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Herb news
P R O B E
• V o l . L I I I • N o . 3 • A p r – J u n 2 0 1 4
Measures of organ function, such as,
the serum bilirubin, protein, albumin,
ALT, AST, and alkaline phosphatase
remained within the normal range,
as did uric acid and fasting blood
glucose levels. No significant changes
in appetite, bladder or bowel habits, or
sleep duration were reported; although
6 (33%) of the individuals voluntarily
reported improved sleep quality.
The authors note that “needrajaran”
or sleep induction is an important
clinical application of Ashvagandha in
ayurvedic medicine.
Muscle force significantly increased
in both the quadriceps (28.02 ± 8.23
kg vs 34.05 ± 8.10 kg,
P
< .05) and
the back extensor (26 ± 8.83 kg vs
30.02 ± 8.10 kg,
P
< .05) as compared
to baseline. Increasing trends were
reported in handgrip strength and
exercise tolerance. The authors suggest
that in accordance with the traditional
usage of Ashvagandha, these results
together with the observed increase
in serum creatinine (0.85 ± 0.14
mg/dL vs 0.95 ± 0.13 mg/dL,
P
<
.05) indicate muscle mass promotion
activity, rather than adverse renal
function, since there was a significant
concomitant drop in blood urea
nitrogen (10.93 ± 3.62 mg/dL vs 9.78
± 3.38 mg/dL,
P
< .05).
These findings were further supported
by a trend toward decreasing body
fat percentage and increasing lean
body weight, although body weight
and BMI did not significantly
change. Total cholesterol significantly
decreased (175.9 ± 24.62 mg/dL vs
159.6 ± 17.22 mg/dL,
P
< .05), and
decreasing trends were also seen in
triglycerides, LDL cholesterol, fasting
blood sugar, and BMI.
This study reports the good
safety profile of Ashvagandha
supplementation, daily up to 1250 mg.
No changes were seen in vital bodily
functions or appetite, gastrointestinal
habits, or sleep. The formulation
was found to be safe in terms of
hematological and biochemical
parameters; and it improved sleep
quality, strengthened muscles, and
lowered lipids in healthy individuals.
These positive results support the use
of Ashvagandha to potentially aid
in promoting strength and general
health.
Source
:
Keller AC.
HerbalGram
