T
The Syndicate
Guest
Anyone use this?
What Is Ashwagandha?
Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera) is an herb that is traditionally used in India. When translated from Sanskrit, ashwagandha means ‘smell of horse’, owing to the root’s distinct smell of a horse and the belief that the strength and virility of a horse can be had by ingesting the herb. [1,2] Similar to Rhodiola rosea, ashwagandha is an adaptogen, meaning that it has mood-enhancing properties and can reduce stress and fatigue.
Ashwagandha Powder with 2.5% Withanolides
The main active components found in this herb that are thought to bestow its effects are withanolide structures. [3] Withanolides are a group of at least 300 naturally occurring chemical compounds that are known to have anti-inflammatory properties.
Ashwagandha Benefits
Mood
Since ashwagandha is an adaptogen, it has mood-enhancing and stress-reducing properties. Studies show that supplementing with ashwagandha can lead to an increase in subjective well-being. [6] One study found that subjects who took ashwagandha had a significant reduction in stress compared to the placebo group, and also had substantially reduced serum cortisol levels. [4] Cortisol is known as the ‘stress hormone’ because it is released as a result of stress and influences the body’s response to stress, affecting such things as blood sugar levels, immune responses, and metabolism. In another study, motivation levels of the subjects were increased when supplementing with ashwagandha. [5]
Anti-Inflammatory
When taken orally, ashwagandha can act as an anti-inflammatory agent. A study found that C-reactive protein was significantly reduced over the course of 60 days with oral supplementation of ashwagandha. [6] High levels of C-reactive protein in the body can be a sign that the body is inflamed somewhere.
Cholesterol Reduction
One study noted that 10 days of ashwagandha supplementation reduced total cholesterol in the body by 9.3%. This decrease is thought to be the result of a reduction in low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol. [7] LDL cholesterol is known as ‘the bad cholesterol’ because it contributes to the formation of plaque that can clog arteries.
Exercise
Ashwagandha is capable of enhancing your workout too, whether aerobic or anaerobic. A study found that taking ashwagandha can improve VO2 max without affecting blood pressure. [8] A reflection of aerobic fitness, the V02 max is the maximum rate of oxygen that an individual can consume during exercise. The greater your VO2 max, the greater your endurance capacity.
Aerobic exercise like high-intensity weightlifting can also get a boost from ashwagandha. One study found that ashwagandha supplementation led to an improvement in bench press results, as well as increased muscle size, testosterone, and muscle recovery. [9] Another study found a significant increase in the strength of quadriceps and back extensor muscles. [7]
What Is Ashwagandha?
Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera) is an herb that is traditionally used in India. When translated from Sanskrit, ashwagandha means ‘smell of horse’, owing to the root’s distinct smell of a horse and the belief that the strength and virility of a horse can be had by ingesting the herb. [1,2] Similar to Rhodiola rosea, ashwagandha is an adaptogen, meaning that it has mood-enhancing properties and can reduce stress and fatigue.
Ashwagandha Powder with 2.5% Withanolides
The main active components found in this herb that are thought to bestow its effects are withanolide structures. [3] Withanolides are a group of at least 300 naturally occurring chemical compounds that are known to have anti-inflammatory properties.
Ashwagandha Benefits
Mood
Since ashwagandha is an adaptogen, it has mood-enhancing and stress-reducing properties. Studies show that supplementing with ashwagandha can lead to an increase in subjective well-being. [6] One study found that subjects who took ashwagandha had a significant reduction in stress compared to the placebo group, and also had substantially reduced serum cortisol levels. [4] Cortisol is known as the ‘stress hormone’ because it is released as a result of stress and influences the body’s response to stress, affecting such things as blood sugar levels, immune responses, and metabolism. In another study, motivation levels of the subjects were increased when supplementing with ashwagandha. [5]
Anti-Inflammatory
When taken orally, ashwagandha can act as an anti-inflammatory agent. A study found that C-reactive protein was significantly reduced over the course of 60 days with oral supplementation of ashwagandha. [6] High levels of C-reactive protein in the body can be a sign that the body is inflamed somewhere.
Cholesterol Reduction
One study noted that 10 days of ashwagandha supplementation reduced total cholesterol in the body by 9.3%. This decrease is thought to be the result of a reduction in low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol. [7] LDL cholesterol is known as ‘the bad cholesterol’ because it contributes to the formation of plaque that can clog arteries.
Exercise
Ashwagandha is capable of enhancing your workout too, whether aerobic or anaerobic. A study found that taking ashwagandha can improve VO2 max without affecting blood pressure. [8] A reflection of aerobic fitness, the V02 max is the maximum rate of oxygen that an individual can consume during exercise. The greater your VO2 max, the greater your endurance capacity.
Aerobic exercise like high-intensity weightlifting can also get a boost from ashwagandha. One study found that ashwagandha supplementation led to an improvement in bench press results, as well as increased muscle size, testosterone, and muscle recovery. [9] Another study found a significant increase in the strength of quadriceps and back extensor muscles. [7]
