- Prevents depression
- Adds vitality
- Eliminates anxiety and tension
- Lowers cortisol levels
- Has an immunomodulating effect
- Increases resistance to stress
- Solves sleep problems
- Restores harmony to the body
- Bestselling and highly regarded adaptogen
- Improves mental well-being
- Promotes growth of muscle mass and strength
- Supports immune system function
Swanson Ashwagandha is a dietary supplement that includes high-quality ashwagandha extract. Each capsule contains as much as 450 mg of the raw material.
The product is recommended especially for people living under high pressure and leading a fast pace of life, which can weaken the nervous system and negatively affect mental well-being. Regular supplementation increases resistance to stress, eliminates its unpleasant effects and restores the body's homeostasis. The product can also be used to improve physical condition - it helps increase strength and promotes the building of muscle mass.
Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera, Vitania sluggish) is a small shrub and one of the most popular adaptogenic herbs, which has been used in Ayurvedic medicine for centuries. Like other adaptogens, it supports the nervous system and helps the body adapt to new and sometimes difficult conditions.
Ashwagandha is sometimes referred to as "Indian ginseng" because of its similarity of action in improving mental well-being, increasing energy levels and vitality. Most people find ginseng too stimulating - ashwagandha has a much milder, though equally effective, effect.
For therapeutic purposes, the roots, abundant in a number of biologically active components, are mainly used. Chief among them are vitanolides, alkaloids, flavonoids, saponins and phytosterols.
Improved mood and greater resistance to stress
Ashwagandha has a tonic effect on the central nervous system. It alleviates the negative effects of chronic stress, improves mental well-being and increases vitality levels. It prevents depressive-anxiety disorders, facilitates falling asleep and improves the quality of sleep.
The compounds contained in ashwagandha root increase the sensitivity of serotonin (5-HT) receptors, so that the serotonin available in the body is used more efficiently. And although its de facto level does not increase, it works more strongly and efficiently. Serotonin is called the "happiness hormone," and its greater activity in the body translates into a better, positive mood, a sense of contentment and joy.
Ashwagandha is effective in relieving anxiety and restlessness. According to some scientists, it works similarly to natural gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA). It restores the GABA-ergic balance in the body, thus promoting harmony, calmness and relaxation.
Ashwagandha has adaptogenic properties - it helps the body adapt to unfavorable circumstances and increases resistance to stress. It corrects the body's reactions in difficult situations, suppresses panic attacks, allows the body to remain calm and clear-minded even under high tension and chronic stress.
Homeostasis of the endocrine system
Ashavagandha helps restore the natural hormonal balance in the body. Its main mechanism of action is based on the activity of vitanolides, which by their structure resemble the hormones produced in the body and contribute to the regulation of many physiological processes.
Scientific theories say that if there is an excess of a hormone in the body, vitanolides can attach to cell membrane receptors, taking the place of hormones. As a result, the hormones bind to fewer receptors and do not have as strong a pathological effect on the body. If the body's hormone levels are stable, vitanolides have no affinity for receptors, so the body's homeostasis is maintained.
In numerous studies, ashwagandha has been proven to reduce the level of the most important stress hormone - cortisol. Prolonged excessive levels of cortisol destabilize the work of the entire system, generate inflammation, reduce the sensitivity of tissues to insulin and weaken immunity. By regulating cortisol levels, ashwagandha brings many secondary benefits to various body systems.
Ashawagndha has thyrotropic effects and can help raise the concentration of the two most important thyroid hormones, T3 and T4. The plant stimulates the thyroid gland, so it is especially indicated for people struggling with hypothyroidism of this gland.
Immune enhancement
Ashwagandha acts as a natural immunomodulator. It strengthens the immune system and regulates the body's immune response. It counteracts myelosuppression of the bone marrow, resulting in decreased production of white and red blood cells and platelets.
It increases the number of leukocytes, and by stimulating the production of nitric oxide (NO) blocks excessive platelet aggregation. In addition, it raises the total amount of antibodies synthesized in the body. Increases phagocytic activity of macrophages, stimulates production of interferon and IL-2.
Memory improvement and neuroprotective effects
Ashwagandha can be used for protection against cognitive decline caused by aging or neurodegenerative diseases. The compounds it contains are inhibitors of acetylcholinesterase - the enzyme responsible for breaking down acetylcholine. As a result, ashwagandha contributes to memory enhancement and inhibition of degenerative changes in the brain.
In experimental studies on rodents, it was proven that ashwagandha extracts protected brain cells from the harmful effects of beta-amyloid - a protein blamed for the development of neurodegenerative diseases. Neurons treated with beta-amyloid and ashwagandha not only did not lose their synaptic functions, but also managed to regenerate weakened axons and dendrites.
Ashwagandha in sports supplementation
Ashwagandha extracts are increasingly being used by athletes and bodybuilders, who find it helpful in achieving the desired athletic form. Ashwagandha has a positive effect on both physical fitness (increases aerobic capacity and endurance, facilitates recovery) and body shape (promotes the building of muscle mass).
Ashwagandha extracts are attributed to androgenic properties. The structural similarity between vitanolides and testosterone suggests similar effects of these compounds. This would explain the beneficial effects occurring with the use of ashwagandha - easier building of lean body mass and increased physical strength and endurance, characteristic of high testosterone levels.
Over the course of the study, ashwagandha has been proven to indirectly enhance the synthesis of human growth hormone (HGH), which also contributes to increased muscle mass and reduced levels of body fat.
Significantly for athletes, ashwagandha extracts also reduce cortisol levels. This eminently catabolic hormone, if present in excess, hinders bodybuilding - it promotes fat deposition and hinders muscle growth.
In summary, Ashwagandha is one of the most effective natural mood boosters with additional health-promoting effects. Using the supplement during periods of increased intellectual effort or tension facilitates adaptation to difficult conditions and allows you to maintain optimal form even under great stress. The product can also be recommended to athletes as a means of supporting and facilitating work on their dream figure and physical condition.
