In studies where cortisol was lowered, other outcomes, such as anxiety, weight management, fertility, cognition, sleep, and/or quality of life, have also shown some improvement.

Rodent and cell culture studies suggest that ashwagandha may provide a wide range of health benefits, [9] [10] but evidence in human studies has thus far varied depending on the health state and population of interest. There’s no reliable information on the safety of topical treatments or the long-term effects of oral supplements. Dosages used in these studies varied between 250 mg to 3 grams (g) and were generally split into 2–3 equal doses spread evenly over the day. Ashwagandha is a small shrub with yellow flowers that grows in India, the Middle East, and parts of Africa. Side effects of ashwagandha may include constipation, nasal congestion, cough, drowsiness and loss of appetite.

Withanolides, a new class of natural cholinesterase inhibitors with calcium antagonistic properties. If stress isn’t the precipitating factor for a negative health state, ashwagandha may not be an effective treatment for it either. Ashwagandha powder is another common form, which you can mix with sweet liquids to offset the bitter flavor. Immunosuppressants: Ashwagandha may boost immune system activity, which could decrease the effect of drugs used to suppress the immune system.

Taking ashwagandha with sedative medications might cause breathing problems and/or too much sleepiness. However, pregnant or breastfeeding people and individuals with autoimmune diseases — such as lupus, rheumatoid arthritis, type 1 diabetes, and Hashimoto’s thyroiditis — may need to avoid it ( 17, 21).One study found that taking Ashwagandha supplements for 8 weeks resulted in significant increases in muscle mass and strength compared to a placebo group. Our team includes licensed nutritionists and dietitians, certified health education specialists, as well as certified strength and conditioning specialists, personal trainers and corrective exercise specialists. India's first dedicated sexual wellness clinic seeking to normalise sexual wellness through personalised, judgement-free and discreet healthcare.

While our team of experienced journalists and medical experts offers timely wellness insights, news and reviews, we do not provide medical advice, diagnoses or treatment.Ashwagandha’s effects may not be immediate, and you may have to take it for several months before noticing its effects. Hypoglycemic, diuretic and hypocholesterolemic effect of winter cherry (Withania somnifera, Dunal) root.

E. Antitumor and radiosensitizing effects of Withania somnifera (Ashwagandha) on a transplantable mouse tumor, Sarcoma-180. In a 2015 study, male participants who took 600 mg of ashwagandha per day and participated in resistance training for 8 weeks had significantly greater gains in muscle strength and size compared with a placebo group. Study participants reported feeling better after ingesting 10 grams (g) of ashwagandha powder daily for three weeks and then 100 mg of another Ayurvedic medicine—Sidh Makardhwaj—every day for four weeks. An investigation into the stress-relieving and pharmacological actions of an ashwagandha ( Withania somnifera) extract. Several studies highlight this advantage, observing ashwagandha’s ability to decrease participants’ stress and anxiety levels significantly [2] Pratte MA, Nanavati KB, Young V, Morley CP.

Ashwagandha is classified as an adaptogen, meaning it’s purported to enhance the body’s resilience to stress. Another analysis that looked at five studies found that taking ashwagandha significantly enhanced maximum oxygen consumption (VO 2 max) in healthy adults and athletes. It’s also worth noting that some people who are allergic to nightshades or have certain grass allergies don’t tolerate ashwagandha well. K. Antitumor and radiosensitizing effects of withaferin A on mouse Ehrlich ascites carcinoma in vivo.