into Ayurvedic aspects of Ashwagandha, we see that it is more than just an ingredient of formulations. Rather.. It is a bridge between ancient wisdom and modern wellness.
Although there is no doubt in the therapeutic potential of Ashwagandha, its extraction is yet another crucial area to be considered for ensuring the expected benefits.
