Ashwagandha - Features, Composition, Properties, Application

Ashwagandha, also known as the sleep-inducing plant, is a herb from the nightshade family that is native to southeastern Europe and Africa. This widely known plant, which can grow up to 150 cm in height, originates mainly from India, where it is cultivated on a global scale, but is also prevalent in countries such as Iran, Afghanistan, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, and Egypt. In Europe, it enjoys a steadily growing interest and popularity among researchers and consumers alike. Ashwagandha is easily recognizable by its yellow-green flowers and red or dark orange berries, which resemble jujubes. The fresh root of this plant emits an unpleasant odor reminiscent of a horse, from which its name 'ashwagandha' is derived in Sanskrit, meaning 'smell of a horse'. It is the roots and fruits of Ashwagandha that are used for medicinal purposes.

Ashwagandha contains a unique range of active substances with therapeutic properties, hence it is considered an adaptogenic plant, offering a wide range of health benefits. Its main component is vitanolides, which are substances with the structure of vitapherine A and the character of lactone. Due to these substances, ashwagandha exhibits antibacterial, anti-cancer properties, inhibits cell division by mitotic pathways, and effectively reduces blood pressure. The root of ashwagandha is also a source of substances from the group of glikowitanolides, such as sitoindosides and witanozydes, which support the functioning of the nervous system. Additionally, ashwagandha contains compounds from the group of phytosterols, alkaloids, mainly nicotinic, coumarins, phenolic acids, and quite large amounts of iron.

Ashwagandha, also known as winter cherry, is a plant that has been used in Ayurvedic medicine for thousands of years. Scientific research confirms its broad effect on the human body. Ashwagandha supports the function of the nervous system by having a calming and antidepressant effect. It increases concentration and improves memory processing. The effect of ashwagandha is based on the stimulation of GABAergic receptors, which leads to a decrease in the release of corticotropin-releasing hormone and an increase in stress tolerance. Research also suggests the possibility of using ashwagandha in the treatment of Alzheimer's disease. The substances contained in the plant show the ability to inhibit acetylcholinesterase and promote neurogenesis, which can accelerate the formation of new neurons and the extension of axons. Ashwagandha also has an adaptogenic effect, supporting sexual functions in both women and men. It also has anti-inflammatory and immunostimulatory effects, strengthening the immune system and helping in the treatment of autoimmune diseases. The effect of ashwagandha is based on strengthening the immune system by increasing the proliferation of B and T cells and increasing the activity of natural killer cells. Ashwagandha also has a hypoglycemic and hypotensive effect, improving the lipid profile of the blood and having a diuretic effect. The plant also supports the cardiovascular system by improving the transport of nutrients into cells, strengthening the circulatory system and eliminating anemia. Ashwagandha also has an anabolic effect, strengthening muscle tissue.

Currently, Ashwagandha is a product that is easily accessible on the market. It can be found in online stores and stationary shops that offer healthy food items. There are tablets and roots available for making infusions. When choosing a tablet product, we should pay particular attention to its composition. It is important to choose products of the highest quality. This group of products includes tablet preparations that contain an extract from the Ashwagandha root standardized to at least 2.5% withanolides. It is recommended to take 1-2 tablets per day, depending on the manufacturer's recommendation. If we choose Ashwagandha root for infusions, it is recommended to cook it for a few minutes under a lid and drink the infusion twice a day. Ashwagandha has been used in Ayurvedic medicine for centuries as a tonic to increase vitality and brain function. It is also used in the treatment of many different diseases. In light of scientific evidence, Ashwagandha is a true treasure of nature. In Poland, more and more people are choosing to use it, which is a remarkable phenomenon. Ashwagandha is a plant that both healthy and sick people should use.