In one study, rats with epilepsy that were treated with ashwagandha had nearly a complete reversal of spatial memory impairment. Research has shown that it promotes antioxidant activity that protects nerve cells from harmful free radicals. Test-tube and animal studies suggest that ashwagandha may mitigate memory and brain function problems caused by injury or disease ( 29, 30, 31, 32). May improve brain function, including memory SummaryĪnimal and test-tube studies have shown that withaferin, a bioactive compound in ashwagandha, promotes the death of tumor cells and may be effective against several types of cancer.ġ1.
The treatment also prevented the spread of cancer to other organs ( 13).Īlthough no evidence suggests that ashwagandha exerts similar effects in humans, the current research is encouraging. In one study, mice with ovarian tumors treated with withaferin alone or in combination with an anti-cancer drug showed a 70–80% reduction in tumor growth. Second, it may cause cancer cells to become less resistant to apoptosis ( 8).Īnimal studies suggest that it may help treat several types of cancer, including breast, lung, colon, brain, and ovarian cancer ( 9, 10, 11, 12, 13). It also impedes the growth of new cancer cells in several ways ( 7).įirst, withaferin is believed to promote the formation of reactive oxygen species (ROS) inside cancer cells, disrupting their function. SummaryĪshwagandha is a prominent herb in Indian Ayurvedic medicine and has become a popular supplement due to its health benefits.Īnimal and test-tube studies have found that withaferin - a compound in ashwagandha - helps induce apoptosis, which is the programmed death of cancer cells ( 7). Many of its health benefits are attributed to its high concentration of withanolides, which have been shown to fight inflammation and tumor growth ( 1). Extracts or powder from the plant’s root or leaves are used to treat a variety of conditions. The ashwagandha plant is a small shrub with yellow flowers that’s native to India and North Africa. Its botanical name is Withania somnifera, and it’s also known by several other names, including Indian ginseng and winter cherry.
It has been used for over 3,000 years to relieve stress, increase energy levels, and improve concentration ( 1).Īshwagandha is Sanskrit for smell of the horse, which refers to both its unique smell and ability to increase strength. Ashwagandha is one of the most important herbs in Ayurveda, a form of alternative medicine based on Indian principles of natural healing.
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