Ashwagandha is an herb long revered in Ayurveda medicine. Only recently has it been brought to widespread attention in the West.

Ashwagandha extract is constantly gaining in popularity for its ability to boost energy levels, improve mental focus and support health.

Ashwagandha roots are recognized as an adaptogen. Its properties lend it to acting in a holistic manner in reducing the effects of numerous stressors in modern society.

Unlike modern medications, adaptogens do not treat one specific condition, they act by restoring the metabolic balance and homeostasis of all biological functions.

These actions are supported by science establishing the benefits of phytochemicals contained within ashwagandha extract. It contains alkaloids, steroidal lactone saponins, sitoindosides and acylsterylglucosides, all of which are generally believed to reduce the destructive actions of stress.

Ashwagandha Extract

To be considered an adaptogen, a supplement must meet the following conditions:

It must be non-toxic

It should produce a non-specific response in resisting stressors

It should have a normalizing or balancing influence in respect of physiology

This means it should have few or no side effects, it should work in a holistic manner restoring balance and support the natural processes of the body. Ashwagandha meets all of these conditions.

There have been numerous studies relating to Ashwagandha and its effects on anxiety. In nearly all cases, the outcomes of such studies have been positive.

Not only is ashwagandha extract effective at reversing the symptoms of mild to moderate stress but it also positively affects depression. Some studies have shown that it is equally effective as antidepressant drugs such as Tofranil.

How Ashwagandha Combats Stress

One of the main chemical signs of stress in the body is cortisol. When we are stressed this is released and puts us in a state of alertness. It is also released after the stress stimuli has ceased to assist the body in physical repairs.

While this can be beneficial for short-term periods of time to overcome stressful situations, it can have damaging effects if cortisol remains elevated for the long-term. This results in chronic stress, which is characterized as the biochemical over-reaction resulting in illness.

In one research project the brains of stressed rats were examined before and after treatment with ashwagandha root powder. The extract was deemed to have significant neuroprotective and antistress properties. Following administration, there was an 80% reduction in cell damage compared to a placebo.

Medical Benefits of Ashwagandha Extract

Many studies have been already undertaken and many are underway to establish how ashwagandha can assist modern medicine. It is known to have anti-oxidant properties, to be neuroprotective and neurorestorative.

The actions its phytochemicals have are implicated in resolving numerous health issues today ranging from minor to serious.

Ashwagandha extract powder is produced from the root of the plant only. The botanical name of the herb is Withania somnifera and you will sometimes see this both on products and in research studies.

The extract is standardized to include a pre-determined specification of withanolides content. These are secondary metabolites that provide many of the benefits associated with this natural product. Research has establishing likely effects as being:

Anti-anxiety

Anti-diabetic

Anti-ulcer

Anti-cancer

Anti-inflammatory

Anti-oxidative

Antimicrobial

Aphrodysiac

Central nervous system depressant

Buying Ashwagandha Powered Extract

Ashwagandha is becoming more widely available in local health stores and on-line.

General dosage guidelines state that between 300mg and 3,000mg should be ingested per day. The product is best divided into 2 doses and taken with milk.

Some people prefer to start off with a lower dosage than 300mg and increase over time to measure benefits.

As the Ashwagandha root extract ages, it loses its medicinal properties. Where possible, try and establish the age of the product and note that its effects are likely to be lost if it is older than 2 years. Wherever possible, buy fresh ashwagandha with an expiry date that is well into the future.

How Much is Ashwagandha Powdered Extract?

Prices of this product vary depending on the dosage and quality. Puritan’s Pride sell a 300mg capsule in 50 capsule quantities for $8.99. Swansons sell 450mg capsules containing withanolides standardized at 1.5% in quantities of 60 for $4.69. This works out at around $0.08 per dose.

Nutrigold sell what they declare to be a superior product in Ashwagandha Gold. The extract is standardized to 5% withanolides, which is much higher than other commercial blends.

The capsule size is 500mg and the tub contains 90 capsules, with a cost of $18. This averages out at $0.20 per dose which is higher per serving, but each serving provides more active ingredient.

You can also purchase tea bags that contain the crushed leaves of this plant, though effects are generally more profound when using oral supplements.

When it comes to powdered ashwagandha extract, there can be little doubt that the science supports the positive results shared in user reviews. Although the herb is relatively new to the West, its properties are already becoming appreciated by both laypersons and clinicians. The clinical reviews and scientific studies regarding the compounds contained within the herb show the potential for significant positive effects on health.

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Article last updated on:by Nootriment