Ashwagandha Research: 8 Scientific Studies Proving the Herb’s Effectiveness and Debunking the Myths

Check out this blog to read on Research on Ashwagandha!

Even after millions of testimonies, Ayurveda has always been under the scanner. There is no scarcity of people questioning its authenticity, source, and evidence. Even the wise and old remain ignorant!

And, I don’t blame them.

Time has eroded this treasure of wisdom from our minds. The ancient Ayurvedic texts never made it to textbooks. There is no show or movie on the life of ancient sages. Be it Charaka, Sushruta, or Patanjali, they are all buried in history!

The ones who have a legacy of Ayurveda in the family or an interest in the subject, know about Vedic science. Rest are blinded by the myths and fables surrounding the treasure.

That’s why people don’t know how much Ayurveda has evolved in 5000 years.

About Ayurveda 

Recently, I met a senior civil servant, respected and reputed in his field. We talked about the current COVID situation and the national crisis. Further, we debated and discussed the effects of the lockdown. We also spoke about the condition of the healthcare system in the country and the need to upscale it. Finally, we talked about the role of Ayurveda in a pandemic.

Firstly, he lauded Dr. Rajesh Kotecha, an honorable Padmashri awardee. Dr. Rajesh is serving as additional secretary of the Ministry of AYUSH. His efforts in establishing Ayurveda as mainstream in national and international platforms are commendable. 

Secondly, he applauded the efforts of the Modi government for its work on Ayurveda. And then he spoke highly of the IIT Delhi professionals for their study on the efficacy of Ashwagandha against COVID-19. 

‘These IIT guys have proved the scientific benefits of Ashwagandha. At least, now there is some evidence to our traditional folklore‘, he said.

I got the bitter tint in his words, but this was not the first time I was receiving the heat. In the beginning, these things affected me but now I have learned to handle this.

The fact is people don’t know much about Ayurveda. No one writes sensational pieces creates viral posts or makes movies on it. Or maybe because most of these traditional scripts are in Sanskrit.

Whatever the reason, people are ignorant about this rich inheritance!

Also Read: Easy Home Remedies of Ashwagandha

An Ayurvedic Doctor’s Response

With a gentle smile, I responded, “It’s not the first record sir. Researchers are studying Ashwagandha for various benefits. In fact, you might find its composition in many modern medicines!

He was intrigued by my words.

I continued, ‘Sir, in the last 40 years researchers have conducted more than 100 noteworthy studies. Ashwagandha is a multi-faceted herb and now it’s a billion-dollar medicine. 

If the government supports us, then Indian scientists can scale up their research. 

He replied, “You are right. There is definitely a possibility of such research with government aid. However, currently, there is no credible research from any registered body. The ones published in medical journals cannot be trusted completely.”

I took a second and asked him, “Sir, which research journals are you following?”

He replied, ‘I don’t follow any because I don’t think there is a credible body of research in Ayurveda’.

‘Sir, you are in a very responsible position, people respect you, and they trust your words. So, it would be really great if you check out some of the most amazing studies on Ayurveda by our ancestors. You will be able to educate so many people on this subject!’

‘Since the past four decades, researchers have been studying Ayurveda all over the world. They are intrigued by the natural herbs influencing immunity. In recent times, Rasayana has become the center of focus in global forums. It elaborates on the inner healing power of an individual.’

He smiled and nodded like a gentleman.

Ashwagandha against COVID-19

An epidemic is not new, but the virus is!! But the human body and its response remain the same. And Ayurveda has mastered the subject of the human body. 

Ayurveda says that a person with strong immunity can survive the deadliest virus. It further suggests the use of herbs and roots to improve immunity.  

Ashwagandha is an adaptogen, antioxidant, immunomodulator, immunostimulant, and anti-stress Rasayana. It helps in mental agility, nephron protection, and tissue protection. Apart from that it also boosts libido and energy.  

The Ministry of AYUSH is leading a study to determine if Ashwagandha could be the alternative to hydroxychloroquine as a potential COVID preventive. We already know that Ashwagandha has medicinal properties. Studies too confirmed that it can increase immunity. It is also a safer alternative to modern supplements!

10 types of research on Ashwagandha

I shared the following research papers on Ashwagandha with him a few days later. These are the papers published in reputed medical journals. I am sure there are many more that will get their due credit in forthcoming times.

1. Immunomodulatory Activity of Ashwagandha

A research studied the Immunomodulatory Activity of “Ashwagandha Churna”. It concluded that Ashwagandha can stimulate cell-mediated immunity. This formulation can treat several immunosuppressed clinical conditions. 

Studies also proved Ashwagandha can increase phagocytic activity and reduce corticosterone levels. It is effective in enhancing immune health and reducing stress.

2. Ashwagandha against infections

Research proved that Ashwagandha has therapeutic actions. It can play a potent role in combating infections. It has antibacterial and immunomodulatory effects that help against infections.

3. Ashwagandha for arthritis

Research says that Ashwagandha can play a crucial role in the prevention and treatment of arthritis. It has anti-inflammatory, antioxidizing, and immune-boosting properties.

4. Ashwagandha against stress, anxiety, and insomnia

Researchers studied the role of Ashwagandha in Stress and Anxiety. Ashwagandha has a calming anxiolytic effect. It is an antidepressant and adaptogen that helps in managing stress, anxiety, and depression.

Another Study examined the efficacy of Ashwagandha in Insomnia. Ashwagandha root extracts exhibit sleep-inducing potential. It is safe, well-tolerated, and helps improve sleep quality.

Also Read: Can Ashwagandha ease your fears?

6. Improving Sexual Function in Men and Women

A clinical study examined the efficacy and Safety of Ashwagandha in boosting sexual health. Ashwagandha is a great aphrodisiac. It can treat several sexual problems in both men and women.

Also Read: Ashwagandha for Men

Ashwagandha is a potential cure for erectile dysfunction, oligospermia, and low stamina in men. It also enhances sexual desire and satisfaction in women. In conclusion, it is a great supplement for fertility.

Also Read: Ashwagandha for women

7. Ashwagandha as a health supplement

A study examined Ashwagandha as a supplement for muscle strength and recovery. It reported faster recovery of Delayed onset muscle soreness(DOMS) and tenderness.

Ashwagandha has antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and analgesic effects. It also supports muscle development by increasing testosterone and decreasing cortisol. Ashwagandha also enhances energy in the body. Ayurvedic Doctors recommend it for athletes.

Also, Read Ashwagandha for athletes.

8. Therapeutic Benefits of Ashwagandha

The review of the Scientific Basis for the Therapeutic Use of Ashwagandha was prepared by reviewing information from 58 articles published on the subject.

The review concluded that Ashwagandha possesses anti-inflammatory, antitumor, anti-stress, and antioxidant properties. It further exhibits immunomodulatory, hematopoietic, and rejuvenating properties.   

Ayurvedic Doctor: Research on Ashwagandha

Finally, there is no dearth of research on the efficacy and safety of Ashwagandha. Its immuno-modulating properties are well-researched and documented.

Researchers have also stamped the anti-inflammatory, anti-viral, and anti-oxidizing effects of Ashwagandha. These properties make Ashwagandha an incredible root that can cure many diseases.

However, the efficacy of Ashwagandha against coronavirus is still under study. Though it may not be able to cure corona, it can help the body fight the virus. Ayurvedic doctors are recommending it as an immune supplement.

Thus, I would say Ashwagandha is a safe and effective medicine for all ages. In conclusion, you can consult an Ayurvedic doctor before using this Ayurvedic remedy!