PRODUCT REVIEW: Ashwagandha

Ashwagandha, otherwise known as Withania somnifera, is a type of ginseng.  This supplement comes from a shrub and has yellow flowers and red fruits.  The plant is also sometimes referred to as Indian ginseng, Ajagandha, Winter cherry or Kanage Hindi.

Ashwagandha is well known to reduce the effects of stress and to provide a host of other health benefits.  In fact, clinical evidence reveals that this plant is an important remedy for building the body's immune function.

Clinical studies show that Ashwagandha is good for increases longevity, promoting physical and mental stamina, rejuvenating the body, and increasing energy and mood balance.  Ashwagandha can be a potent mood stabilizer and can be an extremely important supplement to counteract the effects of long term stress on the body.

Some evidence also reveals that Ashwagandha has the power to help with diabetes, to have anti-cancer properties, to boost immune function and to prevent oxidative damage to the cells.

Ashwagandha is also suspected of preventing damage caused by stress to neurological function.

Ashwagandha works also as a treatment for depression.  The mood stabilizing effects of this plant were demonstrated in animal studies.  Rats administered this extract and isolated for long periods of time were less depressed than those without the administration.

While most studies to date have been on animals rather than humans, the effects on stress have been significant.  But this potent plant is also known to have other effects including antioxidant properties and heart disease prevention.

As a cholesterol lowering supplement, Ashwagandha was shown to decrease lipid levels in subjects.  This includes a decrease in the bad cholesterol and an increase in HDL or the good cholesterol.  Again this study was performed on rats, however the results were considered significant.

Overall Ashwagandha appears to have numerous positive health benefits and no known side effects. Ashwagandha has the potential to provide relief of a variety of common ailments as well as possibilities as a treatment for more difficult illnesses like diabetes and cancer.