Withania
Main Actions:
- Adaptogen
- Cognitive enhancement
- Neuroprotective
- Antioxidant
- Immune Support
- Antibacterial
- Antifungal
- Anti inflammatory
- Chondroprotective
- Anxiety Support
- Antidepressant
- Sugar Control
- Cardioprotective
- Cholesterol Support
- Thyroid Balancing
- Sexual Enhancer
- Liver Support
- Stress
- Sleep support
- ADHD
Withania somnifera (Ashwagandha) is a popular herb of the Indian Ayurvedic system of medicine as a Rasayana (tonic). It is used for various kinds of disease processes and specially as a nervine tonic.
Considering these facts many scientific studies were carried out and its adaptogenic / anti-stress, adrenal supportive activities were studied in detail.
Withania has also shown promising protection against stress induced gastric ulcers as well as having an anti tumour effect against cell carcinomas and lung adenoma in animal studies.
In some cases of uterine fibroids, dermatosarcoma, long term treatment with WS controlled the condition.
It has a Cognition Promoting Effect and was useful in children with memory deficit and in old age people loss of memory.
It was also found useful in neurodegenerative diseases such as Parkinson's, Huntington's and Alzheimer's diseases. It has GABA mimetic effect and was shown to promote formation of dendrites in studies.
It has anxiolytic effect and improves energy levels and mitochondrial health.
It is an anti-inflammatory and anti-arthritic agent and was found useful in clinical cases of Rheumatoid and Osteoarthritis. Large scale studies are needed to prove its clinical efficacy in stress related disorders, neuronal disorders and cancers.
Dosage:
Not recommended for use in pregnancy
Use with caution in people with peptic ulcer disease. Withania may cause gastrointestinal irritation.
People sensitive to the Solanaceae family should avoid this herb.
Adverse Reactions:
Serious adverse effects have not been reported.
Larger doses than recommended can cause gastrointestinal upset, diarrhoea and vomiting.
Avoid in known allergy.
Drug Interactions:
- Antipsychotic/neuroleptic agents - Avoid concurrent use
- Barbiturates - Additive effects avoid concurrent use
- Benzodiazepines - Avoid concurrent use
- Cyclophosphamide - May be beneficial under doctor/ naturopath supervision
- Doxorubicin - Avoid concurrent use
- Paclitaxel - May be beneficial under doctor/naturopath supervision
- Digoxin assays - Avoid concurrent use
- Immunosuppressants - Avoid concurrent use
- Morphine - Used in withdrawal only under doctor/naturopath supervision
- Thyroid medication (levothyroxine) - additive effects possible avoid concurrent use
*Our naturopath will consult with you to ensure this is right for you.
*Australia Post & Sendle may be a little slower due to covid delays