Ashwagandha (Withania Somnifera), also known as Indian Ginseng, has been historically used in Ayurvedic medicine, a traditional form of medicine that originated in India approximately 3,000 years ago.

Ashwagandha capsules contain extracts from the roots of the plant, which contain a number of health-boosting natural compounds. Ashwagandha is a small shrub-like plant that belongs to the nightshade family and is closely related to the tomato plant. The nightshade family yield edible ‘fruits’ such as potatoes, tomatoes and eggplant.

Why Use Ashwagandha Supplements?

There are a wide range of benefits associated with Ashwagandha in the Ayurvedic tradition, including the promotion of graceful aging, the feeling of revitalization through increased energy, the improvement of mood by leveling out mood swings and thyroid and hormonal stabilization.

Those hoping to access some of the purported health benefits of the plant often turn to Ashwagandha capsules, which are now common supplements found in most health stores.

The Ashwagandha root has been studied for its uses in mood regulation, energy stabilization, memory enhancement, and may help combat anxiety and depression by decreasing levels of cortisol. Ashwagandha starts out in the body as flavonoids, a class of secondary plant metabolites, which are eventually converted to enzymes.

As enzymes in the body, flavonoids from an Ashwagandha root may encourage a variety of health benefits on account of their purported antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties.

Ashwagandha Health Benefits

As with many supplements, there is currently insufficient scientific evidence to support all of the health claims associated with Ashwaganda root. There is some evidence to suggest that the plant may help reduce anxiety when extracts from the root are taken in addition to specific diet changes and the practice of deep breathing exercises.

Advocates suggest that Ashwagandha pills may improve attention deficit disorder, reduce blood sugar in diabetic patients, decrease LDL cholesterol and improve symptoms of arthritis, stress, fibromyalgia, depression as well as other conditions, but these claims have yet to be scientifically substantiated.

Ashwaganda Capsules Dosage

To obtain the appropriate dose of Ashwagandha, several factors must be considered, including overall health and age. Since there is not enough adequate data on Ashwagandha, it is difficult to determine an appropriate dose.

Herbal products are not standardized in the same manner as pharmaceutical drugs so the product label should be followed and a healthcare professional, such as a physician or pharmacist, should be consulted before use.

Capsules of Ashwagandha typically contain 250 mg of the root extract and may contain other root extracts with similar properties and health benefits, such as Eleuthero root.

Since there are a variety of Ashwagandha tablets and pills on the market, with varying amounts of active ingredient, recommended dose of Ashwagandha depends on the capsule being consumed.

The lowest effective dose recommended for general use of Ashwagandha is 300-500 mg three times a day to a maximum 6000 mg per day. However, lower doses of 50-150 mg may be effective for encouraging immune system health when high cortisol levels are the cause of immunosuppression.

It is recommended that Ashwagandha capsules be taken with meals and plenty of water to reduce gastrointestinal side effects.

Ashwagandha can often be found in capsules that are vegetarian friendly. Most encapsulated Ashwagandha products contain vegetable cellulose instead of gelatin – an animal based compound. However, a growing number of retailers are now offering vegan and vegetarian options.

The vegetable cellulose found in Ashwagandha capsules can also be used as bulking agents to aid in digestion by helping peristalsis (a sequence of wave-like contractions that move food throughout the digestive tract).

Ashwagandha Supplement Side Effects

As with most supplements, possible side effects should be monitored when taking Ashwagandha capsules. Ashwagandha is not associated with common side effects; however, possible side effects may occur in those with stomach ulcers, diabetes, high or low blood pressure, autoimmune diseases or thyroid disorders.

In addition, pregnant and breast-feeding women should not take this herbal supplement. Ashwagandha is considered unsafe during pregnancy because little is known about possible side effects.

Individuals taking other medications should consult a physician or pharmacist before beginning to use this product. Ashwagandha may cause drowsiness and sleepiness. Taking it with sedatives may cause excessive sleepiness and should be avoided.

When taken with an immunosuppressant, Ashwagandha may increase activity of the immune system and may work against the medication, potentially causing further problems.

Some drugs administered before, during and after surgery have been known to interact with some supplements, including Ashwagandha. Therefore, it should not be taken two weeks before and after a surgical procedure.

Risk of experiencing side effects of Ashwagandha may be reduced by increasing increments slowly and by not using with contraindicated medications.

Some popular brands of Ashwagandha capsules include Nature’s Way 500 mg capsules; Organika 500 mg capsules; Oregon’s Wild Harvest and St. Francis 300 mg capsules.

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Article last updated on:by Nootriment