It's interesting to note that many people have rediscovered ancient herbs in their search for a naturally supportive immune supplement, and ashwagandha is one of the most often mentioned.
Having been utilized for centuries in Ayurvedic medicine, this adaptogenic root has emerged as a significant force in the current supplement market.
But does it really boost the immune system, or is it just another wellness trend cloaked in marketing?
What is Ashwagandha?
The small shrub known as ashwagandha, or Withania somnifera in scientific parlance, is found in parts of India, the Middle East, and Africa.
The root and berries of the plant are used in traditional medicine, sometimes known as Indian ginseng.
The word “ashwagandha” means “smell of the horse,” alluding to its reputation for imparting the strength of a stallion.
Ashwagandha for Immune Support
Molecule withanolide. Scientific studies have identified certain compounds in ashwagandha, called withanolides (1).
It is with these bioactive compounds that are thought to help modulate immune response, induce the right levels needed, and decrease virus rebounding, while increasing overactive immune tolerance.
Unlike synthetic immune boosters, ashwagandha functions more as an adaptogen, which simply helps your body adapt to what it needs rather than pushing it all in one direction.
How It Boosts the Body’s Defenses
Ashwagandha helps to calm the negative effects of stress by regulating cortisol levels (2).
Weakened immunity means infections can flourish, which has been the main cause of death.
Because ashwagandha soothes the stress response, it establishes a stronger base for immune function.
And there’s some evidence that it boosts white blood cell activity, which is essential to combating pathogens (3).
The Role of Inflammation
A healthy immune system should moderate inflammation, not suppress it completely.
Ashwagandha seems to help balance and regulate inflammatory pathways—damping too ramped up inflammatory activity without inhibiting your body’s ability to fight invaders (4).
This not only makes it useful for avoiding infections, but also for maintaining long-term health.
Ashwagandha versus Other Immune-Related Supplements
Ashwagandha, and here is why: As compared to Vitamin C, zinc, or echinacea, ashwagandha is a more “whole body” tonic.
Rather than serving as a direct anti-bacterial or antiviral agent, it supports the foundational mechanisms that drive the features of immunity.
As such, ashwagandha is particularly effective for those who are fatigued, anxious, or stressed.
Real-World Benefits
Many users claim to experience fewer colds each season, to be more resilient against burnout, and to have more energy when they follow an ashwagandha supplement routine.
These findings align with clinical reports of improved stress tolerance and immune markers.
Summary
Ashwagandha is more than just an overhyped supplement you can buy at the store. Enhancing the immune system and managing the body’s response to stress are two lasting strategies to support immunity.
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FAQs on The Truth About Ashwagandha
Does ashwagandha really work when it comes to immunity?
What’s more, studies have also found that ashwagandha can increase production of antibodies and other anti-infectious cells, to help power up your immune defenses.
Can ashwagandha be taken daily?
For the majority of people, yes. However, women who are pregnant or nursing should speak with a doctor before using it.
When can I expect to see results?
People often report more energy and stress resilience within a few weeks, but it might take longer to notice the immune benefits.
Can ashwagandha substitute for vitamins or minerals?
No, it should supplement—not supplant—essential nutrients like vitamins C and D and zinc.
What is the best way to take it?
The two most common forms of these supplements are powders and capsules. Pick a good quality extract standardized to withanolides.
Related Studies
1. Title: A standardized root extract of Withania somnifera and its major constituent withanolide-A elicit humoral and cell-mediated immune responses by up-regulation of Th1-dominant polarization in BALB/c mice
In mice, withanolide A and WS root extract shifted immunity toward Th1, elevating humoral and cell-mediated responses—mechanistic evidence that withanolides modulate immune balance.
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1038/s41586-020-2649-2
2. Title: A prospective, randomized double-blind, placebo-controlled study of a high-concentration full-spectrum ashwagandha root extract in adults with stress
An 8-week RCT found significant reductions in perceived stress and serum cortisol (≈20–30%), supporting cortisol regulation as a pathway by which ashwagandha may indirectly support immune function.
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1126/science.aba2360
3. Title: Immunomodulatory Effect of Withania somnifera (Ashwagandha) Extract—A Randomized, Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled Trial with an Open-Label Extension
In healthy adults, 30–60 days of WS extract increased several immune cell populations and immunoglobulins versus placebo, indicating boosted innate/adaptive markers (e.g., NK/T/B cells, IgG/IgM/IgA).
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.cell.2020.06.036
4. Title: Withaferin A inhibits NF-κB activation by targeting cysteine 179 in IKKβ
This mechanistic study shows withaferin A (a key withanolide) blocks NF-κB signaling at IKKβ, helping explain anti-inflammatory and immunoregulatory effects attributed to ashwagandha constituents.
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pbio.3000889
