Ashwagandha: An Emerging Ayurvedic Medicine for Anxiety and Stress

By reducing cortisol, it is believed that Ashwagandha may help alleviate stress and anxiety

Ashwagandha: An Emerging Ayurvedic Medicine for Anxiety and Stress

Ashwagandha is an adaptogen agent primarily used in dietary supplement formulations for its potential effects in reducing anxiety and promoting sleep. The compounds in Ashwagandha are believed to provide natural mood support. The product may be useful among depressive patients, as well as those who have thyroid problems.

What is Ashwagandha?

Ashwagandha is a popular ayurvedic medicinal shrub that grows in certain regions across India, Africa, and the Middle East. The roots, leaves, and flowers of the shrub are used to produce Ashwagandha powder. It is commonly used to reduce stress as it is believed to affect the cortisol production system of the human body. The product is also known to affect testosterone levels among men and is claimed to be beneficial among diabetic and cancer patients.

In the dietary supplement field, the product is also referred to as Ashwagandha Root Powder, Withania somnifera, Withanolide, Indian Ginseng, goli ashwagandha, and KSM-6.

 Constituents of Ashwagandha

Withanolides are the major key constituents of Ashwagandha which are believed to produce the biological functions associated with its use. Specifically, the Withanolides found in Ashwagandha include Withaferin-A and Withanone.

Aside from Withanolides, Ashwagandha also contains compounds such as Alkaloids, saponins, and steroidal lactones. Overall, these compounds contribute to the various health effects associated with the use of the product.

What is Withanolides?

Withanolides are naturally-occurring steroids that may be isolated from several plant sources including Ashwagandha. These compounds are produced via the oxidation of steroids. They are known to produce anti-inflammatory benefits and are being studied upon for their potential effects in reducing cancer cell growth.

Withaferin A is the most well-known Withanolide with pharmacologic benefits. It works as a cardioprotective agent and an anti-metastatic agent. The CAS number of the compound is 5119-48-2. Its molecular formula is C28H38O6. Its molecular mass is 470.606 g/mol.

Ashwagandha forms and specifications

The most common forms of Ashwagandha powder are 10:1 and 12:1 powder ratios. Depending on your needs, you may avail of these forms from legitimate ingredient suppliers online. You may also avail of 0.5% Withanolide powder or standardized 1.5% Withanolide form.

These products are available for purchase at Nutriavenue and are usually packed in paper drums with two layers of polybags inside when bought in bulk. Each drum usually contains a net weight of 25 kilograms. If you wish to buy the product in lesser quantities, you may avail of different packaging materials. Other packaging options are available depending on your individual needs.

Ashwagandha and Black Pepper Extract

Many manufacturers of dietary supplement products now include Black Pepper Extract to Ashwagandha as the former is known to increase the bioavailability of the latter in the human body. This means that when taken with black pepper extract, Ashwagandha is better absorbed by the body and used for its biological functions.

How does Ashwagandha work?

There are several ways by which the constituents of Ashwagandha produce biological effects. According to studies, the Withanolides in Ashwagandha have certain effects in controlling cortisol production. Cortisol is a hormone that is commonly produced when a person is exposed to high levels of stress. Hence, it is responsible for the activation of stress responses such as anxiety. By reducing cortisol, it is believed that Ashwagandha may help alleviate stress and anxiety.

The compound is also known to induce GABA receptor function in the brain. This contributes to effective stress relief and mood enhancement. It may also contribute to overall brain function improvement.

Currently, confirmatory studies are being conducted to establish concrete proof on how the Withanolides in Ashwagandha induce apoptosis in cancer cells.

Ashwagandha powder manufacturing process

The raw materials used in Ashwagandha production are Ashwagandha roots cut into smaller pieces. These are spread into an SS sieve to remove contaminants, dust, and infected roots. After sieving and sorting, the roots are prepared for pulverization using a suitable commercial pulverization machine. Cold extraction and filtration are then conducted to obtain a residue. Thereafter, the residue is subjected to hot extraction and filtration, and to procedures that improve product concentration. Lastly, the product is dried to get the final dry Ashwagandha powder.

Health benefits of Ashwagandha

The following are among the health benefits of using Ashwagandha:

It is useful for anxiety and stress relief

Many individuals use Ashwagandha dietary supplements for anxiety relief. This is because it helps control the production of hormones that cause stress and anxiety. It may also improve chemical signaling in the brain to reduce symptoms of stress and anxiety.

It helps promote sleep and rest

Preliminary researches on Ashwagandha shows that it may help improve overall sleep quality and quantity. It may also help individuals fall asleep faster. It is believed that this action is brought about by its effect in affecting certain neurotransmitters in the brain.

It improves thyroid function

Persons with hypothyroidism may use Ashwagandha to improve thyroid hormone levels. However, persons with hyperthyroidism should not use the product as it may worsen symptoms as provided in some health studies.

It works as a natural mood support

Ashwagandha has long been used as a natural mood support. It is quite beneficial among patients with depression at it improves the production of certain hormones and neurotransmitters.

Ashwagandha side effects

The use of Ashwagandha may cause certain side effects including stomach irritation, diarrhea or constipation, and vomiting. Most users of the product do not, however, experience side effects. Due to its effect in potentially increasing testosterone levels, experts say that the product should not be used by pregnant women.

Ashwagandha dosage

The majority of health experts say that Ashwagandha may be used for up to 1000 mg per day. However, physicians may recommend a different dose depending on the individual user’s weight, age, and overall physical condition. Persons who are taking medications for certain illnesses should not use the product without consulting their physicians.

Where to buy bulk Ashwagandha powder?

If you are looking for high-quality and affordable Ashwagandha powder for bulk purchases, you have come to the right place.

Nutriavenue is a dietary supplement ingredient supplier which is duly registered with the Food and Drug Administration and recognized by various entities including Halal, Kosher, and GMP. We offer high-quality products and very affordable prices.

Aside from Ashwagandha, we also offer other ingredients which you may check out at our website. Shipping services are also available through the air, sea, or couriers like UPS and FedEx.

For more details on our products and services, you may contact our technical support staff. 

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