Pharmacological Actions
1. Hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis function-normalizing activity
Stress is a stimulus that activates the HPA axis function and sympathetic nervous system, resulting in a physiological change or adaptation. Excess HPA axis activation facilitates the development of cardiovascular and psychiatric disorders and the development of type 2 diabetes mellitus. Thus, it can be speculated that blockade of the HPA axis decreases the excess sympathetic response to stress in cardiovascular and psychiatric disorders and prevents the development of type 2 diabetes mellitus. Ashwagandha suppresses the HPA response and decreases the serum glucose level in both acute and chronic stress.
2. Adaptogenic/antistress activity
The adaptogenic property of Ashwagandha appears to lie in its ability to reduce stress reactions during the alarm phase of the stress response, prevent or at least delay the state of exhaustion, and hence, provide a certain level of protection against long-term stress. Stress increases corticosterone levels, phagocytic index, and avidity index. Treatment with Ashwagandha has been reported to bring down the high-stress indices to normal and also improve stress tolerance.
3. Anxiolytic and antidepressant activities mood-stabilizing activity
The bioactive glycowithanolides of Ashwagandha comprising sitoindosides VII to X and withaferin A have been found to prevent acute stress-induced anxiety and chronic stress-induced depression. Neurochemical investigations on Ashwagandha that it has significant GABA-mimetic activity. In a study, Ashwagandha extract was found to produce inhibition of (3H) GABA and (35S) t-butylbicyclophosphorothionate binding, with concomitant increase in (3H) flunitrazepam binding to their respective receptor sites. The extract also increased 36c1 influx in the spinal cord neuron preparation in the absence of GABA. The increased influx was attenuated by the GABA receptor antagonists, bicuculline and picrotoxin. GABAergic mechanism forms the basis of action of several anxiolytics and may also be involved in the antidepressant activity as well.
4. Antioxidant activity
Deficient functioning of oxidative free radical scavenging enzymes such as SOD, CAT, and GPX it leads to accumulation of toxic oxidative free radicals and consequent changes. Ashwagandha was found to increase the cortical and striatal concentrations of these antioxidant enzymes. Most abundant oxidative llitus. free radicals generated in living cells are superoxide anions (0²) and derivatives, particularly the highly and reactive and damaging hydroxyl radicals, which appear to act through peroxidation of membrane lipids. Superoxide is inactivated by SOD, the only enzyme known to use a free radical as a substrate. However, the free radical scavenging activity of SOD is effective only when it is followed by an increase in CAT or GPx activity. SOD generates hydrogen peroxide as a metabolite, which is more toxic than oxygen radicals and has to be removed by CAT or GPx.
5. Rejuvenating activity
Ashwagandha rejuvenates the body in debilitated conditions and increases longevity. It significantly improves hemoglobin levels, packed cell volume, serum iron levels, body weight, mean corpuscular volume, and total protein. Ashwagandha is also shown to improve sexual performance.
Indications
1) For daily stress and strain
2) Stress-induced male sexual dysfunction
Due to a lack of safety data, the use of Ashwagandha during pregnancy and lactation is not recommended. Ashwagandha should be used cautiously in case of thyroid disease or along with thyroid hormones.
Disclaimer: Always consult with a healthcare professional before starting any new supplement regimen, especially if you have any pre-existing health conditions or are taking other medications.
H & A Pharma Ashwagandha Churna
Ashvagandha churna has significant antistress and adaptogenic activities and is recommended in the management of various chronic stress-induced ailments.
₹160
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