By Dr. Nick Friedman, ND, DC

Withania somnifera is the latin name for Ashwagandha.  Fruits, leaves and seeds of the Indian medicinal plant Withania somnifera have been traditionally used for the Ayurvedic system as aphrodisiacs, diuretics and for treating memory loss.

Ashwagandha is a shrub that flourishes in India and North America. The roots of the Ashwagandha plant have been employed for millennia by Ayurvedic healers. Numerous modern studies have found that Ashwagandha is very effective in reducing inflammation, treating tumors, decreasing stress, increasing mental activity, invigorating the body, and as an antioxidant.

Ashwagandha, an exotic Indian herb, has remarkable stress-relieving properties comparable to those of powerful drugs used to treat depression and anxiety. In addition to its excellent protective effects on the nervous system, Ashwagandha may be a promising alternative treatment for a variety of degenerative diseases such as Alzheimer‘s and Parkinson‘s.

Scholars at Banaras Hindu University, located in Varanasi, India, have conducted research that has shown that many of the elements of Ashwagandha are antioxidants.

The antioxidant effect of active principles of W. somnifera may explain, at least in part, the reported anti-stress, cognition-facilitating, anti-inflammatory and anti-aging effects produced by them in experimental animals, and in clinical situations. A study, conducted in 2002, found that Ashwagandha leads to increased growth of axons and dendrites. Another study in 2001 found that the plant can enhance memory.

In addition to Ashwagandha‘s documented neuroprotective effects, exciting recent evidence suggests that it also has the potential to stop cancer cells in their tracks. For example, a recent analysis showed that Ashwagandha extract inhibited the growth of human breast, lung, and colon cancer cell lines in the laboratory. This inhibition was comparable to that achieved with the common cancer chemotherapy drug doxorubicin (Caelyx®, Myocet®). In fact, researchers reported that withaferin A, a specific compound extracted from Ashwagandha, was more effective than doxorubicin in inhibiting breast and colon cancer cell growth. Scientists in India recently conducted cell studies showing that Ashwagandha extract disrupts cancer cells‘ ability to reproduce-a key step in fighting cancer.

Conclusion

Chronic stress exacts a high price from our bodies as well as our minds. Many degenerative diseases, as well as premature aging, are associated with chronic nervous tension. There is great need for safe and effective prevention strategies to combat the ravages of stress on our nervous system.

Ashwagandha, an exotic Indian herb, has demonstrated anti-anxiety and neuroprotective effects, and tantalizing evidence suggests that it is also a cancer fighter. Animal toxicity studies indicate that this remarkable plant is safe and well tolerated.

This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease. The Contraindications and Potential Drug Interactions information provided on this website is not intended to be all-inclusive. A health care professional should be consulted regarding the use of herbal products. Always keep your Doctor or other healthcare professional informed about the herbal and other dietary supplement products that you are taking.