Ashwagandha's Withanolides

Chronic stress wreaks havoc on the body and leads to higher risk of disease. It is estimated that 75-90 percent of visits to the doctor are due to problems associated with acute or chronic stress (Head & Kelly, 2009). It is impossible to completely remove stressors from our lives but there are some natural stress relievers that we can use to help counteract consequences stress can produce. These symptoms include decreased immune function, increased anxiety, fatigue, GI issues, and insomnia (Head & Kelly, 2009). Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera) is an adaptogen that has been used for hundreds of years for its anti-stress and anxiety properties (Singh, et al., 2011). Ashwagandha contains withanolides which have a sterol structure. This sterol structure is the component responsible for its adaptogenic and glucocorticoid-like properties (Head & Kelly, 2009). Ashwagandha root extract improves immune function, increases endurance, prevents stress induced gastric ulcers, reduces inflammation, and improves weight loss due to stress (Singh, et al., 2011). Overall, it does a great job of counteracting symptoms of chronic stress.
In animal models, Ashwagandha’s withanolides were shown to interact with GABAergic modulators on the sleep-wake cycle making it beneficial for insomnia (Kumar & Kaloni, 2008).
It was also found that when given orally it significantly recovered immune T-cell populations which were previously depleted due to stress conditions. It also caused an increase in expression of IL-2 and IFN-y and a decrease in concentration of corticosterone (Kour, et al., 2009). This supports Ashwagandha’s role in increasing immune function. In humans, Ashwagandha was shown to have similar anxiolytic effects to benzodiazepines and tricyclics antidepressants. One advantage Ashwagandha has over conventional drugs is the lack of side effects (Andrade, et al.,
2000).

I think Ashwagandha is a great supplement to recommend to any person who has symptoms of chronic stress. As a Doctorate student, I have personal experience with the complications of chronic stress. For about one month I had extreme nausea, loss of appetite, lost about fifteen pounds, could not sleep, and was constantly sick. It was the worst I have ever felt. I was prescribed a supplement that contained mostly Ashwagandha and I was better within a week. I know from first hand experience that Ashwagandha is great for counteracting chronic stress.

References:

Andrade, C., et al. (2000). A double-blind, placebo-controlled evaluation of the anxiolytic efficacy of an ethanolic extract of withania somnifera. Indian Journal of Psychiatry, 42(3): 295-301.

Head, K. A. & Kelly, G. S. (2009). Nutrients and Botanicals for Treatment of Stress: Adrenal fatigue, Neurotransmitter Imbalance, Anxiety, and Restless Sleep. Alternative Medicine Review, 14(2): 114-140.

Kour, K., et al. (2009). Restoration of stress-induced altered T-cell function and corresponding cytokines patterns by Withanolide A. Int Immunopharmacol, 9(10):1137-1144.

Kumar, A. & Kalonia, H. (2008). Effect of Withania somnifera on sleep-wake cycle in sleep-disturbed rats: possible GABAergic mechanism. Indian J Pharm Sci, 70(6):806-10.

Singh, N., et al. (2011). An overview on ashwagandha: a rasayana (rejuvenator) of Ayurveda. Afr J Tradit Complement Altern; 8(5 Suppl):208-13.