Ashwagandha: Benefits and Information
Ashwagandha is an exotic Indian herb often referred to as "Indian ginseng." Although this herb has a long history of medicinal use in India, it is not so well known in Western cultures.
Quality Statement about Vitabase Ashwagandha
The chief active nutrients of ashwagandha are called withanolides. Many scientific studies have focused on these key components. The quality of ashwagandha supplements depends on the manufacturer's testing of withanolides levels and ensuring that the raw ingredients contain the minimum amount. When choosing an ashwagandha supplement, you want to be sure the ingredients are "standardized" to contain a minimum amount of these nutrients. Vitabase Ashwagandha is standardized to provide a minimum 4.5 percent of these nutrients.
In addition, Vitabase Ashwagandha is manufactured according to good manufacturing practices (GMP) and tested to exceed the stringent specifications set forth by the FDA. Our ingredients are tested throughout the manufacturing process for the presence of unwanted microbes or contamination. We start with the best raw ingredients and follow rigorous manufacturing procedures to ensure the product is the highest quality.
Help for Anxiety and Stress Levels
Much of the research and studies on ashwagandha has focused on its ability to reduce stress and anxiety. A recent study conducted in 2006 examined the effects of ashwagandha on those experiencing severe anxiety. In this test a group of participants were given naturopathic care involving standardized ashwagandha, a regular multivitamin, and dietary/exercise counseling. Another group was given psychotherapy and a placebo (fake herbs). In this study 75 participants were followed for at least eight weeks. The results revealed that both groups improved, but those participants given the naturopathic care with ashwagandha saw their symptoms improve much more significantly. Besides the improvements in anxiety, results also revealed significant differences between the groups in mental health, concentration, fatigue, social functioning, vitality, and quality of life. An abstract of this study is available at this link.
Other research has shown that ashwagandha is a powerful antioxidant that effectively reduces oxidative stress created by stressful situations. Oxidative stress has been linked to premature aging. In another major study, researchers examined the effects of ashwagandha on the stress hormone cortisol levels and other negative effects of stress. The participants in this study reported many benefits including increased energy, less fatigue, and better sleep.
Improved Brain Health
Besides revealing evidence of help with stress and anxiety, a lot of research on this herb has focused on its effects on the nervous system. The results of several studies indicate that ashwagandha may help boost healthy brain cell function and benefit damaged cells. The Institute of Natural Medicine at the Toyama Medical and Pharmaceutical University in Japan has conducted extensive research on the benefits of ashwagandha on brain health. Their findings have demonstrated that ashwagandha holds tremendous promise due to its effects on brain health and might be useful for those suffering chronically neurodegenerative conditions.
Though numerous studies have been done, more research is necessary before specific health benefits can be established.