Latin Name: Withania somnifera
English / Common Names: Ashwagandha, Ashvagandha, Indian ginseng, winter cherry,

Ashwagandha literally means "that which smells like a horse" in Sanskrit. Not only does it smell like a horse but ashwagandha also gives you the strength of one. Ashwagandha's benefits range from enhancing physical fitness to stress relief, relaxation and is even known to be beneficial in cases of arthritis. Seven American and four Japanese firms have filed for grant of patents on formulations containing Ashwagandha or extracts of the plant.

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Ashwagandha's therapeutic effects:

Researchers in Los Angeles College of Chiropractic conducted a comprehensive review of the therapeutic effects of Ashwagandha based on major computerized medical databases. Their studies indicated that ashwagandha possesses anti-inflammatory, antitumor, antistress, antioxidant, immunomodulatory, hemopoietic, and rejuvenating properties. It also exerts a positive influence on the endocrine, cardiopulmonary, and central nervous systems. There seem to be little or no associated toxicity (1)

Ashwagandha in increasing immunity:

A study conducted on mice to test the immunomodulatory effects of Ashwagandha showed that there was a significant increase in white blood cell counts and platelet counts in animals treated with ashwagandha. (2)

Ashwagandha in cancer inhibition:

As far back as 1970 it was found that Ashwagandha prevented tumor growth. Recent research in Japan have shown Ashwagandha to contain seven elements that inhibit cancer cells. Other studies on mice have found that administering an alcohol extract of Ashwagandha caused total tumor remission in 25% of animals and more than 50% reversal of tumor growth in 63% of the animals. This took place without mortality and any side effects like weight loss or diarrhea.(3)

Ashwagandha in reducing inflammation and arthritis:

Ashwagandha has also been shown in clinical trials to reduce inflammation. Studies conducted in 1989 and 1992 showed that ashwagandha herb extract reduced inflammation by 65%. Twice the dosage of aspirin was needed to replicate this. By the 49th day, there was a 89% reduction in arthritic score.

References:
1. Altern Med Rev. 2000 Aug;5(4):334-46
Scientific basis for the therapeutic use of Withania somnifera (ashwagandha): a review. Mishra LC, Singh BB, Dagenais S. Los Angeles College of Chiropractic (LACC), 16200 E Amber Valley Dr., Whittier, CA 90609-1166.

2. J Ethnopharmacol. 1999 Oct;67(1):27-35.
Studies on immunomodulatory activity of Withania somnifera (Ashwagandha) extracts in experimental immune inflammation.Agarwal R, Diwanay S, Patki P, Patwardhan B. Bharati Vidyapeeth's Poona College of Pharmacy, Erandwane, Pune, India.

3. Cancer Lett. 2008 Jan 9.
Selective killing of cancer cells by leaf extract of Ashwagandha: Components, activity and pathway analyses.Widodo N, Takagi Y, Shrestha BG, Ishii T, Kaul SC, Wadhwa R. National Institute of Advanced Industrial Science & Technology (AIST), Central 4, 1-1-1 Higashi, Tsukuba, Ibaraki 305-8562, Japan; Department of Molecular and Cellular Physiology, University of Tsukuba, Ibaraki 305-8575, Japan.

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