Blood Sugar Levels | Ashwagandha has been shown to increase insulin secretion and improve insulin sensitivity in muscle cells which helps to reduce blood sugar levels in healthy people as well as diabetics. |
Potential Anti-Cancer Properties | Studies have shown that Withaferin (which is a compound found in Ashwagandha) can help induce apoptosis (programmed cell death) which can decrease the risk of a tumour developing as well as helping kill cancer cells as it can make them less resistant to apoptosis. Studies suggest that it could be used to treat ovarian, colon, breast, lung and brain cancer. |
Cortisol Levels | Cortisol is released in response to stress and low blood sugar, if cortisol levels are too high it can cause increased lipid storage and hyperglycaemia. Ashwagandha could help to reduce stress. |
Stress and Anxiety | Ashwagandha could regulate the chemical signals in the stress pathway in the brain to reduce stress. It can help to reduce stress and anxiety. |
Depression | Ashwagandha may help to alleviate symptoms of depression. |
Testosterone and Fertility | Ashwagandha may increase testosterone levels and sperm count and motility leading to increased fertility. It was also shown to increase the levels of anti-oxidants in blood, protecting against free radical damage. |
Muscle Mass and Strength | Ashwagandha may increase muscle strength and size as well as reducing body fat percentage. |
Inflammation | Ashwagandha could increase the activity of NK cells keeping the body healthy by fighting the infection and preventing inflammation. It may also decrease markers of inflammation such as the C-reactive protein which is linked to heart disease. |
Cholesterol and Triglycerides | It could decrease levels of triglycerides and LDLs, decreasing cholesterol levels. This help mitigate the risk of heart disease. |
Brain Function and Memory | It can improve memory and cognitive function as well as helping the brain heal after injury or disease. It protects nerve cells from free radical damage as it acts as an anti-oxidant. It may prevent diseases such as Alzheimer’s, Huntington’s and Parkinson’s. |
Arthritis | Ashwagandha could prevent pain signals travelling in the central nervous system and it has anti-inflammatory properties so it could a pain killer in arthritis patients. |