Ashwagandha for Women

The Complete Guide to Ashwagandha for Women!

A deep dive into every aspect of Ashwagandha's powerful properties for everything from fertility, libido, energy and stress alleviation! 

Ashwagandha is a powerful medicinal plant that is able to provide a variety of phenomenal health benefits to its users. Women alone are able to reap an exorbitant amount of positive health outcomes with the aid of ashwagandha. Ashwagandha is a plant that has been documented and utilized for medicinal purposes for upwards of 5,000 years and deeply connected with the study of the “science of life” known as Ayurveda. This medicinal plant, also known as, ‘Winter Cherry’ and ‘Indian Ginseng’ contains the ability to benefit women in their baseline health status, common feminine health experiences, and for those undergoing health complications. 

Ashwagandha for Fertility

The female experience is observed and connected most often, first and foremost, to their experiences with fertility. Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera), is deeply rooted within the scientific research space of hormone imbalance and correction creating an automatic connection with fertility hormone regulation. Infertility is defined and determined when a couple of reproductive age after 12 months of having unprotected intercourse in the effort to conceive have been thus far unable to conceive. 90% of couples achieve conception within a 12-month calendar year, however 2% of reproductive age women have received an infertility-related medical appointment in the past year and another 13% have received infertility services at some point in their life cycles (Romm et al., 2017). For women, infertility typically involves ovulatory disorders, typically connected to reported menstrual abnormalities, and tubal disease, including endometriosis (Romm et al., 2017). While botanical and herbal medicine cannot change physical fertility challenges, research shows that this methodology can provide supportive treatment to hormonal imbalances and stress-related conditions that may impact fertility. These benefits to assist in fertility-related problems provided by ashwagandha include a multitude of health advantages. 

One of ashwagandha’s health assisting properties include its ability to help regulate and support the hypothalamic pituitary adrenal (HPA) axis, supporting appropriate function of the body’s hormone and stress responses as the anterior pituitary is in charge of the female menstrual cycle (Romm et al., 2017). Therefore, by aiding correct hormone release cycles and schedules, regular and appropriate menstruation is possible, allowing typical menstrual cycle lengths and avoiding delayed ovulation to increase physical capacities of women aiming to become pregnant. Ashwagandha when used in a multi-herbal tonic can aid with treatment of Hyperprolactinemia, a condition where there are high levels of prolactin in the blood. Prolactin has been linked to elevated stress and cortisol levels, which have been associated with delays in ovulation and extended menstruation cycles. The influences of these factors negatively impact fertility in reproductive-age women and their ability to conceive. Improvements in stress management can reduce cortisol and prolactin production to appropriate levels and responses both physiologically and psychologically, thus reducing the negative impact cortisol and prolactin at elevated levels can have on fertility and stress (Romm et al., 2017). In addition, there is a growing body of research exploring the significant benefits of ashwagandha for men and how ashwagandha can positively influence both male fertility and their sexual experience. Ashwagandha contains the potential to positively benefit both women and men in their fertility and sexual health. Fertility is a complex and deeply interwoven experience combining both physiological and psychological components and the utilization of ashwagandha can aid with this process of females achieving fertility.

Ashwagandha for Menopause and Perimenopause Symptoms

The female body is ever evolving and ideally remains fertile for as long as possible. However, the feminine body also shifts and changes its fertility status when it is no longer healthy for the body to offer the potential to bear children. This shift is marked first by perimenopause, approximately eight to ten years before menopause and marked by gradual reduction in estrogen production by ovaries. Then perimenopause is followed by menopause with the cessation of your menstrual cycle and egg release. The final stage is when a woman enters postmenopause, marked by when a female’s period has not been present for 12 calendar months and does not reappear going forward. The real ticker in your day-to-day experiences and health in this transition from your menstrual cycle and menopause are the symptoms, estrogen production impact, and increased risk for certain health conditions. Fortunately, research shows the potential for ashwagandha to medicinally address these concerns and improve quality of life (QoL) (Gopal et al., 2021).

Ashwagandha impacts the regulation of hormones via stimulation of the endocrine system, thus giving it the potential in the first place to address the symptomalogy and experiences throughout the stages of menopause. According to a research study published by Gopal et al. (2021), ashwagandha root extract was utilized in a study conducted with 91 perimenopausal women with climacteric symptoms. This study was conducted to explore the efficacy and tolerability of 300 mg of ashwagandha root extract twice daily in an 8-week, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study (Gopal et al., 2021). The 91 female participants’ outcomes of the study, and in those given the ashwagandha root extract, there was a statistically significant reduction in both total menopause rating scale (MRS) score and menopause-specific quality of life (MENQoL) score. This research performed by Gopal, et al. (2021) showed that when ashwagandha root extract is consumed it can provide relief from mild to moderate climacteric symptoms for women experiencing perimenopause in an effective and safe way. Ashwagandha for women can benefit them in reducing common negative perimenopause symptomatology and increase their quality of life (Gopal et al., 2021).

Ashwagandha for Sex and Libido

The feminine experience is not solely encompassed by fertility and the menstrual cycle, but is additionally connected to the sexual experience and enjoyment. Fertility and sexual intercourse are tied together hand-in-hand in the efforts for a women trying to conceive a child. In addition, sexual intercourse involves a woman enjoying her body in all of its forms and experiences regardless of whether or not she is trying to start a family. Ashwagandha for women can provide a positive influence on the enjoyment, comfort, and function of exploring her sexual pleasure experiences. 

The female sexual experience is unique to each individual and often can be a forgotten Activity of Daily Living (ADL) if the dots of physiological and psychological aspects of sex are not fully connected. Sex for certain women can be negatively influenced by the presence of female sexual dysfunction (FSD). FSD can include women experiencing a variety of female sexual health disorders, such as female orgasmic disorder (FOD), female sexual arousal disorder (FSAD), or hypoactive sexual desire disorder (HSDD), as well as, a population of women experiencing singular genital sexual arousal disorder or combined genital and subjective arousal disorder (Dongre et al., 2015).

Ashwagandha has been one of the chosen herbal ‘adaptogens’ in alternative therapies to address reduced sex drive and the resultant symptoms of these disorders, including “reduced libido, dryness in vagina, reduced genital perception, reduced arousal, pain during intercourse, and problems to achieve orgasm [] majorly due to neurovascular, hormonal, or psychogenic manifestations” (Dongre et al., 2015, p.1). Ashwagandha’s anti-stress effect and influence upon hormone regulation and endocrine system function provide a key foundation to explore the potential positive outcomes this ‘adaptogen’ can have upon female libido and sexual function. A randomized, double blind, and placebo-controlled pilot study performed by Dongre et al. (2015), assessed the safety and efficacy of oral administration of high-concentration ashwagandha root extract (HCARE) supplementation in addressing healthy females sexual function. This pilot study assessed improvements in the psychometric scales of Female Sexual Distress Scale (FSDS) and the Female Sexual Function Index (FSFI) in 50 healthy women, ages 21 to 50 years old, over 8 weeks (Dongre et al., 2015). The HCARE-treated group consumed 300 mg of HCARE capsules twice daily and the other 25 study participants in the placebo-treated group consumed 300mg of starch placebo capsules twice daily during the 8 weeks of this double-blinded study (Dongre et al., 2015). The outcomes of this pilot study conducted by Dongre et al. (2015), positively reflected improvements in female sexual health. The psychometric efficacy outcome scales used, included the FSFI, which measured scores in the domains of “desire, lubrication, orgasm, satisfaction, and pain” and the FSDS measured “sexually related personal distress in women” (Dongre et al., 2015, p. 3). This scientific study reflects that ashwagandha root extract could be helpful in female sexual dysfunction (FSD) treatment (Dongre et al., 2015). The FSFI total score for the HCARE group was significantly higher in improvement (p < 0.001) in comparison to the placebo group (Dongre et al., 2015). Additionally, the FSFI domains of “arousal,” “lubrication,” “orgasm,” and “satisfaction,” received statistically significant higher improvement scores relative to the placebo, however the domain of “desire” did not experience a significant improvement (Dongre et al., 2015, p. 6). The FSDS also demonstrated a statistically significant improvement, thus a significant decrease in participants’ female sexual distress, in comparison to the placebo group (Dongre et al., 2015, p. 6). This study showed that high concentration ashwagandha root extract, with 5% withanolide concentration, when administered orally has the capacity to potentially improve healthy females’ sexual function and decrease female sexual distress (Dongre et al., 2015).

Ashwagandha for Stress Reduction

Every human being experiences stress. Primitively, our stress response, also known as, the fight, flight or freeze response, from our sympathetic nervous system, was and is required to help keep us safe. A healthy amount of stress allows us to stay active and motivated, however, just like anything else, too much stress can ruin our day-to-day function and negatively impact other body functions, such as fertility, cognitive function, and endocrine system function and hormone regulation. Ashwagandha is known within the Ayurvedic and naturopathic world as an all-encompassing plant that aids in balancing out the body and its ability to assist the physical and psychological components of the body.

Ashwagandha both aids in protecting the body from stress in its anti-stress properties and the body’s physiological response to stress. One of the key hormones involved in our stress response is cortisol and it is closely connected with the “fight or flight or freeze” response of the sympathetic nervous system’s role in the body. Cortisol levels can be positively influenced by consumption of  ashwagandha, as it has been shown to reduce cortisol levels in individuals with chronic stress, aids in regulation and appropriate responses by the sympathetic nervous system and can repair function to the adrenal system (Dongre et al., 2015; see also Archaea & Namasivayam, 1998; Chandrasekhar et al., 2012). For women, an experience that can cause more than a “healthy” amount of stress is the experience of infertility and it is shown according to Rooney and Domar (2018) that “infertility leads to significant distress” (p. 42). Recent research conducted by Rooney and Domar (2018), shows that patients with infertility “consistently report more symptoms of anxiety and depression than fertile individuals” (p. 42). Some recent research has shown that women with higher distress levels prior to and during assisted reproductive treatment (ART) have lower rates of pregnancy achievement, in addition to other studies looking at correlation levels between biomarkers of stress and cortisol levels and pregnancy rates (Rooney & Domar, 2018). The continued evolution of holistic avenues to address stress level reduction, to help treat stress and stress-related and stress-impacted conditions, includes the research exploring ashwagandha’s potential as active reducer of stress levels and anti-stress properties. 

A recent review of clinical research studies performed by Speers et al. (2021), examined the effects of ashwagandha root and leaf extract application on humans, specifically in the realms of stress, anxiety, depression and insomnia. The six studies included in this research review evaluated adults ages 18-75 years old and the use of ashwagandha, scientifically known as Withania somnifera (WS), administered in capsule form and its effects on anti-stress activity, with daily dosage ranging from 240 mg to 1000 mg over 8 weeks, 8.5 weeks, or in one study 12 weeks (Speers et al., 2021). Stress levels in these six human studies of ashwagandha’s impact on stress levels were evaluated via serum cortisol levels in five out of the six studies, and via scores on three questionnaires, including the Perceived Stress Scale (PSS) for four of the studies, General Health Questionnaire-28 (GHQ-28) for one study,  and the Depression Anxiety Stress Scale (DASS) for two studies (Speers et al., 2021). Collectively across the six human trial studies with the use of ashwagandha in capsule form, demonstrated statistically significant decreases in serum cortisol levels and declines in GHQ-28, PSS, and DASS scores (Speers et al., 2021). These human trial studies in majority, showed improvements in symptoms of stress and “stress markers” in study participants who received an ashwagandha supplementation in comparison to the placebo-groups amongst studies (Speers et al., 2021). The anti-stress effect potential mechanisms of ashwagandha resulted in beneficial results to reduce stress include immune modulation and glucocorticoid reduction (Speers et al., 2021). Ashwagandha’s anti-stress activity is most commonly applied to and associated with its effects on glucocorticoid reduction, specifically glucocorticoids cortisol and corticosterone, the body’s major stress hormones (Speers et al., 2021). Research has shown that ashwagandha root has been found to reduce resultant increases in peripheral levels of cortisol and corticosterone when their release is induced by stress (Speers et al., 2021). Immune modulation can occur from ashwagandha putting into action its anti-stress effects (Speers et al., 2021). Ashwagandha and research now in human trials is continuing to grow in substantial evidence showing significant and potential reduction in the negative impacts of stress in the body and increased anti-stress effects providing increased health and wellness both physically and mentally in individuals.

Ashwagandha for Mood Elevation

The female population is incredibly familiar with changes in mood at a base level from the changes in their hormone levels throughout their monthly menstrual cycle. However, for both women and men, quality mood and its intertwined mental health can vary from hourly to daily and rest at a baseline mood and temperament. Ashwagandha in its variety of health benefits and influence it has upon the body’s hormone regulation and endocrine system, provides it with a strong foundation to potentially aid in management of mood, anxiety and depression levels. Ashwagandha’s adaptogenic and positive influence with its anti-stress properties and regulatory factors upon the HPA axis to aid in hormone production and balance both contribute to improved mood and mood stability (Romm et al., 2017). Ashwagandha and anxiety, as well as, ashwagandha and depression are critical to evaluate the beneficial impact this medicinal Withania somnifera plant can have upon reducing anxiety and depression and result in elevation in mood and quality of life. The better a woman's mood is, the better her body and brain will work together in cultivating a healthy life experience. 

Mood elevation effects as a result of utilization of ashwagandha for anxiety supportive treatment is present in current and existent scientific research. Ashwagandha root extracts, leaf extracts, and Withania somnifera isolated compounds utilized in research anti-anxiety effects have been observed and documented (Speers et al., 2021). Amongst ten human trials in adults ranging from 18-75 years old, ashwagandha’s anti-anxiety effects were evaluated with daily dosages ranging from 125 to 1,000 mg via tablets or capsule administration (Speers et al., 2021). The majority of these human trial studies in their efforts to examine the anti-anxiety effects of ashwagandha extract applied a version of the Hamilton Anxiety rating scale (HAM-A or HARS) to assess anxiety, in addition to use of the Depression Anxiety Stress Scale (DASS) measuring symptoms of anxiety, depression and stress and the validated tool of the Positive and Negative Syndrome Scale (PANSS) used in the evaluation of individuals with schizophrenia (Speers et al., 2021). Across these human trials, the ashwagandha supplementation produced recorded improvements in anxiety score levels and significant decreases in anxiety in comparison to placebo-control groups within studies utilizing anxiety instrument measurements (Speers et al., 2021). The impact ashwagandha has in producing anti-anxiety effects is proposed in research to be primarily connected to the body’s “GABA receptor system [] and antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activities” (Speers et al., 2021, p. 1480). Ashwagandha’s continuing collection of growing research supporting the utilization of this adaptogen to reduce anxiety in individuals, adds to its ability to aid in overall wellness and mood improvement. 

Ashwagandha’s relationship with mood elevation is intertwined with its influence on depression and depression symptomatology. A recent review of three different human trial studies was conducted by Speers et al. (2021), which evaluated the administration of ashwagandha for anti-depressant effects in adults ages 18-75 years old, including between 60 and 66 participants. The participants, across the three research studies, received daily doses of ashwagandha in capsule form ranging from 240-1,000 mg for either 8.5 weeks or 12 weeks, given to adults who were either stressed, healthy, or diagnosed with schizophrenia or schizoaffective disorder (Speers et al., 2021). This research evaluating the anti-depressant effects of Withania somnifera, also known as Ashwagandha, measured these effects for two of the three studies the Depression Anxiety Stress Scale (DASS), in addition to one of these same two studies, the General Health Questionnaire-28 (GHQ-28) was used and under its stress corresponding subset of items that is labeled as “severe depression” (Speers et al., 2021). The study, including individuals with schizophrenia and schizoaffective disorder, examined participant depression levels using the Positive and Negative Syndrome Scale (PANSS), which is specifically utilized in evaluation of persons with schizophrenia (Chengappa et al., 2018; Speers et al., 2021). Across the three studies, there was a significant decrease in the GHQ-28 “severe depression” subset, a statistically significant decrease in DASS and a reduction in DASS-21 scores (Speers et al., 2021). In addition to the one study conducted with individuals with schizophrenia and schizoaffective disorder, when provided with a daily ashwagandha supplementation there was a significant increase in PANSS scores showing an improvement in depression (Chengappa et al., 2018; Speers et al., 2021). This collective review of studies suggest the potential assistance of an ashwagandha supplementation in reducing symptoms of depression (Speers et al., 2021). The proposed mechanisms that promote the anti-depressant effects of ashwagandha supplementation include the serotonergic activities and antioxidant activities of ashwagandha (Speers et al., 2021). The mood elevation potential effects of daily ashwagandha supplementation continue to be researched. However, the initial results found amongst human trials in reducing and improving mood via reduction in stress, anxiety, and depression effects and symptoms are incredibly promising (Speers et al., 2021) The next time you are looking to boost your mood, consider the option of ashwagandha supplementation to assist significantly in accomplishing this goal.

Ashwagandha for Memory and Neuroprotective Properties

Ashwagandha, better known as Withania somnifera in the scientific and ethnopharmacology worlds, is well-known for its variety of significant medicinal benefits, including its assistance in benefiting brain health and function. The female population experiences different health risk factors, as well as, variations in vulnerability, prevalence, and likelihood to certain health conditions, including brain, neurological, and neurodegenerative disorders. Withania somnifera fortunately has a beneficial connection to neurological function, neuroprotective properties, as well as, potential aid in brain disorders, neurodegenerative diseases, and memory. This is largely connected to ashwagandha’s roots containing active “phytoconstituents” including “withanolides, alkaloids, and sitoinoside” which are well-known in the treatment space for a variety of brain disorders (Zahiruddin et al., 2020). 

A scientific review of research literature and studies of ashwagandha and its relationship and potential to provide neuroprotective factors and potential treatment and/or functional health assistance to a wide variety of common brain disorders was conducted and published by Zahiruddin et al., (2020). The common brain disorders considered and evaluated in relationship to ashwagandha’s health effects in this scientific review were Alzheimer’s Disease (AD), Parkinson’s Disease (PD), Huntington’s Disease (HD), Amyotrophic Lateral Disease (ALS), Schizophrenia, Attention Deficit-Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), Dyslexia, Depression, Anxiety, Bipolar Disorder, and Addiction (Zahiruddin et al., 2020). The overarching results of this scientific literature and research review of studies evaluating ashwagandha suggest that per the results of numerous “preclinical studies, clinical trials and published patents” that this medicinal plant has thorough and overwhelming neuroprotective potential for a variety of brain disorders (Zahiruddin et al., 2020, p. 112876).

One of ashwagandha’s wonderful abilities includes its growing potential to aid those with Alzheimer’s Disease (AD), memory impairments, and memory loss due to its neuroprotective and memory protective properties. Preclinical studies focused on Alzheimer’s disease have shown results with promise, including simulation studies resulting in “withanamides- A and -C” potentially protecting cells from “Aβ-induced toxicity by avoiding fibril formation” (Dar & MuzamilAhmad, 2020;  Jayaprakasm et al., 2010). Human trial studies have shown improved cognitive and psychomotor performance when provided with Withania somnifera, also known as ashwagandha, in the form of an aqueous extract (Dar & MuzamilAhmad, 2020). A human trial pilot study focused on adults with mild cognitive impairment (MCI) when provided with ashwagandha root extract “ameliorated deficits in cognition and memory loss” (Choudhary et al., 2017; Dar & MuzamilAhmad, 2020, p. 112769). Research continues to grow with a body of evidence that ashwagandha has memory enhancing and neuroprotective potential. 

Parkinson’s Disease (PD) is another neurodegenerative, progressive brain disorder affecting cognitive and motor functions that has the capacity to benefit from ashwagandha. Although Parkinson’s disease is more common in men, this progressive disorder still substantially affects a significant number of women within the total population of humans diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease. The neuromodulatory effects and reduction in oxidative stress seen and suggested by research studies using ashwagandha, lead scientists to continue researching the potential ameliorating effects this medicinal plant could have upon this overwhelming and destructive disease (Zahiruddin et al., 2020). A scientific study explored the protective effects ashwagandha root extract, specifically KSM-66 extract, on “6-hydrooxydopamine (6-ODHA)-induced toxicity in the human neuroblastoma SH-SY5Y [human] cell line” in addition to the “associated oxidative response protein expression and redox regulation activity focused on S-glutathionylation” (Wongtrakul et al., 2021, p. e08172). The outcomes of this study and the mechanism of neuroprotection provided by use of ashwagandha root extract was partially explicated by the cell survival percent ” (Wongtrakul et al., 2021, p. e08172). The results of this study suggest ashwagandha extract, KSM-66, can demonstrate neuroprotective effects and has the promising capacity to be a treatment option for Parkinson’s disease as well as other neurodegenerative diseases to aid in modulation of cell damage and cell death as a result of oxidative stress (Wongtrakul et al., 2021). Ashwagandha is growing in its continued relationship to aid in neuroprotection, memory effects, in conjunction with its documented anti-inflammatory and anti-stress effects. This provides promising headway in ashwagandha continuing to provide women with holistic and naturopathic, adaptogen options to aid in brain and body health and wellness.

Ashwagandha for Anti-Aging and Anti-Inflammation

Femininity aside, most individuals wish to remain healthy, happy and young and avoid the natural challenges that come with aging. At age 25 years old, men and women on average begin to experience the “classic” physiological and aging plateaus or declines. In addition, many women notice a significant aging shift upon entering the menopause phase of their lives as the reduction in estrogen production adds to new health and wellness changes. This time stamp alerts us and it quickly becomes much more pertinent, just as one always should, that you should be taking good care of your body and brain. Ashwagandha is an adaptogen, with known physiological and mental health benefits. In regards to anti-aging benefits, the anti-inflammatory effects of ashwagandha supplementation are prime to this goal. 

The documented research showcasing the anti-stress and anti-anxiety effects of ashwagandha extracts are closely tied to the anti-inflammatory properties of this medicinal plant as these anti-inflammatory effects are a part of the proposed mechanisms producing this anti-stress and anti-anxiety effects in human trials (Speers et al., 2021). The reduction and/or removal of significant levels of stress and anxiety in individuals is shown to reduce signs of aging and increased quality of life. In studies completed to test the anti-stress effect of ashwagandha supplementation, immune-modulating activity was documented via recorded demonstrations of “immune-stimulating and anti-inflammatory effects” (Speers et al., 2021, p. 1476). Anti-anxiety effects provided by ashwagandha intake research, focused on research suggestions that anxiety disorders are shown to produce increased oxidative damage, which the brain is sensitive to, and decreased antioxidant protection (Speers et al., 2021). In addition, neuroinflammation and peripheral inflammation are proposed mechanisms that may contribute to the presence and impact of oxidative stress experienced within the body with anxiety disorders (Speers et al., 2021). Anti-anxiety effects of ashwagandha supplementation research studies show after ashwagandha is administered, reduction and repair to “dysregulation of oxidative stress and inflammatory markers” occur (Speers et al., 2021, p. 1481). The recorded decreases in neuroinflammation, peripheral inflammation, and inflammation markers, dysregulation of oxidative stress and increased immune and antioxidant activity observed with ashwagandha supplementation in these studies suggest promising signs to overall health, wellness, and decreases in the negative effects of aging where inflammation, oxidative stress, anxiety and stress can be potentially reduced (Speers et al., 2021). 

Ashwagandha for Anti-cancerous and Anti-tumorous Effects

Ashwagandha, as known as ‘Indian Ginseng’ has been documented and used for its medicinal benefits for over 5,000 years and women can continue to benefit from this powerful plant today. Benefits of ashwagandha extend into its documented potential for both anti-tumorous and anticancer effects on the human body. The significant anticancer potential of ashwagandha is strongly linked to its high prevalence of polyphenols, aiding with “antiproliferative efficacy” (Meher et al., 2022, p. 103225). In addition, ashwagandha is known to contain anti-stress, anti-inflammatory, and antioxidant properties with these potential mechanisms to aid the body as an adaptogen in maintaining homeostasis and/or combatting possible illness or disease, including cancer. Recent research is continuing to explore and document the potential benefits of ashwagandha in combating and treating breast cancer. Breast cancer is the most common malignancy reported in women globally (Ghoncheh et al., 2016). Breast cancer treatment, however, is challenging due to therapeutic treatment choices being determined by the heterogeneous nature of the specific breast cancer present (Vashi et al., 2021). Ashwagandha as a adjunct therapy treatment option or potentially more for breast cancer and other cancers, presents a promising future in pursuits of continued scientific research on the anti-tumorous and anticancer effects of this medicinal plant and its high nutraceutical value phytochemicals (Vashi et al., 2021, p. 113759).

The current research available on the use of ashwagandha’s effects on breast cancer shows exciting potential capacities for cancer treatment. A scientific research literature  review conducted in 2021, showed ashwagandha had been utilized in “in vitro, in vivo, and clinical studies” for breast cancer thus far (Vashi et al., 2021, p. 113759). The results of this research held promising and exciting outcomes with the utilization of ashwagandha for breast cancer treatment and prevention capacities with “anti-apostolic, anti-metastatic, anti-invasive and anti-inflammatory properties” present (Vashi et al., 2021, p. 113759). For continued breast cancer research utilizing Withania somnifera, the key mechanisms of ashwagandha and how it can benefit in both preventing and treating cancer are recommended by present scientific literature to explore specifically, ER/PR positive breast cancer, as well as, triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) and the impact this medicinal plant may also have on breast cancer patients’ quality of life (Vashi et al., 2021, p. 113759).

ER/PR positive breast cancer, known as ER-positive (estrogen receptor-positive) and PR-positive (progesterone receptor-positive) make up the breast cancer cell line of MCF-7 utilized within in vitro research analysis (Vashi et al., 2021, p. 113759). The application of ashwagandha leaves in the form of an aqueous extract demonstrated within in vitro and in vivo research, “anticancer activity” in the cell line of MCF-7 (H8A). Estrogen is required for cell proliferation as “MCF-7 breast cancer cells” are sensitive to this hormone (Vashi et al., 2021, p. 113759). Inhibition of tumor growth was studied in MCF-7 cell lines via exposure of “isolated withanolides” from Withania somnifera, concluding in this research that the presence of withanolides in the diet of humans could aid in averting or reducing tumor advancement (Jayaprakasam et al., 2003). Triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) has been identified in research as benefiting from use of Withania somnifera for potential cancer prevention and treatment. Specifically, a triple-negative breast cancer identified as “MDA-MB-231 is a highly aggressive, invasive and poorly differentiated” cell line of triple-negative breast cancer (Vashi et al., 2021, p. 113759). MDA-MB-231 cell lines are missing estrogen receptor and progesterone receptor expression, also known as ER and PR expression, and lack human epidermal growth factor receptor (HER2) (Vashi et al., 2021, p. 113759). Stems of ashwagandha in the form of “methanolic and ethanolic extracts” were evaluated within “in vitro cytotoxic activity” utilizing “cytometry and the MTT assay against the MDA-MB-231 cell” which showed these Withania somnifera stem extracts to produce strong anticancer effects on these TNBC cells studied (Vashi et al., 2021, p. 113759). One research study showed utilization of Withaferin A (WA),  a key component that makes up Withania somnifera, as a treatment method to inhibit MDA-MB-231 cell migration, as well as inhibit breast cancer cells invading “even after [interleukin-6] (IL-6)-induced activation of [signal transducer and activator of transcription 3] (STAT3), which a therapeutic advantage for the natural compound” (Stan et al., 2008; Vashi et al., 2021). A group of female breast cancer patients participated within a “prospective non-randomized clinical trial” evaluating the difference in chemotherapy outcomes with and without ashwagandha root extract supplementation provided to patients (Vashi et al., 2021, p. 113759). A group of the study participant patients were provided with 2 grams of Withania somnifera root extract orally when receiving chemotherapy (Vashi et al., 2021, p. 113759). This study’s outcomes for patients with breast cancer reported a potential increase in quality of life and “positive effect on fatigue” (Biswal et al., 2012, 2013; Vashi et al., 2021). The capacity and possibility of utilizing ashwagandha as both an adjunct and adjuvant therapy to cancer treatment is continuing to grow within the body of research supporting ashwagandha’s powerful medicinal benefits. 

The potential averting and treatment of breast cancer effects thus far shown within research on ashwagandha is both exciting and promising. Ayurvedic medicine for thousands of years has advocated for and documented the powerful immunity-enhancing, anti-inflammatory, and medicinal benefits of ashwagandha and modern scientific research is reproving this evidence at a higher complexity and efficacy level. The addition of ashwagandha leaf and/or root extract in an aqueous form is a highly recommended addition to your daily supplements for potential anti-cancer and anti-timorous effects.

Ashwagandha for Sleep and Energy

Ashwagandha is well known for its anti-inflammatory and immunity boosting capacities as a medicinal plant within both Ayurvedic science and the growing body of modern-day scientific and medical research and literature. Ashwagandha scientific research is also developing a wealth of evidence supporting its potential to aid with sleep quality and insomnia and consequently aid with increasing energy levels in individuals. On average, the female population experiences higher prevalence of insomnia, in addition to, higher reports of sleep quality complaints than reported for the male population. Many women additionally report sleep issues when dealing with their period and pre-menstrual symptoms, often due to cramping or muscle aches and pains and increased restlessness. The continued findings within research utilizing ashwagandha, also known as, “Indian Ginseng” or “Indian Winter Cherry” as a medicinal natural supplementation to aid with issues varying from infertility, depression and anxiety, to cancer has led to exploring the potential sleep and energy benefits of this well-rounded adaptogenic plant.

Sleep is crucial to everyday health and wellness as it transforms complementary and crucial aspects of our general health status. Sleep benefits of an adaptogen, such as ashwagandha, are not solely for those with sleep conditions such as insomnia, sleep apnea, and non-restorative sleep (NRS). The potential benefits of ashwagandha supplementation can aid individuals suffering from poor quality and/or low quantities of sleep to benefit restfulness, efficiency, as well as, improve quality of life and increase daily energy capacities. One research study examined the daily single use of 120 mg of standardized ashwagandha extract supplementation for six weeks within 150 individuals in good health with “high non-restorative sleep [NRS] measures” (Deshpande et al., 2020, p. 28). This randomized double-blind, placebo-controlled human research trial evaluated participants using the “Restorative Sleep Questionnaire-weekly version” as well as the “World Health Organization Quality of Life-BREF” (WHOQOL-BREF) scale with participants’ components of sleep make-up measured using sleep actigraphy, including “onset of sleep latency, sleep efficiency, total sleep time and wake after sleep onset” (Deshpande et al., 2020, p.28). The 144 individuals that completed the study, of the individuals provided with the standardized ashwagandha supplementation treatment, “72% increase in self-reported sleep quality was found” while in contrast, in the placebo group only 29% was reported (Deshpande et al., 2020, p. 28). NRS conditions in the healthy participants within this study’s treatment group showed “significant improvement in sleep efficiency [][], total sleep time [] and sleep latency [] and wake after sleep onset [][]” compared to the placebo group post-six weeks of treatment (Deshpande et al., 2020, p. 28). The quality of life (QoL) scores within the ashwagandha treatment group also reported significant improvements in “physical [], psychological [], and environment domains []” of their QoL scoring within the results of the WHOQOL-Bref (Deshpande et al., 2020, p. 28). The results of this study also “found a magnitude of effect similar to those reported with melatonin [supplementation]” for improving non-restorative sleep levels (Deshpande et al., 2020, p. 34). Ashwagandha extract supplementation in daily single dosage of 120 mg reported significant improvements in “NRS condition” and can be utilized as a beneficial supplement in healthy adults, with no statistical significant difference in genders, for supporting “healthy sleep patterns, and restful sleep” (Deshpande et al., 2020, p. 35). 

Research has also explored the potential health benefits of ashwagandha root extract for sleep in both healthy individuals and insomnia patients. This is continuing to be done, in order to examine the effectiveness of ashwagandha supplementation for those with chronic sleep conditions, as well as, those in good health. One research study published in 2021, performed a double-blind, randomized, parallel-group, placebo-controlled study, to simultaneously compare the effects of ashwagandha root extract’s impact on sleep in healthy research participants without medical sleep conditions and in individuals with insomnia (Langade et al., 2021). This study included 80 participants, ages 18 through 50 years old, that were then randomized into two groups, half of the total were given ashwagandha and half provided a daily placebo thus including both those that were healthy individuals and those with insomnia (Langade et al., 2021, p. 113276). Sleep quality was examined over an 8 week period utilizing “Sleep Onset latency [SOL], Total Sleep Time [TST], Wake After Sleep Onset [WASO], Total time in bed [TIB], and Sleep Efficiency [SE]” in addition to the “Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index [PSQI] and Hamilton Anxiety scale-A questionnaire [HAM-A], mental alertness on rising assessments and sleep quality questionnaire” as measurement and research forms for the studied sleep parameters (Langade et al., 2021, p. 113276). The PSQI examines seven components of sleep including “subjective sleep quality, sleep latency, sleep duration, habitual sleep efficiency, sleep disturbances, use of sleeping medications and daytime dysfunction over the last month” plus five additional questions provided to sleeping partners or roommates for a secondary observation if an option, with higher scores indicating decreased sleep quality (Langade et al., 2021, p. 113276). The HAM-A is a “psychological questionnaire [that measures] the severity of perceived anxiety symptoms” measuring within each of the 14 parameters both psychic anxiety and somatic anxiety and higher scores in the HAM-A indicating increased levels of anxiety severity (Langade et al., 2021, p. 113276). The ashwagandha root extract supplement provided to participants was the “ashwagandha root extract capsule (KSM-66)” which the “herb to extract ratio is 15:1” and standardized “withanolide content of >5%” and each capsule has a dosage of 300 mg (Langade et al., 2021, p. 113276). This ashwagandha root extract provided is botanical in nature and has “no carcinogenic, mutagenic, teratogenic, or development associated toxic effect” showcasing the safety and ethical use of ashwagandha supplementation in this research study in addition to baseline health factors being monitored at “baseline, week 1 and week 8” amongst all participants (Langade et al., 2021, p. 113276). Participants in this study also consumed no other drug interventions that impacted or were related to affecting the central nervous system, including but not limited to, medications for sleep, antidepressants, or antipsychotics to ensure participant health and safety, as well as, allowing this research to truly examine the influence of ashwagandha root extract supplementation on sleep. 

The results of this study by Langade et al. showed higher significance in sleep improvements amongst those provided with the ashwagandha root extract extract supplementation compared to those provided with the placebo (2021). Additionally, according to the repeat measure Analysis of variance (ANOVA) within this research’s results confirmed “significant improvement in SOL (p 0.013), HAM-A outcomes (p <0.05), mental alertness (p 0.01), and sleep quality (p < 0.05)” in the insomnia patients that received the ashwagandha supplementation (Langade et al., 2021, p. 113276). The two-way ANOVA performed on research results, confirmed that the outcomes “denoted sleep onset latency (p <0.0001) and sleep efficiency (p < 0.0001) as the most improved parameters, followed by TST (p < 0.002) and WASO (p < 0.040)” (Langade et al., 2021, p. 113276). The utilization of ashwagandha root extract supplementation showcased the beneficial outcomes on this study’s selected sleep parameters, as well as, increased mental alertness upon rising and decreased anxiety parameters, in addition to, decreased PSQI scores suggesting improvements in participants' subjective observations in the components that make up their sleep quality and experience (Langade et al., 2021, p. 113276). This research study shows significant improvements and sleep quality and resulting in increased capacity for higher daily energy levels, mental alertness, and quality of life as a result of improved sleep parameter outcomes when individuals, healthy or suffering from insomnia, are provided daily ashwagandha root extract supplementation over an eight week period within the conditions and requirements of the research study (Langade et al., 2021, p. 113276). This human trial suggests further research into the impact of ashwagandha supplementation on sleep for both healthy individuals and the insomniac population (Langade et al., 2021). These promising initial study outcomes utilizing the powerful adaptogen, ashwagandha, show its potential to aid with daily sleep providing the opportunity for a more energy-filled day and higher quality of life for those who opt for ashwagandha supplementation (Langade et al., 2021). 

The evaluation and research of the impact of ashwagandha supplementation on human sleep quality and its many parameters involved show exciting initial results across several studies. The utilization of this medicinal plant, provided further scientific research and evidence, could become a possible alternative sleep promoting and energy rejuvenating supplement to current chemically manufactured pharmaceutical sleep aid medicines with varying side effects, short and long term. Ashwagandha’s adaptogenic and medicinal benefits for sleep quality and ability to increase energy due to increased quality of rest during sleep make it a strong potential option for those with or without chronic sleep issues and could aid both populations daily or as needed. This incredible plant continues to demonstrate numerous benefits for its users in its ability to potentially improve both health and quality of life.

Conclusion

Ashwagandha is continuing to extend its prowess into this century within modern day scientific research study results and outcomes. These research results continue to showcase the amazing benefits that ashwagandha has been medicinally used for over the past 5,000 years and within the practice of Ayurveda. The feminine health experience has so much to gain from ashwagandha supplementation. Research has shown and is continuing to grow in evidence for the positive outcomes women can gain from use of Withania somnifera, also known as ashwagandha, to aid regularity and balance in their fertility, menstrual cycle, sex and libido experiences and levels, stress reduction, and to serve as a possible viable adjunct therapy to aid with averting and treating breast cancer thanks to its potential anti-tumorous and anti-cancerous effects. Additionally, individuals provided with a Withania somnifera have the opportunity to enhance their mood, reducing anxiety and/or depressive symptoms, aid with memory loss reduction and be provided with neuroprotective properties. Ashwagandha supplementation in scientific research also continues to showcase its ability to increase the body’s anti-inflammatory response to promote anti-aging effects, as well as, enhance sleep quality and energy levels. Ashwagandha’s incredible medicinal and adaptogenic health benefits make it worthwhile to keep abreast of its growing body of scientific research and evidence to see how many other ways this plant can improve your health. Ashwagandha for women shows an incredible body of research highlighting the many rewards and benefits the female population can gain in their quality of life, day to day needs, and specific feminine health demands to definitely begin to explore ashwagandha supplementation today.

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