Ashwagandha – Positive Effects and Negative Side Effects

If you are wondering about Ashwagandha’s effects, you’ve come to the right place. Here, you’ll find information on Ashwagandha’s positive effects, as well as its adverse effects. You’ll learn whether it’s effective for anxiety and rheumatoid arthritis. It may also improve your immune system and help with weight loss. You’ll also learn more about the adverse side effects and how to avoid them.

Positive effects of ashwagandha

One of the many positive effects of ashwagandha is that it boosts the immune system. In traditional Ayurveda, it is given as a remedy to people who have a weakened immune system. It boosts antioxidants, white blood cell production, and macrophages. As a result, it reduces stress and helps you fight against chronic colds and other diseases. Ashwagandha is also being used in bodybuilding supplements due to its powerful testosterone boosting properties. In a study conducted on 57 young men, ashwagandha supplementation increased muscle mass and reduced the damage to muscle tissue.

Ashwagandha can be taken in powdered form or as a decoction. It can help improve sleep, reduce stress, and even ease irritability. People can take it before going to bed and can enjoy its benefits at any time of day. Generally, a person should take eight milligrams of ashwagandha per kilogram of body weight, but higher dosages can be taken during the night when you are trying to sleep.

Adverse effects of ashwagandha

One systematic review has found that Ashwagandha may reduce the stress hormone cortisol. The study found that ashwagandha had beneficial effects when compared with a placebo. Four of the five selected studies showed that Ashwagandha reduced anxiety levels significantly. Other studies have found a modest reduction in vigilance, depression, and insomnia. There are many other possible adverse effects of Ashwagandha, but this supplement may be worth considering for its positive effects.

In one study, people who took Ashwagandha had fewer cognitive deficits. However, the study also found that the herb did not reduce stress levels in all participants. Those who suffered from chronic stress also experienced higher levels of cortisol, which can lead to a range of health issues. Additionally, Ashwagandha may increase the severity of autoimmune diseases and lead to excessively low blood sugar levels. Those with high blood pressure should avoid Ashwagandha, as it interferes with antihypertensive drugs.

Efficacy in treating anxiety

Ashwagandha is a traditional Indian herb used for treating anxiety, stress, and depression. It has been found to alleviate stress in healthy adults, and several studies have investigated its anxiolytic and therapeutic properties. Researchers also found that ashwagandha increased DHEA and reduced depression in healthy adults. This may indicate that ashwagandha decreases HPA activity. The current state of research is still in its early stages.

In addition to reducing stress, ashwagandha improves sleep quality. It alters signaling of neurotransmitters and subsequently inhibits stress. Many anxiety disorders are linked to dysfunctional neurotransmitters, and ashwagandha may be able to correct these imbalances. It is also said to improve hemoglobin levels in the blood, which is important in transporting oxygen throughout the body.

Adverse effects of ashwagandha in rheumatoid arthritis

The herb ashwagandha is an adaptogen, an analgesic that has been used for thousands of years for its purported health benefits. In addition to its use for rheumatoid arthritis symptoms, it has traditionally been used for anxiety, stress, and fatigue. Some studies have found it to improve memory and cognition. Other studies have shown that ashwagandha can improve the immune system.

In a study conducted in the department of Pharmacology at the AIIMS, 86 patients with rheumatoid arthritis were randomized to either ashwagandha or the ayurvedic herb Sidh Makardhwaj. Patients were given five grams of the powder twice daily for three weeks. The study measured the ACR response for the two herbs in comparison to placebo. The study’s primary endpoint was a change in disease activity score over baseline and ACR parameters.

Adverse effects of ashwagandha in cancer

As a powerful adaptogen with anticancer and antiinflammatory properties, ashwagandha may be beneficial in treating cancer. In animal studies, it has helped to regulate the immunosuppression caused by paclitaxel chemotherapy. It reversed the effects of neutropenia in mice treated with this chemotherapy, both four days before and 12 days after the treatment. This suggests that ashwagandha is especially useful during a period of bone marrow suppression. In one study, patients treated with ashwagandha and taurine for ten weeks experienced a significant reduction in fever and infections. Furthermore, their quality of life improved significantly.

The effectiveness of ashwagandha depends on the dosage and the duration of treatment. It may lose its potency when taken daily for a long time. Also, it may cause side effects if taken daily for a prolonged period of time. Furthermore, ashwagandha is known to have drug-like effects on neurotransmission, so it may be detrimental to patients who are taking it regularly. Breaks in usage may also cause side effects. Members of Examine receive 150+ studies each month, including comprehensive health outcomes analysis.

Adverse effects of ashwagandha in diabetes

Ashwagandha may be useful in treating diabetes, but it also has some potential side effects. While it is effective for lowering blood glucose levels, it can increase the number of white blood cells, which is not a good thing for people with diabetes. It also irritates the gastrointestinal tract, which should be avoided by those with stomach ulcers. Lastly, the herb may increase the body’s immune activity, which can lead to increased symptoms of auto-immune diseases.

As far as the antidiabetic effects of ashwagandha are concerned, more studies are needed to support this claim. A study published in 2020 reported that ashwagandha root powder may reduce blood glucose levels. It was also found to be helpful for adults with stress-related health conditions, like diabetes. However, there are still some side effects of ashwagandha, and people with diabetes should consult with their healthcare provider before beginning any new supplements or medications.