Learn — Ashwagandha Benefits

The past ten years have seen a hefty increase in Ashwagandha.  In former times, it was only available in Ayurvedic medicine and other holistic health sources.  Now, though, on drugstore shelves, inside the online fashion practices of celebrities, and even in your local grocery store's health food section next to jars of fish oil capsules or probiotics from GNC, treatments such as ashwagandha also belong.  Nonetheless, as with any surge in popularity, the chief question is: do doctors prescribe ashwagandha, or isit simply another personal-experience-driven fad? The answer is not black and white.  For one thing, doctors do not look...

Abstract Summary Objective To assess the physiological effects of ashwagandha (Withania somnifera) on the female body, with specific focus on stress regulation, hormonal balance, reproductive health, and thyroid function. Context Ashwagandha is a well-established adaptogenic herb in Ayurvedic medicine, traditionally used to support stress resilience and endocrine health. Contemporary research has increasingly examined its relevance to women’s health, particularly in relation to chronic stress, menstrual irregularities, hormonal imbalance, and reproductive dysfunction. Its primary mechanism of action appears to involve modulation of the hypothalamic–pituitary–adrenal (HPA) axis. Methods Used Approach A focused review of randomized controlled trials, observational studies, and systematic reviews...

Abstract Summary Objective To assess whether ashwagandha (Withania somnifera) supports weight loss and improved body composition through stress reduction, hormonal modulation, and metabolic regulation. Context Ashwagandha is an adaptogenic herb widely used in Ayurvedic medicine to enhance stress resilience. Increasing evidence links chronic stress and elevated cortisol to weight gain, particularly abdominal fat. This has led to growing scientific interest in ashwagandha as a complementary intervention for stress-related weight management rather than as a direct fat-burning agent. Methods Used Approach A focused review of randomized controlled trials, observational studies, and mechanistic research was conducted to evaluate the effects of ashwagandha...

Abstract Summary Objective To assess whether ashwagandha (Withania somnifera) contributes to weight gain by evaluating its effects on stress regulation, metabolism, appetite, and body composition. Context Ashwagandha is an adaptogenic herb traditionally used in Ayurvedic medicine to support stress resilience and metabolic balance. As its use has expanded in modern wellness practices, questions have arisen regarding its potential impact on body weight. These concerns are primarily linked to its cortisol-modulating properties and its reported effects on physical performance and muscle development. Methods Used Approach A focused review of randomized controlled trials and observational studies was conducted to examine the relationship...