Why Has Ashwagandha Become a “Shining Star” in Ayurvedic Medicine Over the Past Few Years?

In Ayurvedic medicine, Ashwagandha is renowned for addressing a range of health issues, including arthritis, asthma, goiter, ulcers, anxiety, insomnia, and neurological disorders. These health benefits are linked to its adaptogenic nature, which refers to substances that increase the body's non-specific resistance to stress. Modern medicine widely acknowledges that stress can lead to changes in brain function and structure, contributing to various neurological conditions such as anxiety, depression, and insomnia. One of the most common uses of Ashwagandha today is stress relief. Currently, Ashwagandha has become a popular ingredient in the international food market.

According to Transparency Market Research, the global market value of Ashwagandha in 2023 is $692.9 million, with a projected compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 9.2% from 2024 to 2034, reaching $1.9 billion by the end of 2034. The increasing number of people experiencing anxiety and insomnia is expected to drive the market growth of Ashwagandha.

2. The Multifaceted Benefits of Ashwagandha
Ashwagandha contains alkaloids, saponins, withanolides, iron, zinc, and vitamin C, with its active components mainly concentrated in the roots and leaves. It helps regulate body constitution and physiological functions, promotes metabolism, and reduces physical burdens.

Neuroprotection:
Withanolides in Ashwagandha are crucial in combating neurodegenerative diseases. Withanolide A, for example, is a potential effective compound for treating Alzheimer's disease by reducing β-amyloid protein aggregation and inhibiting τ-protein accumulation. It also inhibits oxidative and pro-inflammatory substances and regulates heat shock proteins, suppressing the expression of neuroinflammatory molecules related to NF-κB. Withanolide A can penetrate the blood-brain barrier, reducing morphological damage, apoptosis, and necrosis in brain tissues.

A study on transgenic mice found that continuous administration of semi-purified Ashwagandha root extract (mainly withanolides) for 30 days increased the liver's LDL receptor-related protein LRP1, counteracting the negative effects of Alzheimer's disease and reversing behavioral deficits.

Cardioprotection:
Research shows that Ashwagandha protects the heart by reducing ischemic damage through anti-apoptotic and oxidative balance-restoring pathways. In an isoproterenol-induced rat necrosis model, Ashwagandha lowered glutathione and lipid peroxidation levels, decreased superoxide dismutase, catalase, creatine phosphokinase, and lactate dehydrogenase activities. Additionally, low doses of withanolide A provided cardioprotection by upregulating mitochondrial anti-apoptotic pathways, due to increased AMPK phosphorylation and the Bcl-2/Bax ratio.

Anxiety Reduction:
Numerous studies suggest that Ashwagandha helps alleviate stress and anxiety. In one study involving 491 participants with anxiety or high stress levels, those who took Ashwagandha for 6-8 weeks reported significantly reduced stress and anxiety compared to those taking a placebo, along with improved sleep and reduced fatigue.

Improved Sleep Quality:
A study showed that after taking Ashwagandha root extract for 10 weeks (300 mg twice daily), participants experienced significantly improved sleep quality, finding it easier and quicker to fall asleep. Another study on individuals aged 65-80 years demonstrated significant improvements in sleep quality, mental alertness upon waking, and overall well-being.

Enhanced Muscle Strength:
Research indicates that supplementing with Ashwagandha significantly boosts muscle strength and stimulates muscle regeneration. A study revealed that young, healthy males who took Ashwagandha root extract (300 mg twice daily) and engaged in physical exercise for 8 weeks showed notable increases in muscle strength and mass in the arms and chest. Moreover, the extent of muscle cell damage caused by exercise was significantly reduced in the Ashwagandha-supplemented group.

3. The Ongoing Popularity of Ashwagandha Products
As research on the active components of Ashwagandha deepens, it has found its way into various foods, including dietary supplements, beverages, and some protein bars.