ashwagandha 

Action and Spectrum

Actions and Spectrum: 

ashwagandha is an herb used for nearly centuries in Ayurvedic medicine to promote overall health and well-being. It is known for its adaptogenic properties, which help the body adapt to stress and promote balance. 

The action of ashwagandha is multifaceted and includes: 

• Reducing stress and anxiety: ashwagandha has been shown to reduce cortisol levels, a hormone associated with stress. This makes it useful for people who suffer from anxiety, depression, and other stress-related conditions. 
• Enhancing cognitive function: ashwagandha has been shown to improve memory, attention, and other cognitive functions. It may also help protect the brain from damage caused by free radicals and other toxins. 
• Boosting energy and vitality: ashwagandha is believed to promote energy and vitality by improving the body’s overall functioning. This makes it useful for people who suffer from fatigue and other energy-related conditions. 
• Supporting the immune system: ashwagandha is thought to boost the immune system by increasing the production of white blood cells responsible for fighting off infections and other diseases. 

The spectrum of ashwagandha is broad and includes a variety of health benefits. Some of the conditions that it may be helpful for include: 

• Anxiety and depression 
• Cognitive decline and memory loss 
• Chronic fatigue syndrome 
• Arthritis and joint pain 
• Insomnia and sleep disturbances 
• Hypothyroidism and other thyroid disorders 
• Infertility and low libido 
• Diabetes and blood sugar regulation 
• High cholesterol and heart disease 

Drug Interaction

Adverse Reaction

Black Box Warning

Contraindication / Caution

Contraindication/Caution: 

Contraindication 

• Pregnancy and breast-feeding: There is not enough information available to determine the safety of ashwagandha during pregnancy and breastfeeding. It is recommended that pregnant or breastfeeding women avoid taking Ashwagandha. 
• Autoimmune diseases: ashwagandha may stimulate the immune system, which could worsen symptoms in people with autoimmune diseases such as multiple sclerosis, rheumatoid arthritis, and lupus. 
• Thyroid disorders: ashwagandha may increase thyroid hormone levels, which could harm people with hyperthyroidism or other thyroid disorders. 
• Medications: ashwagandha may interact with certain medications, including sedatives, immunosuppressants, and medications for treating thyroid disorders and diabetes. You must talk to your healthcare provider before taking ashwagandha if you are taking any medications. 
• Surgery: ashwagandha may have a sedative effect and interfere with the anesthesia and other medications used during and after surgery. It is recommended to stop taking ashwagandha at least two weeks before any scheduled surgery. 

Caution 

• Dosage: It is crucial to take ashwagandha in the recommended dosage. Too much may cause side effects such as digestive upset, drowsiness, and headache. 
• Interactions with other substances: ashwagandha may interact with certain medications, supplements, and herbs. For example, it may increase the sedative effect of medications that treat anxiety and insomnia. It is essential to talk to your healthcare provider before taking ashwagandha if you are taking any other substances. 
• Allergic reactions: Some people might be allergic to Ashwagandha. If you experience any symptoms of an allergic reaction, such as rash, itching, or difficulty breathing, stop taking ashwagandha and seek medical attention. 
• Long-term use: There is not enough information on the long-term effects of ashwagandha. It is recommended to take ashwagandha for short periods, no longer than three months, and to take breaks between periods of use. 
• Children: There is not enough information on the safety of ashwagandha for children. It is recommended to avoid giving ashwagandha to children without first consulting with a healthcare provider. 

Pregnancy / Lactation

Pregnancy consideration:  

Pregnancy Category: X 

Lactation: N/A 

Pregnancy category: 

• Category A: well-controlled and Satisfactory studies do not show risk to the fetus in the first/later trimester.        
• Category B: there was no evidence of risk to the fetus in animal studies, and there were not enough studies on pregnant women        
• Category C: there was evidence of risk of adverse effects in animal reproduction studies, and no adequate evidence in human studies must take care of potential risks in pregnant women.       
• Category D: adequate data with sufficient evidence of human fetal risk from various platforms, but despite the potential risk, and used only in emergency cases for potential benefits.        
• Category X: Drugs listed in this category outweigh the risks over benefits. Hence these categories of drugs need to be avoided by pregnant women.        
• Category N: There is no data available for the drug under this category 

Pharmacology

Pharmacology: 

ashwagandha contains several active compounds responsible for their pharmacological effects, including alkaloids, steroidal lactones, and withanolides. Some of the vital pharmacological effects of ashwagandha include: 

• Adaptogenic effects: ashwagandha has adaptogenic effects, which help the body adapt to stress and maintain homeostasis. It may reduce cortisol levels, increase antioxidant activity, and improve mood and energy levels. 
• Anxiolytic effects: ashwagandha has been shown to have anxiolytic effects, which may help reduce anxiety symptoms and improve mood. 
• Immunomodulatory effects: ashwagandha has immunomodulatory effects, which may help regulate the immune system and enhance immune function. 
• Anti-inflammatory effects: ashwagandha has anti-inflammatory effects, which may help reduce inflammation. This may benefit arthritis, asthma, and other inflammatory conditions. 
• Neuroprotective effects: ashwagandha has neuroprotective effects, which may help protect the brain from damage and improve cognitive function. 
• Antioxidant effects: ashwagandha has antioxidant effects, which may help reduce oxidative stress and prevent damage to cells and tissues. 
• Hypoglycemic effects: ashwagandha has hypoglycemic effects, which may help lower blood sugar levels and improve insulin sensitivity. 
• Thyroid-stimulating effects: ashwagandha has been shown to have thyroid-stimulating effects, which means it may help regulate thyroid function and improve symptoms of hypothyroidism. 

Pharmacodynamics: 

Mechanism of action: The action of Withanolides, ipuranol, and withaniol is primarily anti-inflammatory. They have also been shown to decrease blood pressure, stimulate respiration, and induce smooth muscle relaxation. 

Pharmacokinetics: 

Absorption 

ashwagandha is orally bioavailable, meaning it can be absorbed through the digestive system and enter the bloodstream. However, its bioavailability is relatively low, and its absorption may be affected by various factors, such as the form of the supplement, the dose, and the presence of food in the digestive system. 

Distribution 

Once absorbed, ashwagandha is distributed throughout the body, including the brain, liver, kidneys, and muscles. The active compounds in Ashwagandha, such as withanolides, are known to cross the blood-brain barrier and exert pharmacological effects on the central nervous system. 

Metabolism 

ashwagandha undergoes metabolism in the liver, breaking it down into various metabolites. The active compounds in Ashwagandha, such as withanolides, are metabolized into several derivatives, which may have different pharmacological effects than the parent compounds. 

Elimination and Excretion 

ashwagandha and its metabolites are excreted mainly through urine and feces. The elimination half-life of ashwagandha varies depending on the form of the supplement and the dose, but it is generally between 2 to 4 hours. 

Adminstartion

Administration: 

ashwagandha is commonly available as a supplement in capsules, tablets, powders, and liquid extracts. It can be taken orally with water or food. 

The recommended dosage of ashwagandha may vary depending on the form of the supplement, the concentration of active ingredients, and the reason for use. It is key to follow the instructions on the supplement label or as directed by a healthcare professional. 

Typical dosages of ashwagandha supplements range from 250 to 600 milligrams, taken twice to three times daily. Higher doses may be recommended for specific conditions, but it is essential to consult with a healthcare professional before reaching the recommended dosage. 

It is generally recommended to take ashwagandha for short periods, no longer than three months, and to take breaks between periods of use. 

It is essential to talk to your healthcare provider before taking Ashwagandha, especially if you have a medical condition or are taking any medications. They can help you determine the appropriate dosage and monitor for potential interactions or side effects. 

Patient Information Leaflet

Patient information leaflet 

Generic Name: ashwagandha  

Why do we use ashwagandha?  

• Reducing stress and anxiety: ashwagandha is an adaptogen that helps the body cope with stress. It may reduce cortisol levels, the stress hormone, and improve mood and well-being. 
• Improving cognitive function: ashwagandha may enhance memory and improve cognitive function, especially in people with mild cognitive impairment or age-related memory loss. 
• Boosting immunity: ashwagandha has been shown to enhance immune function by increasing white blood cell production and stimulating the immune system. 
• Reducing inflammation: ashwagandha has anti-inflammatory properties and may help reduce inflammation throughout the body, benefiting many conditions. 
• Enhancing athletic performance: ashwagandha may improve physical performance and increase strength and endurance, making it popular among athletes and fitness enthusiasts. 
• Managing diabetes: ashwagandha may help lower blood sugar levels and improve insulin sensitivity, which could benefit people with type 2 diabetes. 
• Supporting thyroid function: ashwagandha may help regulate thyroid function by balancing thyroid hormone levels and reducing inflammation in the thyroid gland.