Ashwaganda is an increasingly used supplement, not only in the world of fitness, but in the general population due to its extensive list of properties and health benefits.

What is it?

ashwaganda is a adaptogen that comes from from the roots of a plant called Whithania Somnifera traditional and commonly used in India since historical times, more than 3000 years as a natural medicinal remedy. It is also known by the name Orovale.

A substance or compound is considered adaptogen when it meets the following three criteria:

• It is harmless : it does not have side effects when exceeding commonly used doses nor is it toxic.
• normalizing effect , that is, its action It must adapt to the situation.
• It does not present a specific response in the body: it must be able to improve the tolerance of any physical, chemical or biological stressor. Example: few hours of sleep.

Ashwagandha is responsible for acting on an essential part of the endocrine system, exactly on the HHA (Pituitary-Hypothalamic-Adrenal) axis.

Main function: Regulation of Cortisol.

Cortisol is a hormone that our body secretes naturally when we submit or we are under stressful situations. It is generated in the adrenal cortex and also has an effect on the metabolism of fats, carbohydrates and proteins.

When you start to liberalize cotisol, the release of CRH and adrenocorticotropic.

The ashwagandha works by reducing stress and anxiety levels. It acts on the nervous system. It has anti-depressant and anxiolytic properties.

Other functions and benefits.

• Increases fertility in women because helps regulate the hormone lutroplin, treats hypogonadism, regulates reproductive hormones and increases the level of testosterone.
• In men, it helps to increase testosterone levels to a greater or lesser extent depending on the previous state of the person. Increases of up to 15% have been observed. Improves sperm quality.
• Has potential effects on cognitive ability and memory. There are pathologies that are treated with withanolides , so it is considered that their use may also be beneficial to treat diseases such as Parkinson’s and Alzheimer’s.
• Aswhagandha contains n Eurotransmitters that activate serotonin receptors . The most relevant is tryptophan . It contributes to improving the quality of sleep, reducing nervousness, and achieving a feeling of well-being.
• Improves the immune system: its properties in the capture of free radicals reduce oxidative stress (antioxidant properties against free radicals) . It prevents diseases and contains molecules that are directly involved in the aging process.
• Effect hepatoprotective : protects the liver and increases the levels of enzymes with antioxidant and neuroprotective functions.
• Anabolic effect . It can contribute to enhancing strength and muscle mass gains, improving aerobic performance.
• Helps control blood glucose . Regulates blood sugar.
• It has a great anti-inflammatory capacity: it has been shown to be effective in treating arthritis.
• Improves the state of our thyroid, endocrine function. It regulates the thyroid and acts on the adrenal glands when there is adrenal fatigue.
• It contains a compound called Withaferin A effective against different types of tumor cells. Its use is not recommended as the main therapy against cancer. Consult a medical professional.

Under what active principles does it act?

In ashwagandha, we find a large number of active principles to which all the properties of this supplement are attributed together.

• Alkaloids: We found 12 different ones present, among them somniferin, anaferin or pseudotropin, which cause narcotic, analgesic and sedative properties to be associated with ashwagandha.
• Steroidal lactones ; the so-called whitanolides. We highlight withaferin A and withanolide D. They are those that transmit their adaptogenic and anti-inflammatory action to the plant, acting in the body as if they were steroidal hormones.
• Triethylene glycol: a compound used in chemistry as a solvent, which has been proven effective in combating insomnia in clinical trials.
• Flavonoids its main function is antioxidant capacity.
• Mineral salts: specifically iron and potassium.

Contraindications.

• In case of consuming any medication to control diabetes , it is recommended to consult a medical professional before use. It can interact and interfere with this type of medication as it reduces blood sugar levels.
• In case of hypertension problems, consult a medical professional as it can lower blood pressure or interfere with the medications used to treat this pathology.
• If the person suffers from hormonal problems or thyroid, it is not recommended to take as it can alter different levels of hormones, specifically H. Thyroid. Consult a doctor.
• In case of pregnancy or lactation its use without medical supervision is not recommended.
• Helps to improve blood circulation in the scalp acting hair follicles. It can accelerate hair growth, stop premature baldness and combat androgenic alopecia.

What dose is recommended to take? It is recommended to take a dose a day of between 200 and 600 milligrams a day. It can be taken in several doses throughout the day or in 1 dose.

It is not a toxic substance as we have previously mentioned, so if the dose is exceeded, despite not having relevant problems, it can cause gastrointestinal problems or diarrhea.

It can be found in capsule or powder format. It has a bitter and strong taste, which is why most people consume it in capsules. Infusions can also be prepared.