Podcasts about Withania

ms lower supplements cortisol supplementation randomized rhodiola fullscript controlled trial withania

Play Episode Listen Later Aug 2, 2024 40:40

Who couldn't use less stress in their life? Well, a great place to start is with cortisol—the stress hormone that simmers in the background and, over time, hinders your overall health. Our episode on quick ways to lower cortisol almost instantly has been our most downloaded episode ever since 2022. So this week we're bringing you 7 supplements to help you lower cortisol. Because sometimes taking a pill is just easier. As always with our podcast, each one is science-backed. Fullscript Link to Recommended Supplements Get links to our recommendations plus 20% your entire supplement order through Happy Eating dispensary at Fullscript. If you click on links we provide through Fullscript, we may receive compensation. https://us.fullscript.com/welcome/happyeating LISTEN: 7 Things That Low Cortisol (Almost) Instantly LISTEN: Ashwagandha: The Supplement You Need in 2022 References Mentioned: A randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled, parallel-group study of the standardised extract shr-5 of the roots of Rhodiola rosea in the treatment of subjects with stress-related fatigue An investigation into the stress-relieving and pharmacological actions of an ashwagandha (Withania somnifera) extract Effect of vitamin D supplementation on cardiovascular disease risk factors and exercise performance in healthy participants: a randomized placebo-controlled preliminary study Omega-3 Supplementation and Stress Reactivity of Cellular Aging Biomarkers: An Ancillary Substudy of a Randomized, Controlled Trial in Midlife Adults Thank you for listening to The Happy Eating Podcast. Tune in weekly on Thursdays for new episodes! For even more Happy Eating, head to our website! https://www.happyeatingpodcast.com Learn More About Our Hosts: Carolyn Williams PhD, RD: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/realfoodreallife_rd/ Website: https://www.carolynwilliamsrd.com Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/RealFoodRealLifeRD/ Brierley Horton, MS, RD Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/brierleyhorton/ Got a question or comment for the pod? Please shoot us a message! happyeatingpodcast@gmail.com Produced by Lester Nuby OE Productions

7 Supplements That Lower Cortisol

ms lower supplements cortisol supplementation randomized rhodiola fullscript controlled trial withania

Play Episode Listen Later Aug 2, 2024 40:40

Who couldn't use less stress in their life? Well, a great place to start is with cortisol—the stress hormone that simmers in the background and, over time, hinders your overall health. Our episode on quick ways to lower cortisol almost instantly has been our most downloaded episode ever since 2022. So this week we're bringing you 7 supplements to help you lower cortisol. Because sometimes taking a pill is just easier. As always with our podcast, each one is science-backed. Fullscript Link to Recommended Supplements Get links to our recommendations plus 20% your entire supplement order through Happy Eating dispensary at Fullscript. If you click on links we provide through Fullscript, we may receive compensation. https://us.fullscript.com/welcome/happyeating LISTEN: 7 Things That Low Cortisol (Almost) Instantly LISTEN: Ashwagandha: The Supplement You Need in 2022 References Mentioned: A randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled, parallel-group study of the standardised extract shr-5 of the roots of Rhodiola rosea in the treatment of subjects with stress-related fatigue An investigation into the stress-relieving and pharmacological actions of an ashwagandha (Withania somnifera) extract Effect of vitamin D supplementation on cardiovascular disease risk factors and exercise performance in healthy participants: a randomized placebo-controlled preliminary study Omega-3 Supplementation and Stress Reactivity of Cellular Aging Biomarkers: An Ancillary Substudy of a Randomized, Controlled Trial in Midlife Adults Thank you for listening to The Happy Eating Podcast. Tune in weekly on Thursdays for new episodes! For even more Happy Eating, head to our website! https://www.happyeatingpodcast.com Learn More About Our Hosts: Carolyn Williams PhD, RD: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/realfoodreallife_rd/ Website: https://www.carolynwilliamsrd.com Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/RealFoodRealLifeRD/ Brierley Horton, MS, RD Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/brierleyhorton/ Got a question or comment for the pod? Please shoot us a message! happyeatingpodcast@gmail.com Produced by Lester Nuby OE Productions

88. Plant Connection Through Observation: Cheryl Smith on Self Care with Herbs

The Elder Tree Podcast

Play Episode Listen Later Jun 28, 2024 54:24

During this episode I chat and laugh with Cheryl Smith, a medicinal herb farmer and artisan distiller who balances a busy corporate role with a passion for regenerative agriculture and soil health. With a dedication to leaning into nature and country, Cheryl brings a unique perspective to the intersection of business and environmental holding. Growing up in the city, Cheryl always noticed the Dandelions popping up in the cracks of the pavement, but it wasn't until she moved onto the land and started observing herbs through the seasons that a deeper connection was formed. A spark was lit and Cheryl's thirst for knowledge inspired her to begin studying herbal medicine, learning how to grow, harvest and make medicines. Cheryl and her husband Mike, an agronomist, are passionate about soil health and from very early on, Cheryl has been fascinated by the way the constituents of the herbs reflect the health of the soil. Cheryl and Mike hold the country at Solum on stunning Yaegl land, which provides ample opportunities for the profound lessons that Cheryl has discovered can be learnt through observation- watching, listening and absorbing is the medicine…an invitation to pause and reflect. Like many of us, Cheryl has always prioritised others first, and it wasn't until she experienced the illness that followed a tick bite that she was forced to slow down and listen to her body. It was at this time that herbs became hugely supportive and that self care became non negotiable. Our discussion of self care dives into the dynamics of how we're raised and the patterns that form as a result of witnessing the way others look after themselves when we're young- deep impressions that can be difficult to shift. Cheryl tells a beautiful story of Passionflower and her tendrils that reach out and envelop us during times of trauma and burn out. Going deep with a single herb, forming strong relationships and a knowing and understanding of a herb on many levels is a great joy of Cheryl's. She credits the work of Heidi Wedd for inspiring this way of working and interacting with plants. Towards the end of our chat, we hear Cheryl share her deep connection with Withania- a root medicine that is currently offering her an invitation to observe and a doorway to re-connecting with a lifelong passion for plant medicine. **CONNECT WITH CHERYL** https://www.instagram.com/solumfarm/?hl=en https://www.facebook.com/SolumFarm/ **CONNECT WITH JESS** Book an appointment: https://app.acuityscheduling.com/schedule.php?owner=17239954 Buy handmade herbal products: https://jessbosscha-naturopath.square.site/ Join the waitlist for upcoming workshops and courses: https://linktr.ee/jessbosscha_naturopath **THE ELDER TREE TROVE PATREON COMMUNITY** You can join our Patreon ⁠⁠here⁠⁠ and gain a deeper connection to our podcast. Pay only $2 per week to have access to bonus and often exclusive resources and opportunities- plus support the Elder tree at the same time! To find out more about The Elder Tree visit the website at ⁠www.theeldertree.org⁠ and donate to the crowdfunding campaign ⁠here⁠. You can also follow The Elder Tree on ⁠Facebook⁠ and ⁠Instagram⁠ and ⁠sign up to the newsletter⁠. Find out more about this podcast and the presenters ⁠here⁠. Get in touch with The Elder Tree at: ⁠asktheeldertree@gmail.com⁠ The intro and outro song is "⁠Sing for the Earth⁠" and was kindly donated by Chad Wilkins. You can find Chad's music ⁠here⁠ and ⁠here⁠.

earth self care plant sing elder herbs observation dandelions solum passionflower cheryl smith withania

esta planta puede reemplazar el clonazepam?

Descifrando la ansiedad

Play Episode Listen Later Feb 26, 2024 9:44

CONTÁCTAME POR WHATSAPP https://wa.me/message/VLBJNM7KBBQDC1 DÉJAME CONOCER TU CASO HACIENDO CLIC AQUÍ - https://nelsonarturopsicologo.com/superar-ansiedad Mi página web https://nelsonarturopsicologo.com/ Es muy común que aquellos pacientes que sufren de ansiedad, insomnio o depresión prefieran curas naturales a medicinas psiquiátricas, dado que, estas últimas suelen tener un fuerte impacto en la persona y generar efectos secundarios como la dependencia, por esta razón, después de una ardua investigación acerca de medicina alternativa te presento la ashwagandha para la ansiedad y te enseño porque es una planta que se considera milagrosa. CÓMO EMPLEAR LA ASHWAGANDHA PARA LA ANSIEDAD La ashwagandha, cuyo nombre científico es Withania somnifera L., es una planta con bastantes propiedades como adaptogénico, inmunomodulador, antioxidante, antiinflamatorio, entre otros, y se ha vuelto muy popular en la medicina alternativa. Para consumir este remedio natural, es recomendable dejar secar la raíz y luego ayudándote con un mortero se la hace polvo, siendo este polvo ideal para crear infusiones. Al igual que otras plantas para la ansiedad, la ashwagandha viene en presentaciones de cápsulas o pastillas para facilitar su ingesta, además de no presentar efectos secundarios. QUÉ DICEN LOS EXPERTOS SOBRE LAS PLANTAS PARA LA ANSIEDAD Es común el pensar que ciertos elementos de la medicina alternativa sirven como placebo y sobre las plantas para la ansiedad el tema no es diferente, sin embargo, tal como se indica en el video anexo, diversos estudios (como los que encontrarás en la sección de referencias) demostraron que la ashwagandha para la ansiedad tiene efectos similares al clonazepam, ayudando a que la relajación y reduciendo el estrés del paciente, todo esto sin generar dependencia. Sobre los meta análisis que se han realizado en relación a esta planta, estos indican que la ashwagandha tienen impactos positivos para tratar la ansiedad, el insomnio, los ataques de pánico y estrés; de igual manera, sirve para aumentar la fecundidad, incrementa la testosterona, la capacidad de memoria y el desarrollo muscular en ciertos casos dado a que contiene withanolides. Un aporte importante y por la cual a la ashwagandha se la considera relevante cuando de plantas para la ansiedad se trata, tiene que ver con su impacto en la regulación del GABA, es decir, el Ácido gamma-aminobutírico, permitiendo una mejor conciliación del sueño y en la regulación de la acetilcolina mejorando la memoria y la concentración. ¿Cómo utilizar la planta ashwagandha para la ansiedad? Para lograr consumir de forma responsable y efectiva esta planta, se recomienda que el paciente tome entre 250mg a 600mg, dos veces al día, dependiendo del peso o algún padecimiento médico que la persona posea, recuerda CONSULTA CON TU MÉDICO. Es necesario hacer énfasis en que muchas plantas para la ansiedad tienen efectos somníferos y relajantes que pueden impactar en tu ritmo cardíaco, por esta razón, controla la ingesta o directamente evita el consumo de estas si sufres de Hipertensión e Hipotiroidismo; te encuentras en embarazo y/o padeces de bradicardia, de igual manera, evita tomar ashwagandha si tienes que manejar o necesitas estar activo en una actividad específica. Referencias Ng, Qin Xiang, et al. "A systematic review of the clinical use of Withania somnifera (Ashwagandha) to ameliorate cognitive dysfunction." Phytotherapy Research 34.3 (2020): 583-590. Tandon, N., & Yadav, S. S. (2020). Safety and clinical effectiveness of Withania Somnifera (Linn.) Dunal root in human ailments. Journal of ethnopharmacology, 255, 112768. Speers, A. B., Cabey, K. A., Soumyanath, A., & Wright, K. M. (2021). Effects of Withania somnifera (Ashwagandha) on stress and the stress-related neuropsychiatric disorders anxiety, depression, and insomnia. Current neuropharmacology, 19(9), 1468. Zhang, W., Yan, Y., Wu, Y., Yang, H., Zhu, P., Yan, F., ... & Su, Z. (2022). Medicinal herbs for the treatment of anxiety: a systematic review and network meta-analysis. Pharmacological Research, 179, 106204. ENLACES DE INTERÉS 3 SECRETOS DE LA MEDICINA CHINA PARA MEJORAR TU SALUD (HTTPS://NELSONARTUROPSICOLOGO.COM/3-SECRETOS-DE-LA-MEDICINA-CHINA-PARA-MEJORAR-TU-SALUD/) LA PLANTA MILENARIA QUE TE AYUDARÁ A SUPERAR LA ANSIEDAD (HTTPS://NELSONARTUROPSICOLOGO.COM/LA-PLANTA-MILENARIA-QUE-TE-AYUDARA-A-SUPERAR-LA-ANSIEDAD/)

176: The Ultimate Adaptogen Beyond Stress -- Aswagandha as an Herb for Sleep, Cellular Health, and Neuro-Restoration

That Naturopathic Podcast

Play Episode Listen Later Feb 21, 2024 30:37

Adaptogens are non-specifically helpful, but some are specifically helpful with a particular affinity for certain processes or organ systems. Drs. Dave and Michelle ND delve into some of the specifics of this rather well-characterized rasayana, also known as Withania somnifera; a herb of particular interest when neuro-inflammation is suspected. The information presented on this podcast is for educational purposes only and is not intended to diagnose or prescribe for any medical or psychological condition, nor prevent, treat, mitigate, or cure any conditions. Please make your own healthcare decisions based on your judgment and research in partnership with a qualified healthcare professional. Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/that-naturopathic-podcast--4229492/support.

health stress sleep medicine restoration fatigue drs inflammation herb neuro nerves naturopathic adaptogens ashwagandha cellular health neuroinflammation adaptogen withania

88. How My Fave Herbs and My Mastermind Are Similar

Love What You Create

Play Episode Listen Later Feb 7, 2024 17:29

When I worked solely as a naturopath and herbalist, I always had a few favourite herbs that seemed to me, to be wonder herbs, and I'd prescribe them whenever it was applicable. Two of those are Rhodiola and Withania (also known as Ashwaganda), plus a handful more. (I mean, I love all herbs. I just feel so drawn to some specific ones.) I was about to make myself a herbal tonic at home with a few of my faves, and I thought 'This blend is basically what my mastermind is.' Whatttt? Lemme explain... INTERESTED IN JOINING THE MASTERMIND? Learn more and book your spot here to grow and stabilise your business, with deep belief, calm energy and clear action. Want to chat with me first? Book a call with me here.Here's more: - Come work with me (Coaching With Cass, Aligned & Unstoppable Mastermind, 1:1 coaching, + workshops). - Download the free Momentum Workbook to move through slow client periods, and call amazing clients in. - Here's my full website for more (my books, freebies, programs, blog posts etc.). - And here's where you'll find me on Instagram @cassiemendozajones

8 Ways to Beat Brain Fog & Boost Your Cognition

Dr. Ruscio Radio: Health, Nutrition and Functional Medicine

Play Episode Listen Later Feb 1, 2024 51:24

Here are 8 simple, practical ways to beat brain fog that you can start today. Brain fog is the frustrating experience of cloudy, slowed thinking. Many of us have experienced it at some point, but if you're struggling with it regularly, there's a lot that you can do. Tune in! And if you have any additional questions you would like answered in the future, let me know in the comments! Watch/Read Next… How to Get Rid of Brain Fog: Your Action Plan: https://drruscio.com/how-to-get-rid-of-brain-fog/ Brain Fog: A Research-Based Guide to Restoring Mental Clarity: https://drruscio.com/brain_fog/ Iron Deficiency Basics: https://drruscio.com/can-low-iron-cause-digestive-issues/ Vitamin B12 Deficiency More Common Than Thought: https://drruscio.com/vitamin-b12-deficiency-more-common-than-thought/ How to Boost Your Health with High Protein Snacks: https://drruscio.com/high-protein-snacks/ Chronic Fatigue with Dr. Jenny Tufenkian: https://drruscio.com/chronic-fatigue-and-viruses/ Timestamps 00:00 Intro 03:35 Iron 06:28 Vitamin B12 08:38 Probiotics 13:14 Hormones 15:54 Sleep 19:27 Acetyl-l-carnitine 22:40 Exercise 26:31 Protein 29:07 Forest bathing 32:15 A great brain fog diet 34:16 The role of chronic infections Featured Studies Understanding the Experience and Impacts of Brain Fog in Chronic Pain: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/37441085/ How nature nurtures: Amygdala activity decreases as the result of a one-hour walk in nature: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/36059042/ Associations between Nature Exposure and Health: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/33946197/ Spending at least 120 minutes a week in nature is associated with good health and wellbeing: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/31197192/ Sleep drives metabolite clearance from the adult brain: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/24136970/ Poorer sleep impairs brain health at midlife: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/36725955/ Resetting the late timing of 'night owls' has a positive impact on mental health and performance: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/31202686/ Exercise training increases size of hippocampus and improves memory: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/21282661/ Effectiveness of physical activity interventions for improving depression, anxiety and distress: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/36796860/ The Role of Amino Acids in Neurotransmission and Fluorescent Tools for Their Detection: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/32867295/ Long-term dietary protein intake and subjective cognitive decline in US men and women: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/34293099/ The misogyny of iron deficiency: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/33682094/ Iron treatment normalizes cognitive functioning in young women: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/17344500/ How can I get enough iron?: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK279618/ B Vitamins in the nervous system: Current knowledge of the biochemical modes of action and synergies of thiamine, pyridoxine, and cobalamin: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/31490017/ Low Vitamin B12 Levels: An Underestimated Cause Of Minimal Cognitive Impairment And Dementia: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/32206454/ Vitamin B12 - Health Professional Fact Sheet: https://ods.od.nih.gov/factsheets/VitaminB12-HealthProfessional/#h3 A Paleolithic Diet with and without Combined Aerobic and Resistance Exercise Increases Functional Brain Responses and Hippocampal Volume in Subjects with Type 2 Diabetes: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/29255413/ Hormonal Influences on Cognitive Function: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/30914845/ Effect of standardized root extract of ashwagandha ( Withania somnifera) on well-being and sexual performance in adult males: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/35873404/ Benefits of Black Cohosh (Cimicifuga racemosa) for Women Health: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/35337076/ Probiotics fortify intestinal barrier function: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/37168869/ Probiotic supplementation improved cognitive function in cognitively impaired and healthy older adults: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/36529793/ Get the Latest Updates Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/DrRusciodc Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/drrusciodc/ Pinterest - https://www.pinterest.com/drmichaelrusciodc DISCLAIMER: The information on this site is not intended or implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified healthcare provider before starting any new treatment or discontinuing an existing treatment. Music featured in this video: "Modern Technology" by Andrew G, https://audiojungle.net/user/andrew_g *Full transcript available on YouTube by clicking the “Show transcript” button on the bottom right of the video.

Herbs A-Z: Withania & Zanthoxylum

The Holistic Herbalism Podcast

Play Episode Listen Later Jan 27, 2024 52:58 Transcription Available

We've reached our penultimate Herbs A-Z episode this week, and we're highlighting ashwagandha & prickly ash – it's prickly ashwagandha!Withania somnifera, ashwagandha, is an herb Katja takes every single day. Usually, she gets it in the form of “notCoffee”, a formula of various roots and herbs blended to offer sustained energy and endocrine suppport. Ashwagandha is popular as an adaptogen or a “stress herb”, but its real power is in helping entrain healty cycles of activity and rest. Balance is not about stillness, but dynamic equilibrium, and ashwagandha's one of our favorites to build that capacity.Zanthoxylum americanum, prickly ash, tells you all about its diffusive activity with the message of its tingly taste. This makes it not only an excellent herb for toothache relief, but also a truly fantastic circulatory stimulant. Stagnant blood and lymph are dispersed, and healing can proceed effectively, when we recruit prickly ash for this purpose.These two herbs make recurrent apperances in both our Neurological & Emotional Health course and our Immune Health course. Improving innner communications, establishing consistent cycles, and enhancing fluid movement are just a few of the actions herbs can bring to these critical systems to support their work.Like all our offerings, these are self-paced online video courses, which come with free access to twice-weekly live Q&A sessions, lifetime access to current & future course material, twice-weekly live Q&A sessions with us, open discussion threads integrated in each lesson, an active student community, study guides, quizzes & capstone assignments, and more!If you enjoyed the episode, it helps us a lot if you subscribe, rate, & review our podcast wherever you listen. This helps others find us more easily. Thank you!Our theme music is “Wings” by Nicolai Heidlas.Support the showYou can find all of our online herbalism courses at online.commonwealthherbs.com!

balance improving wings herbs emotional health katja neurological stagnant herbalism herbal medicine ashwagandha immune health herbal remedies nicolai heidlas withania holistic herbalism

Healing Supplements I Take To Heal from Narcissistic Abuse

Heal from within after Narcissistic Abuse with Danish Bashir (Personal Transformation Coach)

Play Episode Listen Later Dec 26, 2023 9:54

Links to the studies done on these supplements:1. Effects of Withania somnifera (Ashwagandha) on Stress and the Stress-Related Neuropsychiatric Disorders Anxiety, Depression, and Insomniahttps://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/arti...2. Shilajit: A Natural Phytocomplex with Potential Procognitive Activityhttps://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/arti...3. Neurotrophic properties of the Lion's mane medicinal mushroom, Hericium erinaceus (Higher Basidiomycetes) from Malaysiahttps://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/24266...4. The Role of Magnesium in Neurological Disordershttps://www.mdpi.com/2072-6643/10/6/730Links to Buy Supplements: Ashwagandha Roothttps://amzn.to/44zWlhDGaia Herbs, Lion's Mane Mushroomhttps://amzn.to/3DoYTTF

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Adiós a la Ansiedad ashwagandha

Descifrando la ansiedad

Play Episode Listen Later Dec 18, 2023 12:11

CONTÁCTAME POR WHATSAPP https://wa.me/message/VLBJNM7KBBQDC1 DÉJAME CONOCER TU CASO HACIENDO CLIC AQUÍ - https://nelsonarturopsicologo.com/superar-ansiedad Mi página web https://nelsonarturopsicologo.com/ Si estás experimentando un periodo de estrés muy elevado o estás padeciendo de síntomas de ansiedad e insomnio, debes conocer los beneficios de una planta que te puede ayudar a aliviar esta sintomatología, hoy te enseño como puedes usar la ashwagandha para la ansiedad. Existen varias investigaciones que avalan que el uso de la raíz de Withania Somnifera, mejor conocida como ashwagandha como un calmante natural; si bien es cierto que desde Libre de Ansiedad hemos recomendado variedad de plantas para la ansiedad, para el caso de la ashwagandha, queremos sacar a relucir los excelentes beneficios que posee para tratar algunas complicaciones propias de la edad y ayudar a aumentar el rendimiento físico en actividades deportivas y sexuales. Cuando nos referimos a la ashwagandha para la ansiedad, nos enfocamos en sus beneficios para tratar el insomnio, la ansiedad y el estrés. Científicos han descubierto varios compuestos beneficios para el organismo, los cuales puedes ver en el apartado de referencias del presente texto. ¿Cómo utilizar la planta ashwagandha para la ansiedad? Tomando como referencia lo estipulado por el Consejo General de Farmacéuticos de España, se recomienda tomar entre 1 y 2 gramos con una regularidad entre 2 a 3 veces al día, si lo que buscas es tratar el insomnio, ansiedad, estrés o nerviosismo. Debilidades de las plantas para la ansiedad Dado que existen investigaciones interesantes sobre medicina alternativa para tratar la ansiedad, es un hecho unánime que estas tienen una gran debilidad y es la profundización. Para el caso de la ashwagandha para la ansiedad esto no es diferente, ya que, al tener una gran variedad de compuestos y al estudiarse su efectividad para tratar cosas muy variadas, no existe claridad sobre cuál es la dosis adecuada para tratar cada trastorno; por lo anterior, es sumamente importante que antes de tomar esta planta para la ansiedad CONSULTES A TU MÉDICO. PRECAUCIONES Recuerda que muchas plantas para la ansiedad tienen efectos somníferos y relajantes que pueden afectar tu ritmo cardíaco, por esta razón, controla la ingesta o directamente evita el consumo de estas si sufres de Hipotensión e Hipotiroidismo; de igual manera, evita tomar ashwagandha si tienes que manejar o necesitas estar activo en una actividad específica. Referencias Ng, Qin Xiang, et al. "A systematic review of the clinical use of Withania somnifera (Ashwagandha) to ameliorate cognitive dysfunction." Phytotherapy Research 34.3 (2020): 583-590. Tandon, N., & Yadav, S. S. (2020). Safety and clinical effectiveness of Withania Somnifera (Linn.) Dunal root in human ailments. Journal of ethnopharmacology, 255, 112768. Speers, A. B., Cabey, K. A., Soumyanath, A., & Wright, K. M. (2021). Effects of Withania somnifera (Ashwagandha) on stress and the stress-related neuropsychiatric disorders anxiety, depression, and insomnia. Current neuropharmacology, 19(9), 1468. Zhang, W., Yan, Y., Wu, Y., Yang, H., Zhu, P., Yan, F., ... & Su, Z. (2022). Medicinal herbs for the treatment of anxiety: a systematic review and network meta-analysis. Pharmacological Research, 179, 106204. Conclusion: W. somnifera extract offers some potential advantages as a safe and effective adjunctive therapy to SSRIs in GAD. The clinical trial protocol has been registered under the Iranian Registry of Clinical Trials (IRCT20180615040105N1). ENLACES DE INTERÉS 3 SECRETOS DE LA MEDICINA CHINA PARA MEJORAR TU SALUD (HTTPS://NELSONARTUROPSICOLOGO.COM/3-SECRETOS-DE-LA-MEDICINA-CHINA-PARA-MEJORAR-TU-SALUD/) LA PLANTA MILENARIA QUE TE AYUDARÁ A SUPERAR LA ANSIEDAD (HTTPS://NELSONARTUROPSICOLOGO.COM/LA-PLANTA-MILENARIA-QUE-TE-AYUDARA-A-SUPERAR-LA-ANSIEDAD/)

7 Supplements That Lower Cortisol

ms lower supplements cortisol supplementation randomized rhodiola fullscript controlled trial withania

Play Episode Listen Later Nov 30, 2023 40:40

Who couldn't use less stress in their life? Well, a great place to start is with cortisol—the stress hormone that simmers in the background and, over time, hinders your overall health. Our episode on quick ways to lower cortisol almost instantly has been our most downloaded episode ever since 2022. So this week we're bringing you 7 supplements to help you lower cortisol. Because sometimes taking a pill is just easier. As always with our podcast, each one is science-backed. Fullscript Link to Recommended Supplements Get links to our recommendations plus 20% your entire supplement order through Happy Eating dispensary at Fullscript. If you click on links we provide through Fullscript, we may receive compensation. https://us.fullscript.com/welcome/happyeating LISTEN: 7 Things That Low Cortisol (Almost) Instantly LISTEN: Ashwagandha: The Supplement You Need in 2022 References Mentioned: A randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled, parallel-group study of the standardised extract shr-5 of the roots of Rhodiola rosea in the treatment of subjects with stress-related fatigue An investigation into the stress-relieving and pharmacological actions of an ashwagandha (Withania somnifera) extract Effect of vitamin D supplementation on cardiovascular disease risk factors and exercise performance in healthy participants: a randomized placebo-controlled preliminary study Omega-3 Supplementation and Stress Reactivity of Cellular Aging Biomarkers: An Ancillary Substudy of a Randomized, Controlled Trial in Midlife Adults Thank you for listening to The Happy Eating Podcast. Tune in weekly on Thursdays for new episodes! For even more Happy Eating, head to our website! https://www.happyeatingpodcast.com Learn More About Our Hosts: Carolyn Williams PhD, RD: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/realfoodreallife_rd/ Website: https://www.carolynwilliamsrd.com Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/RealFoodRealLifeRD/ Brierley Horton, MS, RD Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/brierleyhorton/ Got a question or comment for the pod? Please shoot us a message! happyeatingpodcast@gmail.com Produced by Lester Nuby OE Productions

7 Supplements That Lower Cortisol

ms lower supplements cortisol supplementation randomized rhodiola fullscript controlled trial withania

Play Episode Listen Later Nov 30, 2023 40:40

Who couldn't use less stress in their life? Well, a great place to start is with cortisol—the stress hormone that simmers in the background and, over time, hinders your overall health. Our episode on quick ways to lower cortisol almost instantly has been our most downloaded episode ever since 2022. So this week we're bringing you 7 supplements to help you lower cortisol. Because sometimes taking a pill is just easier. As always with our podcast, each one is science-backed. Fullscript Link to Recommended Supplements Get links to our recommendations plus 20% your entire supplement order through Happy Eating dispensary at Fullscript. If you click on links we provide through Fullscript, we may receive compensation. https://us.fullscript.com/welcome/happyeating LISTEN: 7 Things That Low Cortisol (Almost) Instantly LISTEN: Ashwagandha: The Supplement You Need in 2022 References Mentioned: A randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled, parallel-group study of the standardised extract shr-5 of the roots of Rhodiola rosea in the treatment of subjects with stress-related fatigue An investigation into the stress-relieving and pharmacological actions of an ashwagandha (Withania somnifera) extract Effect of vitamin D supplementation on cardiovascular disease risk factors and exercise performance in healthy participants: a randomized placebo-controlled preliminary study Omega-3 Supplementation and Stress Reactivity of Cellular Aging Biomarkers: An Ancillary Substudy of a Randomized, Controlled Trial in Midlife Adults Thank you for listening to The Happy Eating Podcast. Tune in weekly on Thursdays for new episodes! For even more Happy Eating, head to our website! https://www.happyeatingpodcast.com Learn More About Our Hosts: Carolyn Williams PhD, RD: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/realfoodreallife_rd/ Website: https://www.carolynwilliamsrd.com Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/RealFoodRealLifeRD/ Brierley Horton, MS, RD Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/brierleyhorton/ Got a question or comment for the pod? Please shoot us a message! happyeatingpodcast@gmail.com Produced by Lester Nuby OE Productions

DrBeen#65 Adaptogenic Effects of Ashwagandha|

FLCCC Alliance

Play Episode Listen Later Aug 10, 2023 23:24

The third in a series about the beneficial effects of Ashwagandha, this episode looks at the anti-stress and adaptogenic effects of this incredible herb. Ashwagandha helps improve neuronal plasticity and regeneration, and reduces the damage and death of these cells. To accomplish this effect, ashwagandha triggers the upregulation of HSP70 proteins. Let's review. URL list from August 3, 2023 Pharmaceutics | Free Full-Text | Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera)—Current Research on the Health-Promoting Activities: A Narrative Review https://www.mdpi.com/1999-4923/15/4/1057 Evidence-Based Efficacy of Adaptogens in Fatigue, and Molecular M...: Ingenta Connect https://www.ingentaconnect.com/content/ben/ccp/2009/00000004/00000003/art00004 Heat Shock Protein 70 (Hsp70) as an Emerging Drug Target - PMC https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2895966/#:~:text=Heat%20shock%20protein%2070%20(Hsp70)%20is%20a%20molecular%20chaperone%20that,or%20aggregation%20until%20conditions%20improve . Adaptogenic activity of Withania somnifera: an experimental study using a rat model of chronic stress - ScienceDirect https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0091305703001102 Phytotherapy Research | Medicinal Chemistry Journal | Wiley Online Library https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/abs/10.1002/ptr.858 Frontiers | c-Jun N-terminal Kinase (JNK) Signaling as a Therapeutic Target for Alzheimer's Disease https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fphar.2015.00321/full Frontiers | DAF-16/FOXO Transcription Factor in Aging and Longevity https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fphar.2017.00548/full Disclaimer: This video is not intended to provide assessment, diagnosis, treatment, or medical advice; it also does not constitute provision of healthcare services. The content provided in this video is for informational and educational purposes only. Please consult with a physician or healthcare professional regarding any medical or mental health related diagnosis or treatment. No information in this video should ever be considered as a substitute for advice from a healthcare professional.

heat effects alzheimer's disease fatigue adaptogens ashwagandha current research adaptogenic withania hsp70

50. Crafting Stress Resilience

Witches Being Witches

Play Episode Listen Later Jul 31, 2023 65:14

Crafting Stress Resilience We all know that stress isn't great for our health and that stress management is crucial. However, crafting and building resilience to stress might be even more important... In this episode, Em talks about how to support and train the nervous system, build more solid foundations, and help better bounce back from the next inevitable stressful event through crafting stress resilience. As always, we start this episode with an update from us: it's our 50th episode, Tarra's back from Europe, and we have a big Witches Being Witches update for you! In This Episode: Understand how various types of stress affect our bodies and overall health - physically, mentally, emotionally, and even environmentally A recap of the intricacies of the nervous system, and the interplay between its 'fight or flight' and 'rest + digest' modes within our bodies Learn about the signs of chronic stress observed by Em in her naturopathic clients, as well as how to discern whether you are in 'freeze' mode Remembering that life doesn't just happen to us - we are not just passive observers, but the protagonists, authors, and directors of our own lives Uncover some of Em's favourite herbs for combating long-term, chronic stress and for supporting stress resilience, including adaptogens (like Withania or Ashwaghanda), nervine herbs (like Skullcap) to tone + restore the nervous system, and anxiolytic herbs (like Passionflower) to alleviate anxiety Gain insights into the HPA axis and HPA dysfunction, also known as "adrenal fatigue" or "adrenal exhaustion" Nutritional medicine for stress resilience: explore the role of specific macronutrients and micronutrients in supporting a healthy nervous system, alongside the significance of mindful eating The powerful benefits of mindfulness, meditation, and exercise in managing stress and cultivating resilience Learn how adopting cyclical living can support your nervous system and encourage self-compassion Self-reflection, and why reflecting on our values, how we feel, and what we want to be remembered for is so helpful Explore the importance of supporting and activating the vagal nerve to enhance stress resilience Discover some of Em's top practical tips for stress resilience, including cold exposure therapy, yoga, balance, a good cry, and having fun! Recognise the importance of seeking support when needed, and the various types of support available More... More Listening: Episode 31: Nurturing the Nervous System Episode 29: Anxiety Awareness Episode 4: Kinesiology & the Subconscious Mind with Rachel Dhanjal Follow + Subscribe to be the First to Hear More: Follow + Subscribe on Apple Podcasts, Spotify Podcasts, Google Podcasts, and on Instagram + Facebook, to be the first to hear more! Join the Witches Being Witches Coven: Join our Facebook Group: https://www.facebo...

europe explore google podcasts crafting nurturing nutritional kinesiology subconscious mind recognise hpa spotify podcasts stress resilience passionflower withania

#48 INS GLEICHGEWICHT MIT ADAPTOGENEN

Larry's "THE LIFT"

Play Episode Listen Later Jul 5, 2023 62:32

Auch wenn Adaptogene seit Jahrhunderten in der chinesischen Medizin und Ayuverda genutzt werden, sind sie erst seit wenigen Jahren auch bei uns im Fokus. Was sind Adaptogene? Was können Adaptogene leisten? Welche Adaptogene gibt es? Wie wirken Adaptogene? Was muss bei der Einnahme beachtet werden? Viel Spaß mit der Folge, deine Larry Blutbild-Analyse: https://calendly.com/larissareinelt/blutbild-analyse Studien-Auswahl: Evidence-based efficacy of adaptogens in fatigue, and molecular mechanisms related to their stress-protective activity, Panossian/Wikman, 2009 Understanding adaptogenic activity: specificity of the pharmacological action of adaptogens and other phytochemicals, Panossian, 2017 Chandrasekhar, K. et al. (2012): A Prospective, Randomized Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled Study of Safety and Efficacy of a High-Concentration Full-Spectrum Extract of Ashwagandha Root in Reducing Stress and Anxiety in Adults. In: Indian Journal of Psychological Medicine, 34 (3), p. 255-262. Cooley, K. et al. (2009): Naturopathic Care for Anxiety: A Randomized Controlled Trial ISRCTN78958974. In: PLoS One, 4 (8), p. e6628. Andrade, C. et al. (2000): A double-blind, placebo-controlled evaluation of the anxiolytic efficacy of an ethanolic extract of withania somnifera. In: Indian Journal of Psychiatry, 42 (3), p. 295-301. Withania somnifera (Indian ginseng) in diabetes mellitus: A systematic review and meta-analysis of scientific evidence from experimental research to clinical application, Durg/Bavage/Shivaram, 2022. Protective effect of Astragalus membranaceus and Astragaloside IV in sepsis-induced acute kidney injury, Tang/Xin/Thang, 2022. Qi, Y. et al. 2017. Anti-Inflammatory and Immunostimulatory Activities of Astragalosides. Am J Chin Med. 45(6):1157–67. Wan, C. P. et al. 2013. Astragaloside II triggers T cell activation through regulation of CD45 protein tyrosine phosphatase activity. Acta Pharmacol Sin. 34(4):522–30.

anxiety safety indian adults fokus psychiatry andrade medizin qi efficacy protective gleichgewicht prospective cooley wan jahrhunderten reducing stress antiinflammatory einnahme psychological medicine astragalus withania placebo controlled study cd45

Wellness and ashwagandha and moringa

Be Well and Be Green

Play Episode Listen Later Jun 19, 2023 13:36

Episode 51: In this episode, host Angie Gust talks about the benefits of ashwagandha and moringa. These are dietary supplements that could help heal ourselves and maybe even the planet. Ashwaganda is an herb and moringa is a tree. They both have some amazing properties and can live in arid conditions so they may be good for climate change- taking in CO2 without needing much water. Turning to the environment, last May, the United States hosted the Agriculture Innovation Mission to bring together partners to increase and accelerate investment in and support for agriculture and food systems innovation for climate action. It highlighted opportunities for climate solutions and climate-smart agriculture and food systems innovation in the lead-up to COP28 which is in the United Arab Emirates in November this year. References Adjonyoh, Z. Mar 9, 2021. What is moringa? Everything you need to know about the superfood. Today. https://www.today.com/food/moringa-health-benefits-what-know-about-superfood-t210949 DeSouza,J Apr 20, 2023 Creating Fabric Materials out of Bacteria. Happy Eco News.https://happyeconews.com/creating-fabric-materials-out-of-bacteria/ Horn, L, Natalia Shakela, Marius K. Mutorwa, Erold Naomab, Habauka M. Kwaambwa. Moringa oleifera as a sustainable climate-smart solution to nutrition, disease prevention, and water treatment challenges: A review, Journal of Agriculture and Food Research, Volume 10, 2022, 100397, Mikulska, P et al. Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera)—Current Research on the Health-Promoting Activities: A Narrative Review. Pharmaceutics 2023, 15(4), 1057; https://doi.org/10.3390/pharmaceutics15041057 Raguraman, VR, Subramaniam, JR. Withania somnifera Root exrtract increases telomerase activity I the human HeLa cell line. Adv. Biosci Biotechnol 2016; 7:199-204. Sharma R, Martins N. Telomeres, DNA Damage and Ageing: Potential Leads from Ayurvedic Rasayana (Anti-Ageing) Drugs. J Clin Med. 2020 Aug 6;9(8):2544. doi: 10.3390/jcm9082544. PMID: 32781627; PMCID: PMC7465058. Sierra Club. Toiyabe Chapter. 100 things you can do to save the planet.https://www.sierraclub.org/toiyabe/100-things-you-can-do-save-planet Stohs SJ, Hartman MJ. Review of the Safety and Efficacy of Moringa oleifera. Phytother Res. 2015 Jun;29(6):796-804. doi: 10.1002/ptr.5325. Epub 2015 Mar 24. PMID: 25808883; PMCID: PMC6680322. USDA May 10, 2023 Final Day of AIM for Climate Summit Announces Groundbreaking Initiatives on the Road to COP28. https://www.usda.gov/media/press-releases/2023/05/10/final-day-aim-climate-summit-announces-groundbreaking-initiatives

59 | Thoughts on an ashwagandha thyrotoxicosis case report

In the Clinic with Camille

Play Episode Listen Later Apr 2, 2023 11:22

As I was preparing for a lecture on ashwagandha (Withania somnifera), I came across a case report sharing information about a women who went to the ER with tachycardia, palpitations and other symptoms of hyperthyroidism. Her TSH was almost absent, while T4 and T3 were within normal limits. The doctors there ruled out other causes and eventually determined that she had been taking ashwagandha root extract daily instead of her regular thyroid medication for approximately 2 years after a diagnosis of hypothyroidism. They suspected this might be causing her hyperthyroid symptoms. She was asked to discontinue the ashwagandha root, and at two follow-ups her TSH began to rise, while her T3 and T4 started dropping, suggesting a return to her hypothyroid state. The physicians suspected that she was in the early stages of hyperthyroidism when she presented in the ER, due to her T3 and T4 being WNL. Here is a copy of the case (open access!) if you'd like to check it out: Kamal HI, Patel K, Brdak A, Heffernan J, Ahmad N. Ashwagandha as a Unique Cause of Thyrotoxicosis Presenting With Supraventricular Tachycardia. Cureus. 2022 Mar 25;14(3):e23494. doi: 10.7759/cureus.23494. PMID: 35475098; PMCID: PMC9035336. In this episode, I discuss what we can learn from this case report, and what I wish the authors had included in their case presentation. I hope you find this discussion helpful. If you have thoughts or clinical observations regarding ashwagandha and thyroid disease, I'd love to hear them! Helpful Links for Practitioners Monday Mentoring

er bloom t3 pmid t4 tsh ashwagandha wnl case reports cureus withania thyrotoxicosis

24. Motherhood meets small business- the importance of getting back to basics: Norfolk Island Naturopath Zoe King on Self Care with Herbs

The Elder Tree Podcast

Play Episode Listen Later Mar 14, 2023 40:03

During this episode, I chat with Zoe King, a Bachelor qualified Naturopath who runs a Norfolk Island based clinic, dispensary and store. She's a new mum and understands first hand, the unique challenges facing mothers who also juggle small business ownership. During our chat, we touch on Zoe's first experience of plant medicine as a small child. Her Mum loved to care for the family using home remedies and one of Zoe's first memory's is a funny one- a home remedy for warts that raised eyebrows with her school friends…. Zoe's experience of natural medicine deepened after witnessing first hand the magic of a herbal tincture for supporting immunity and lung health for the recurrent chest infections. The effect on her lungs and the infection was profound, she couldn't believe how effective this medicine was. This experience marked a turning point in Zoe's life- she was inspired to study Naturopathy at Southern Cross University in Lismore and enrolled soon after. During our chat, we chart Zoe's path from multi-modality clinic, to working as a Naturopath in a pharmacy through the 2017 Lismore floods, to questioning whether she would continue to practice… She landed back home in Norfolk for a short stay but the pandemic limited further travel plans…which led to the birth of her Norfolk Island based clinic, dispensary and store…and her baby boy, now 14 months old! We chat about the juggle of motherhood and small business ownership and the particular challenges of running a clinic in an isolated location. Zoe shares how getting back to basics and not getting caught up in trying to do it all helps her to prioritise self care in this chapter of motherhood. She speaks of the need to always have some form of garden wherever she is and how spending time here helps save her sanity. We chat about the ritual of herbal tea drinking as one of the most accessible ways to weave the herbs into our days no matter how busy we are- providing an invitation to slow down and savour the moment. Zoe shares how her approach to supporting mum's has changed and simplified since experiencing motherhood herself. Recognising how pressed for time mother's can be, she now focuses on the basics- good, nutritious, easy to digest bulk prepped meals are paramount. We explore how herbs and in particular, Withania, have helped carry Zoe through those sleep deprived, exhausted days of motherhood- how being consistent with this herb has her feeling more grounded and nourished. Our chat is a must listen for all mothers- Zoe shares her struggles, her joys and her wisdom, I think you'll love it! You can find out more about Zoe by following her on Instagram and Facebook. To find out more about The Elder Tree visit the website here and donate to the crowdfunding campaign here. You can also follow The Elder Tree on Facebook and Instagram and sign up to the newsletter. Find out more about this podcast and the presenters here. Get in touch with The Elder Tree at: asktheeldertree@gmail.com The intro and outro song is "Sing for the Earth" and was kindly donated by Chad Wilkins. You can find Chad's music here and here.

earth self care bachelor motherhood sing small business getting back back to basics herbs norfolk recognising naturopaths naturopathy lismore southern cross university norfolk island withania her mum

113. Heather Grzych on Aphrodisiacs and Herbs to Increase Love

Wisdom of the Body

Play Episode Listen Later Feb 17, 2023 43:18

Listen to author and Ayurvedic practitioner Heather Grzych talk about herbs for love, sex and attachment. Heather addresses when herbs can be helpful and how to use them responsibly. She discusses the Ayurvedic rasayana therapy called vajikarana, which is for rejuvenating the male reproductive system, and talks about the importance of love in our lives. Herbs discussed include ashwagandha (Withania somnifera), shatavari (Asparagus racemosus), shilajit (Asphaltum punjabianum), cinnamon (Cinnamomum zeylanicum, and Cinnamon cassia) and several others that work on reproductive, emotional and whole-body health. Heather Grzych is the author of The Ayurvedic Guide to Fertility and the host of the Wisdom of the Body podcast. A board-certified Ayurvedic practitioner, she teaches the Regenerative Fertility Method to support future generations worldwide. Heather is on the board of directors for the National Ayurvedic Medical Association (NAMA) and has been a consultant for doctors, governments, and insurance companies. She offers virtual consultations and programs worldwide. www.heathergrzych.com Connect with Heather: Instagram.com/heathergrzych Facebook.com/grzychheather Read the first six pages of The Ayurvedic Guide to Fertility for FREE: https://www.heathergrzych.com Connect with Heather for an Ayurvedic consultation: https://www.heathergrzych.com/book-online This podcast is for educational and entertainment purposes only.

Episode 48: Acupuncture & Herbalism with Margaret Travis

As Woo Woo As You Want

Play Episode Listen Later Jan 20, 2023 70:38

Episode 48: Acupuncture & Herbalism with Margaret Travis Happy Lunar New Year! In this episode, Celine & Jeremiah chat with acupuncturist and co-founder of Louisville Community Acupuncture Margaret Travis! We dive deep into the practice of acupuncture and herbalism, learn about Margaret's practice, and get a ton of helpful tips and tricks from the world of integrative medicine that can help with a wide variety of issues and conditions. We really enjoyed speaking with Margaret and hope you enjoy listening! Learn more about Louisville Community Acupuncture at louisvillecommunityacupuncture.com. Paul Farmer/Preventative Health (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Paul_Farmer), Chinese Medicine (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Traditional_Chinese_medicine), Acupuncture (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Acupuncture), AOMA (https://www.aoma.edu), POCA Tech (https://www.pocatech.org), “The Web That Has No Weaver” by Ted J. Kaptchuk (https://www.fivebranches.edu/wp-content/uploads/book_pdf_The_Web_that_has_no_weaver.pdf), Qi (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Qi), Gua Sha (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gua_sha), Louisville Community Acupuncture (https://louisvillecommunityacupuncture.com), Tiger Lily (http://www.tigerlilyholistic.com), Marfa, TX (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Marfa%2C_Texas), Pulse Taking (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pulse), Turtle Dragon Health Services (https://www.turtledragon.com), Herbal Medicine (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Herbal_medicine), Astragalis (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Astragalus), Holy Basil (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ocimum_tenuiflorum), Ashwagandha (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Withania_somnifera), Ginseng (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ginseng), Salvia / Dan Shen (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Salvia_miltiorrhiza), Goji Berries (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Goji), He Shou Wu (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Reynoutria_multiflora), Four Gentleman Decoction, Gan Mai Da Zao Tang, Xiao Yao San, Yu Ping Feng San, NADA Protocol (https://acudetox.com/nada-protocol), Lincoln Detox Center (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lincoln_Detox), Mutulu Shakur (https://mutulushakur.com), Miriam Lee (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Miriam_Lee), “Insights of a Senior Acupuncturist” by Miriam Lee (https://www.amazon.com/Insights-Senior-Acupuncturist-Miriam-Lee/dp/0936185333), Cupping (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cupping_therapy), Mai Men Dong, Meditation for Beginners(https://soundcloud.com/aswoowooasyouwant/meditations-with-jeremiah-4) If you enjoyed this episode, please consider supporting us: Patreon - https://www.patreon.com/aswoowooasyouwant Buy Me a Coffee - https://www.buymeacoffee.com/woowoo Follow us on social media: Instagram - https://instagram.com/aswoowooasyouwant Twitter - https://twitter.com/aswooasyouwant TikTok - https://vm.tiktok.com/TTPdrawRgf/ YouTube - https://youtube.com/channel/UCiz_gMlLUJorTN7UAszHrgQ SoundCloud - https://soundcloud.com/aswoowooasyouwant Thanks for listening! [Recorded, mixed, and produced at PS379 (http://ps379studio.com)] ⓒ & ℗ Own Your Rhythm LLC 2022 Disclaimer: The material and information presented here is for general informational purposes only. No material on this podcast is intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health care provider with any questions may have regarding a medical condition or treatment before undertaking a new health care regimen. The “As Woo Woo As You Want” name and all forms and abbreviations are the property of its owner and its use does not imply endorsement of or opposition to any specific organization, product, or service.

The Gary Null Show - 11.07.22

The Gary Null Show

Play Episode Listen Later Nov 8, 2022 57:23

Videos: Michael Moore ‘Optimistic' About Democratic Midterm Chances Because He Doesn't ‘Live in a Bubble' and Millions of Americans Aren't ‘Very Bright' (3:05) Dem Party Turns On Anti-War Democratic Primary Winner (2:16 to 5:28) Society is going to COLLAPSE -Neil Oliver ( 5:24) Fear Psychosis and the Cult of Safety – Why are People so Afraid? – Academy of Ideas (13:25) Study reveals the powerful pain-relieving properties of ashwagandha Nizam Institute of Medical Science (India), October 30, 2022 People experiencing knee joint pain and discomfort, particularly those with knee osteoarthritis, may find relief in an Ayurvedic medicine called ashwagandha(Withania somnifera). A study published in the Journal of Ayurveda and Integrative Medicine found that the root and leaf extracts of ashwagandha relieve knee pain and discomfort caused by osteoarthritis. In the search for safe and effective natural pain relief treatments, researchers from Nizam's Institute of Medical Sciences (NIMS) evaluated the efficacy and safety of the root and leaf extracts of ashwagandha in patients with knee joint pain and discomfort. Ashwagandha is known to contain analgesic, anti-inflammatory, and chondroprotective properties. In the study, the researchers recruited 60 patients with knee joint pain and discomfort. These participants received placebo capsules, 125 milligrams (mg) of ashwagandha extract, or 250 mg of ashwagandha extract twice a day for 12 weeks. The results revealed that participants who received doses of ashwagandha extracts experienced great reductions in pain, stiffness, and disability. Those who received the higher dose of ashwagandha, which was 250 mg, experienced even greater and faster effects than those who received the 125 mg dose. In addition, the ashwagandha treatment did not cause any side effect. Overall, both doses of ashwagandha extract caused significant reductions in pain, stiffness, and disability of patients in a dose-dependent manner without causing any side effect.Ashwagandha Root Supports Thyroid Hormone Levels Sudbhawana Hospital (India), October 31, 2022 Eight weeks of supplementation with Ashwagandha root extract were associated with normalization of the thyroid stimulating hormones (TSH), serum thyroxine (T4) and serum triiodothyronine (T3) in people with elevated TSH levels. “The results of the present study are in accordance with previous studies,” wrote the researchers in the Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine. “The results indicate a possible role for ashwagandha in regulating HPT axis. The anti-stress and cortisol-lowering effect of ashwagandha may provide a suitable explanation for the current outcome.” Ashwagandha has been used traditionally as an adaptogen to rejuvenate health, maintain homeostasis, sustain normal thyroid function and maintain hormonal balance in human body. However, very few modern published papers have reported ashwagandha's beneficial effects on thyroid function. This is the first clinical study that supports the traditional claim of ashwagandha as a thyroid modulator. The new double blind, randomized, placebo-controlled study involved 50 people with elevated TSH levels. So called subclinical hypothyroidism is described as a thyroid disorder with no obvious symptoms of thyroid deficiency. Participants were randomly assigned to receive either ashwagandha supplements (600mg daily) or placebo for eight weeks. Results showed that ashwagandha significantly improved serum TSH, serum T4 and serum T3 levels, achieving change toward normalization of 19%, 45% and 21% respectively. “The outcome of the present study highlights the beneficial role of ashwagandha root extract for normalizing thyroid hormone levels in subclinical hypothyroid patients; however, further studies are required to elucidate the underlying mechanisms of ashwagandha,” concluded the researchers. Enzyme in Broccoli, Cucumbers and Avocados Reverses Aging In Cells Washington University School of Medicine, October 31, 2022 Researchers have zeroed in on an enzyme — found in natural foods like broccoli and cucumbers — that can slow the chronic conditions that come with age. Scientists at Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis have shown that supplementing healthy mice with a natural compound called NMN can compensate for this loss of energy production, reducing typical signs of aging such as gradual weight gain, loss of insulin sensitivity and declines in physical activity. The compound, called nicotinamide mononucleotide (NMN), is involved in producing another compound that is critical for energy metabolism. When they gave normal aging mice infusions of NMN, they made more of that energy-fueling compound and some of the biological problems associated with aging went away. The NMN-treated animals did not gain as much weight, they were able to convert food into energy more efficiently, their blood sugar was better–even their eyesight improved. The mice receiving NMN were also able to prevent some of the genetic changes associated with aging. “We have shown a way to slow the physiologic decline that we see in aging mice,” said Shin-ichiro Imai, MD, PhD, a professor of developmental biology and of medicine. “This means older mice have metabolism and energy levels resembling that of younger mice. Since human cells rely on this same energy production process, we are hopeful this will translate into a method to help people remain healthier as they age.” With age, the body loses its capacity to make a key element of energy production called NAD (nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide). Past work by Imai and co-senior author Jun Yoshino, MD, PhD, an assistant professor of medicine, has shown that NAD levels decrease in multiple tissues as mice age. Past research also has shown that NAD is not effective when given directly to mice so the researchers sought an indirect method to boost its levels. To do so, they only had to look one step earlier in the NAD supply chain to the NMN compound. “It's clear that in humans and in rodents, we lose energy with age,” says Imai. “We are losing the enzyme NMN. But if we can bypass that process by adding NMN, we can make energy again. These results provide a very important foundation for the human studies.” “Even though NAD synthesis was stopped only in the fat tissue, we saw metabolic dysfunction throughout the body, including the skeletal muscle, the heart muscle, the liver and in measures of the blood lipids,” Yoshino said. “When we gave NMN to these mice, these dysfunctions were reversed. That means NAD in adipose tissue is a critical regulator of whole body metabolism.” Meta-analysis of the efficacy of acupuncture in the treatment of the vascular cognitive impairment associated with cerebral small vessel disease Guangzhou Medical University (China), November 5, 2022 To systematically evaluate the efficacy and safety of acupuncture in the treatment of the vascular cognitive impairment (VCI) associated with cerebral small vessel disease (CSVD–VCI) and to provide a theoretical basis for clinical acupuncture treatment for CSVD–VCI. Ten articles on RCTs were included, involving 761 patients, i.e., 381 in the acupuncture group and 380 in the control group. The meta-analysis results indicated that the use of acupuncture alone and acupuncture alongside other therapies for CSVD–VCI could improve the overall clinical response rate, increase the patients' Montreal Cognitive Assessment scores, and activities of daily living scores. Conclusion: Acupuncture alone and acupuncture alongside other therapies are superior to non-acupuncture-based therapies in the treatment of CSVD–VCI. However, due to the small number of relevant available articles and their general low quality, this conclusion may be biased. More clinical RCTs with a larger sample size and higher quality are needed to support this theory. Kids with vitamin D deficiency more likely to develop asthma: 10-year study Telethon Kids Institute (Australia), November 1, 2022 The findings, published in the Journal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology, showed repeated bouts of vitamin D deficiency in early childhood were linked to higher rates of asthma at aged 10, as well as allergy and eczema. The study also found that allergic immune responses were more common in children with low vitamin D in the first few years, while children with vitamin D deficiency at 6 months of age were more likely to experience two conditions previously associated with heightened asthma risk: increased colonisation of the upper airways by harmful bacteria and increased susceptibility to severe lower respiratory infections involving fever. “We know vitamin D plays an important role in regulating the immune system and promoting healthy lung development…But while it has been suggested that inadequate vitamin D may be a factor contributing to the surge in asthma rates over recent decades, previous studies investigating the relationship have yielded conflicting results. There has been a lack of research looking at whether vitamin D deficiency is more detrimental at certain periods in childhood.” The study tracked vitamin D levels from birth to asthma onset, and it had shown a clear link between prolonged vitamin D deficiency in early childhood and the development of asthma. The paper states that the children were assessed at birth and at clinical follow-ups at the ages of 0.5, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, and 10 years, and relationships with clinical outcomes were examined. “Vitamin D deficiency in early childhood is associated with increased risk for persistent asthma, potentially through modulating susceptibility to early allergic sensitization, upper respiratory tract colonization with bacterial pathogens, or both. These relationships are only evident if vitamin D status is monitored prospectively and longitudinally,” the study concluded. “Australia is one of the few developed countries that does not fortify its food supply with Vitamin D and therefore it may not be a coincidence that we have the highest rates of allergic disease, including food allergies, in the developed world. We believe that Vitamin D supplementation trials in infancy are essential to answer this important public health question,” she said. Boost Memory, Regenerate Neurons with This Ancient Plant GreenMedInfo, November 1st 2022 Considering the fact that gingko biloba is the oldest known tree in existence (deemed for this reason a “living fossil“), isn't it poetic how this plant has also been used to promote long life as both a food and medicine in traditional cultures as well? A 2006 paper published in the European Journal of Neurology described a 24-week randomized, placebo-controlled, double-blind study showing an extract of this plant was as clinically effective as the blockbuster donepezil for mild-to-moderate Alzheimer's disease You will find gingko has been studied to have value in over 100 different diseases, and has been identified to have at least 50 distinct beneficial physiological actions. Isn't this amazing? It has been known that gingko can stimulate brain-derived neutrophic factor (BDNF), a protein found in the brain and in the peripheral nervous system which is essential in the regulation, growth and survival of brain cells, and which is especially important for long-term memory. The ability to increase BDNF, therefore, implies it will improve brain and cognitive function. Only recently a new mechanism behind gingko biloba's brain and neurological tissue healing properties been revealed in the publication of an article in Cell and Molecular Neurobiology titled, “Ginkgo Biloba Extract Enhances Differentiation and Performance of Neural Stem Cells in Mouse Cochlea.” In the new study researchers tested the premise that ginkgo biloba's wide range of benefits in the treatment of neural damage and disorders is due, in part, to its ability to positively modulate neural stem cells (NSC), a subpopulation of cells within the brain that as multipotent cells are capable of generating the many different types (phenotypes) of cells that make up the brain. Their results, using mouse cochlea-derived neural stem cells, showed a number of ways that gingko biloba exact (GBE) resulted in a beneficial effect: “Our data showed that GBE treatment promotes cell survival and NSC proliferation. In addition, GBE treatment also increases NSC differentiation to neurons and enhances the performance of mature neural networks evident by the increased frequency of calcium oscillation. Moreover, neurite outgrowth is also dramatically increased upon GBE treatment. Overall, our study demonstrates the positive regulatory role of GBE in NSC proliferation and differentiation into functional neurons in vitro, supporting the potential therapeutic use of GBE in hearing loss recovery.” It is noted that neural stem cell stimulation and subsequent brain repair has also been observed in preclinical research with a little known component of turmeric known as ar-turmerone, which is found in whole turmeric but not in the increasingly popular 95% standardized curcumin extracts of turmeric.

The Gary Null Show - 08.17.22

The Gary Null Show

Play Episode Listen Later Aug 17, 2022 61:23

Episode 27: “The Psychiatry of COVID-19” A Conversation with Dr. Emanuel Garcia “BIGGEST Disaster in Medical History!” ~ Dr Charles Hoffe Gives Riveting Speech In Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada Kim Iversen: Proof IRS Expansion Of 87,000 New Agents Is Designed To Target Middle Class Americans Study: Regular consumption of citrus fruits can reduce dementia risk by 15% Tohoku University (Japan), August 4, 2022 Dementia continues to affect more people worldwide, and countries with aging populations like Japan are especially vulnerable. To address this matter, researchers from Tohoku University studied the health benefits of eating citrus fruits. According to the study findings, regular consumption of citrus fruits like oranges, grapefruits, lemons or limes could help reduce the risk of dementia among older adults by almost 15 percent. The research team hopes that the dietary approach could be both a simple and effective solution for dementia prevention. Findings from some cell and animal experiments have shown that citrus flavonoids can cross the blood-brain barrier and play a part in antioxidant and anti-inflammatory actions. Earlier studies suggest that this could help reverse and repair some forms of cellular damage. (next) Olive oil consumption found to reduce risk of death due to cancer, heart disease and Alzheimer's Harvard School of Public Health, August 14, 2022 According to a study, replacing butter or full-dairy fat with half a tablespoon or more of olive oil can help increase your chances of living longer. The study was conducted by experts from the Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health and published in the American Journal of Cardiology. The study revealed that people who used seven grams or more (at least half a tablespoon) of olive oil as a dressing or with bread had a reduced risk of dying from Alzheimer's disease, cancer, heart disease or respiratory disease compared to those who rarely or never consumed olive oil. Findings also showed that replacing 10 grams a day (about 3/4 tablespoons ) of butter, margarine, mayo or dairy fat with the same amount of olive oil was linked to an impressive eight to 34 percent lower risk of disease-related death. For the study, the researchers analyzed data from 60,582 healthy adult women and 31,801 healthy adult men from the Nurses' Health Study and the Health Professionals Follow-up Study. During the 28-year follow-up, the volunteers had a diet assessment every four years that asked them how often they consumed certain foods, fats and oils on average. The assessment also checked which brand or type of oils they used for cooking or at the table. (next) Cutting 1 gram from daily salt intake could ward off nearly 9 million cases of stroke/heart disease British Medical Journal, August 16, 2022 A modest cut of just 1 gram in daily salt intake could ward off nearly 9 million cases of heart disease and strokes and save 4 million lives by 2030, suggest the estimates of a modeling study published in the open access journal BMJ Nutrition Prevention & Health. Salt intake in China is one of the highest in the world, averaging 11 g/day—over twice the amount recommended by the Chinese government. High salt intake drives up blood pressure and therefore the risk of cardiovascular disease, which accounts for 40% of all deaths in China every year. The researchers set out to estimate the health gains that could be achieved by reducing salt intake across the nation, with the aim of helping to inform the development of a doable salt reduction program. Given that, on average, adults in China consume 11 g/day of salt, reducing this by 1 g/day should lower average systolic blood pressure by about 1.2 mmHg. And if this reduction were achieved in a year and sustained, some 9 million cases of heart disease and stroke could be prevented by 2030—4 million of them fatal. (next) Getting Adequate Amount Of Vitamin D Prevents Harmful Inflammation University of South Australia, August 7, 2022 A little bit of inflammation is integral to the human body's natural healing process. Chronic inflammation, however, can actually have the opposite effect. Constantly high levels increase one's risk of various serious diseases including but not limited to Type 2 diabetes, heart disease, and various autoimmune conditions. Now, a study by scientists at the University of South Australia reports a direct link between low levels of vitamin D and high levels of inflammation. This is the world's first ever genetic research project to focus on this topic. Study authors believe their work establishes an invaluable biomarker for identifying individuals at a higher risk of developing chronic illnesses with an inflammatory component. The research team used Mendelian randomization on the genetic data of 294 ,970 participants enrolled in the UK Biobank project. That analysis revealed a clear association between vitamin D and C-reactive protein levels, considered an indicator of inflammation. (next) Four Natural Options for Chronic Fatigue Syndrome GreenMedInfo, August 16th 2022 Chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS) is a complex long-term disorder affecting over 2 million Americans that is characterized by extreme fatigue and malaise that doesn't improve with rest.[i] A whopping 90% of chronic fatigue sufferers are undiagnosed[ii] and may find it difficult to carry on with normal activities such as work, school and household chores. At least 1 in 4 CFS patients are house-bound or bed-bound for long periods of time due to the disorder. While some studies demonstrate correlation between CFS and autoimmune system dysregulation,[v],[vi] the cause of CFS, also referred to as myalgic encephalomyelitis/chronic fatigue syndrome (ME/CFS), is still unknown. There is no known cure for CFS, with treatment generally focusing on symptom relief.We've identified four of the best natural options for chronic fatigue syndrome to provide safe, effective support to revitalize your body and spirit. Nicotinamide Adenine Dinucleotide (NADH) An essential element in the production of energy, nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NADH) is a coenzyme found in every cell in the human body. NADH is a critical factor in hundreds of metabolic processes, including healthy cell turnover (antiaging), converting food into energy and maintaining the integrity of DNA,[ix] an important factor in disease prevention. NADH has been studied extensively as a therapeutic for CFS, including a study comparing oral NADH with conventional therapy consisting of nutritional supplements and psychological therapy for a period of 24 months. To rule out specific comorbidities, immunological parameters and viral antibody titers were also evaluated at baseline and each trimester of therapy. Patients who received NADH had a dramatic and statistically significant reduction in symptoms during the first trimester.[x] Another trial on the stabilized oral form of NADH examined 26 qualified patients over a 12-week double-blind, placebo-controlled study. Subjects were randomized to receive either 10 milligrams (mg) of NADH or placebo for a four-week period, followed by a four-week “washout” period, after which subjects were switched to the alternate treatment for a final four-week period. Within this cohort of 26 subjects, eight patients, or 31%, responded favorably to NADH compared to just 8% (two patients) of the placebo group, with no severe adverse reactions related to treatment.[xi] Astragalus Astragalus is a traditional herbal remedy known for its adaptogenic qualities, meaning it can help protect the body from damage due to oxidative stress. A powerful antioxidant, astragalus is used to protect and support immunity, as a preventative against colds and upper respiratory tract infections, and to regulate healthy blood pressure, among other uses.[xii] Astragalus can even be applied topically for wound care thanks to antiviral properties. A 2009 study focused on the herbal formula Myelophil, a combination of two traditional medicinal plants, Astragalus membranaceus and Salvia miltiorrhiza, a member of the sage family. The Myelophil extract was given to the treatment cohort in either low- or high-dose groups of 3 or 6 grams of Myelophil daily. A control group was provided with a placebo and all groups were monitored for four weeks. Patients were surveyed for symptom severity and blood antibody arrays were taken to measure inflammatory cytokines, an important marker of disease symptoms. Results showed that even at low dosage (3 grams), Myelophil significantly decreased fatigue severity compared with placebo, though no changes in cytokine expression were noted.[xiii] Probiotics Probiotics have garnered the health spotlight in recent years, owing to their ability to support and protect the digestive tract. But probiotics can do more than improve gut health — they may also boost your brain and improve your mood. Brain fog is a key side effect of CFS and a potentially devastating one when it comes to impact on daily functioning. The same can be said for depression, another common hallmark of CFS. Studies reflecting the mood-boosting, clarity-producing effects of probiotics are cause for optimism for sufferers of chronic fatigue. A 2018 study in the journal Beneficial Microbes points to the role gut microbiota may play in CFS and fibromyalgia syndrome (FMS), which shares many features of CFS. A systematic review of studies was performed in this meta-analysis, encompassing randomized controlled trials and pilot studies of CFS or FMS conducted between 2006 and 2016. The administration of Lactobacillus casei for eight weeks was found to reduce anxiety scores, while treatment with Bifidobacterium infantis for the same period reduced inflammatory biomarkers.[xiv] Unhealthful intestinal ecology may play a role in CFS, as it plays a part in the health of the immune system. A 2009 study on probiotics' effects on energy level and symptomology for CFS patients found that, after four weeks of probiotic supplementation with strains of lactobacillus, acidophilus and Bifidobacterium, patients reported improved neurocognitive functions, though fatigue and physical activity scores were not significantly affected.[xv] Antioxidant Formulas Supplementing with antioxidants is another way to boost your body's defenses against the damaging effects of free radicals. By increasing the amount of antioxidant enzymes available to your cells, you may be able to prevent or even reverse the effects of oxidative stress that can cause systemic inflammation and fatigue. Oxidative stress as a factor in CFS was studied by researchers using a mouse model that stressed mice via chronic swimming. Mice treated with melatonin — a hormone with antioxidant effects — carvedilol — a medication that is 10 times more potent than vitamin E[xvi] — were observed to have significantly reduced immobilityperiods each day.[xvii] Similar results were observed when mice were administered an oral herbal compound (Withania somnifera (100 mg/kg), quercetin (50 mg/kg) and St. John's wort (10 mg/kg).)[xviii] These treatments further caused a significant reduction in lipid peroxidation, a sign of oxidative stress, and restored the GSH (glutathione) levels decreased by chronic swimming.[xix]

Sharing Accents with Veronica Rudan

Uncle Marv's Reunion Podcast

Play Episode Listen Later May 10, 2022 35:10

Did you know that Veronica was from Canada and not Serbia or Croatia? Listen to her journey from Canada to Miami to Satellite Beach. Sounds like a natural progression.===== Links for items mentioned in this show Check out Veronica's book, From Drugs to Distant HealingAshwagandha: Otherwise known as Withania somnifera, is often thought to be useful as a medicinal herb.

canada miami sharing croatia serbia accents withania satellite beach

A Superhero Herb for Body & Brain: KSM-66 Ashwagandha

Play Episode Listen Later Apr 19, 2022 28:19

Ashwagandha is an important herb used in the ancient Indian system of medicine known as Ayurveda to promote general health and well-being. In Ayurvedic practice, ashwagandha is classified as a Rasayana, which means an herb or preparation that rejuvenates, extends life, and promotes a youthful state of physical and mental health. Listen in to discover more about ashwagandha's incredible health benefits in general and a special potent “superhero” form known as KSM-66 ashwagandha. What Does Ashwagandha Do? Ashwagandha's superpower is that it is an adaptogen. Adaptogens are non-toxic therapies that normalize our bodily functions – both physical and mental – that are thrown out of balance when we are exposed to chronic, uncontrolled stress. They do so by correcting imbalances in the neuroendocrine and immune systems [2]. In short, adaptogens enhance our ability to cope with stress. There are more than 35 natural compounds in ashwagandha including alkaloids, steroidal lactones, saponins, and with anolides. These compounds have been shown to have anti-stress activity in multiple laboratory models of chronic stress and in some human studies as well [1-5]. Additionally, ashwagandha extracts as well as specific bioactive compounds present in this plant – primarily in the roots – have been shown to help: counter pain and joint swelling associated with arthritis boost various components of the immune system protect the brain and nervous system slow down or even kill abnormal cells enhance both male and female sexual desire and function What Is KSM-66 Ashwagandha? KSM-66 Ashwagandha is a high-concentration ashwagandha root extract manufactured and sold by Ixoreal Biomed, located in Hyderabad, India [6]. Ashwagandha KSM-66 is made solely from ashwagandha roots, which contain its main bioactive ingredients, without using any other parts that are considered to be less effective. A unique feature of KSM-66 ashwagandha is that it's standardized to a withanolide content of at least 5 percent. Withanolides are a group of around 300 naturally occurring steroid compounds, some of which are naturally present in ashwagandha. One example is Withaferin A, an anti-inflammatory compound that has also been shown to stop tumors from growing their own blood vessels, slowing down their growth, and perhaps even shrinking them. Last but not least, KSM-66 ashwagandha is produced by a unique extraction process, based on the principles of “green chemistry,” without using alcohol or any synthetic solvents. Let's take a closer look now at some of KSM-66 ashwagandha's benefits for health. What Too Much Cortisol Does to the Body Any stressful event in our lives causes our adrenal glands to produce cortisol, a steroid hormone that acts to control blood sugar levels, regulate metabolism, lower inflammation levels, influence memory formation, and manage salt and water balance [7]. The more stressed we are and the longer we're stressed, the more our adrenals respond by releasing cortisol into our bloodstream. Too much cortisol in the blood over a prolonged period of time can lead to: rapid weight gain high blood pressure osteoporosis muscle weakness mood swings anxiety, depression, or irritability increased thirst and frequency of urination [7] Ongoing high cortisol levels can also eventually cause a lack of sex drive in men. In women, periods typically become irregular, less frequent, or may even stop altogether (amenorrhea). How Can Ashwagandha Help Us Cope With Stress? To answer this question, a double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled trial was conducted to assess the safety and efficacy of KSM-66 ashwagandha (which, as mentioned above, is a high-concentration, full-spectrum ashwagandha root extract) in 64 adults [5]. After 60 days of treatment, the study authors observed a “substantial reduction” in four separate measures of stress in the study participants. KSM-66 ashwagandha also reduced levels of the hormone cortisol in the blood. By lowering cortisol, ashwagandha tones down the body's response to stressful situations, in effect “calming us down.” No serious adverse events were reported [5] and the study researchers concluded that: “High-concentration full-spectrum Ashwagandha root extract safely and effectively improves an individual's resistance towards stress and thereby improves self-assessed quality of life.” Similarly, in another randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study, 60 stressed but otherwise healthy adults were randomly assigned to take either a placebo or an ashwagandha root extract once daily for 2 months [8]. At the end of the study, participants given ashwagandha showed a significant reduction in their stress, anxiety, and depression scores. Once again, ashwagandha consumption was associated with a greater reduction in the levels of cortisol in the blood, when compared with placebo [8]. The Connection Between Stress and Obesity Chronic stress has been associated with many illnesses, including obesity. In a double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled trial, ashwagandha consumption was seen to lead to significant reductions in emotional and uncontrolled food cravings while also lowering cortisol, body weight, and body mass index (BMI) in 52 subjects subjected to chronic stress [9]. Indeed, laboratory experiments in mice have shown that one of the main active ingredients in ashwagandha known as Withaferin A can protect against obesity caused by a high-fat diet by reducing inflammation in the liver, oxidative stress, and insulin resistance [10]. These and other findings make it clear that ashwagandha is a powerful tool in our battle against ongoing stress, likely by regulating various specific aspects of our hypothalamus-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis. This is an interactive neuroendocrine system that plays a key role in maintaining our body's internal equilibrium, along with orchestrating our body's response to stress. Ashwagandha Benefits for Joint Pain Ashwagandha is a key ingredient in many Ayurvedic formulations prescribed for joint-related conditions such as osteoarthritis. Indeed, many research studies show that ashwagandha and its bioactive ingredients help to manage and reduce inflammation levels. For instance, in a double-blind, placebo-controlled cross-over clinical trial published in 1991, 42 patients with osteoarthritis were randomized to receive a formula containing ashwagandha, frankincense, turmeric, and zinc – or placebo – for three months [11]. Clinical efficacy was evaluated every 15 days in terms of severity of pain, morning stiffness, Ritchie articular index (a weighted score of tenderness and swelling in 53 joint groups, each scored on a 0-3 scale), joint score, disability score, and grip strength. Throughout the study, the herbal formula was seen to significantly reduce the severity of joint pain and disability. No significant adverse effects were reported. In another study, 86 patients with joint pain were given 5 grams of ashwagandha powder twice a day for three weeks with lukewarm water or milk [12]. Then these patients took another Ayurvedic preparation known as Sidh Makardhwaj – a formulation used in rheumatoid arthritis and neurological disorders – daily for the next four weeks. Treatment with ashwagandha and Sidh Makardhwaj for seven weeks led to significantly improved scores of joint swelling, tenderness, and pain, indicating that this combination treatment is likely to be beneficial in rheumatoid arthritis. Indeed, in laboratory experiments, an ashwagandha root extract was seen to reduce inflammation in knee cartilage taken from chronic osteoarthritis patients [13]. Ashwagandha for Boosting Endurance, Muscle Strength, and Recovery Ashwagandha has long had the reputation of being able to enhance cardiovascular endurance and physical performance. As stated earlier, consuming this herb is said to impart the strength and stamina of a horse [1]. In a prospective, double-blind, randomized, and placebo-controlled study, KSM-66 ashwagandha was shown to significantly boost cardiorespiratory endurance and improve self-reported quality of life (QOL) in 50 healthy male and female athletic adults [14]. In another randomized, prospective, double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical study, 57 young men with little previous experience in resistance training were randomized into treatment and placebo groups [15]. Participants in the treatment group consumed 300 mg of ashwagandha root extract twice daily, while those in the control group took starch placebos instead. Multiple measurements – including muscle strength, muscle size, body composition, testosterone levels, and muscle recovery – were made before the start of the study. Both groups then went through resistance training for 8 weeks and the measurements were repeated when they were done. Promisingly, the group of men taking ashwagandha root extract had significantly greater increases in muscle strength and arm muscle size relative to the placebo group. They also showed significantly less exercise-induced muscle damage, higher testosterone levels, and a greater reduction in body fat percentage. In other words, ashwagandha supplementation is associated with significant increases in muscle mass, strength, and recovery after exercise. In another randomized, double-blind strength and conditioning study known as the STAR trial, 500 mg of an extract of ashwagandha roots and leaves was consumed by recreationally active young men for 12 weeks [16]. Body composition, muscular strength, power, and endurance, cycling time trial, and blood chemistry were measured before and after the study. Consuming the ashwagandha extract was seen to improve upper and lower body strength and improve distribution of body mass in these men, once again without causing any serious adverse effects. Ashwagandha as an Immune System Enhancer Ashwagandha enhances immune function. In a small study, ashwagandha root extract was seen to activate multiple types of immune cells in the participants [17]. Similarly, a tea fortified with five herbs including ashwagandha was seen to activate so-called “natural killer” (NK) cells in not just one, but two independent double-blind intervention studies conducted in India on healthy volunteers [18]. NK cell activity is an important aspect of our body's early immune response to infections. Interestingly, in other situations, ashwagandha extracts have also been shown to suppress specific components of the immune system. For example, one of the characteristic features of rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is the continuous production of pro-inflammatory compounds known as cytokines in joint cavities, triggering inflammation and cartilage destruction. In laboratory experiments in rats, a root extract of ashwagandha was seen to suppress production of pro-inflammatory cytokines and reduce oxidative stress [19]. The Brain-Boosting Benefits of Ashwagandha Numerous laboratory studies show that ashwagandha – traditionally used in Ayurveda to boost intellect and memory – can slow, stop, and reverse damage to brain cells and may even help to reconstruct brain cell networks. For instance, ashwagandha extracts have been shown to promote nerve cell growth in culture [20]. Withanolide A, withanoside IV, and withanoside VI were identified as the bioactive compounds responsible. Ashwagandha extracts as well as specific bioactive compounds (e.g., withanolide A) have also been shown to protect nerve cells in culture against damage caused by various toxic agents [21]. Amazingly, the administration of withanoside IV for 21 days led to recovery in a rat model of spinal cord damage [20]. It is well known that toxic free radicals damage brain cells and contribute to both normal aging and aging-related health conditions. In a 2015 study, both ashwagandha extracts and a bioactive compound known as withanone were seen to protect nerve cells from oxidative damage [22]. Not surprisingly, ashwagandha has long been used in Ayurveda to enhance memory and improve mental faculties. In a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled pilot study, 50 adults suffering from mild cognitive impairment (MCI) – who are considered to be at a greater risk of developing dementia later in life – were treated with either 300 mg of KSM-66 ashwagandha twice daily or placebo for 8 weeks [23]. After 8 weeks, the ashwagandha KSM-66 group showed significant improvements in both their immediate or short-term as well as general memory, relative to the placebo group. The ashwagandha group also showed significant improvements in executive function, sustained attention, and information-processing abilities. Can Ashwagandha Even Help Protect Against Abnormal Cell Growth? Ashwagandha and other species of Withania are well known in folk medicine traditions for their anti-cancer properties and their extracts have been shown to be toxic for multiple types of cancer cells in laboratory experiments [24]. They appear to act by slowing down or even stopping cancer cell growth by inducing programmed cell death or “apoptosis.” As stated earlier, Withaferin A, an anti-inflammatory withanolide, has been shown to act as an anti-angiogenic. In other words, it can help stop tumors from growing their own blood vessels, slowing down their growth, or perhaps even shrinking them. As reported in the journal Biochemical Pharmacology in August 2019, growing evidence suggests that Withaferin A is very effective against cancer [25]. For instance, low response rate and recurrence are common issues in lung cancer. Withaferin A has been shown to exhibit potent toxicity against several lung cancer cell lines in laboratory experiments. Not only that, the combination of Withaferin A and chemotherapeutic drugs were shown to have additive effects on lung cancer cell survival [26]. Withaferin A has also been shown to be toxic for breast cancer and cervical cancer (HeLa) cells in laboratory experiments [27,28]. Similarly, other bioactive compounds in ashwagandha have also been shown to be toxic for cancer cells in laboratory experiments [29]. KSM-66 Ashwagandha's Impact on Libido and Infertility Ashwagandha root extract has been shown to enhance sexual desire and function in both men and women. For instance, ashwagandha has been described in Ayurvedic medicine as an aphrodisiac that can be used to treat male sexual dysfunction and infertility. In a pilot study conducted to evaluate the effects of ashwagandha in patients with a low sperm count (known as oligospermia), a total of 46 male patients were randomized either to treatment with KSM-66 Ashwagandha or placebo for 90 days [30]. At the end of the study, participants given KSM-66 ashwagandha showed a 167% increase in sperm count, a 53% increase in semen volume, and a 57% increase in sperm motility relative to baseline. In comparison, only minimal changes were seen in the placebo group. Further, a greater improvement in hormone levels was seen with KSM-66 ashwagandha. In other words, ashwagandha is likely to be very effective in treating oligospermia, which is a leading cause of male infertility. Similarly, a meta-analysis showed that ashwagandha significantly improved sperm concentration and sperm motility even in men with normal sperm parameters, without any adverse effects [31]. Ashwagandha has also been shown to enhance sexual function in women. At the Trupti Hospital and Santati Fertility Center located near Mumbai in India, 50 women were randomized to either ashwagandha treatment or placebo (300 mg twice daily) for 8 weeks [32]. In this study, ashwagandha supplementation was shown to lead to significantly higher scores in multiple markers of sexual desire and function. But Is Ashwagandha Safe? Ashwagandha root powder has been used in Ayurvedic medicine for centuries, and it is believed to be completely safe and free of any toxicity. Extracts of ashwagandha made using alcohol and water will likely contain higher doses of its natural ingredients, relative to raw powder. So far animal studies with such extracts have shown no evidence of toxicity, even at relatively high doses [33]. However, it is always advisable to take an herbal supplement only after consulting your healthcare provider, especially if you have any ongoing health conditions or if you're pregnant or breastfeeding. Organixx Turmeric 3D Contains KSM-66 Ashwagandha The Organixx Turmeric 3D formula has always contained ashwagandha extract. As part of our commitment to seeking out the cleanest and most effective supplement ingredients, we upgraded to KSM-66 Ashwagandha in 2019 – the most clinically studied ashwagandha on the market. KSM-66 is a full-spectrum extract produced using a unique proprietary extraction process, based on “Green Chemistry” principles, without using alcohol or any other chemical solvent. Resources: [1] An Overview on Ashwagandha: A Rasayana (Rejuvenator) of Ayurveda. [2] Scientific basis for the use of Indian ayurvedic medicinal plants in the treatment of neurodegenerative disorders: ashwagandha. [3] Scientific Basis for the Therapeutic Use of Withania somnifera (Ashwagandha): A Review. [4] Anti‐stress activity of sitoindosides VII and VIII, new acylsterylglucosides from Withania somnifera. [5] A prospective, randomized double-blind, placebo-controlled study of safety and efficacy of a high-concentration full-spectrum extract of ashwagandha root in reducing stress and anxiety in adults. [6] KSM-66 Ashwagandha Documentary [7] Society for Endocrinology: You and Your Hormones – Cortisol. [8] An investigation into the stress-relieving and pharmacological actions of an ashwagandha (Withania somnifera) extract: A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study. [9] Body Weight Management in Adults Under Chronic Stress Through Treatment With Ashwagandha Root Extract: A Double-Blind, Randomized, Placebo-Controlled Trial. [10] Withaferin A Protects Against High-Fat Diet-Induced Obesity Via Attenuation of Oxidative Stress, Inflammation, and Insulin Resistance. [11] Treatment of osteoarthritis with a herbomineral formulation: a double-blind, placebo-controlled, cross-over study. [12] Efficacy & safety evaluation of Ayurvedic treatment (Ashwagandha powder & Sidh Makardhwaj) in rheumatoid arthritis patients: a pilot prospective study. [13] The relationship between chondroprotective and antiinflammatory effects of Withania somnifera root and glucosamine sulphate on human osteoarthritic cartilage in vitro. [14] Efficacy of Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera [L.] Dunal) in improving cardiorespiratory endurance in healthy athletic adults. [15] Examining the effect of Withania somnifera supplementation on muscle strength and recovery: a randomized controlled trial. [16] Effects of an Aqueous Extract of Withania somnifera on Strength Training Adaptations and Recovery: The STAR Trial. [17] In vivo effects of Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera) extract on the activation of lymphocytes. [18] In vivo enhancement of natural killer cell activity through tea fortified with Ayurvedic herbs. [19] In vivo, Extract from Withania somnifera Root Ameliorates Arthritis via Regulation of Key Immune Mediators of Inflammation in Experimental Model of Arthritis. [20] Effects of Ashwagandha (roots of Withania somnifera) on neurodegenerative diseases. [21] Neuritic regeneration and synaptic reconstruction induced by withanolide A. [22] Combinations of Ashwagandha leaf extracts protect brain-derived cells against oxidative stress and induce differentiation. [23] Efficacy and Safety of Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera (L.) Dunal) Root Extract in Improving Memory and Cognitive Functions. [24] Medicinal Plants from Near East for Cancer Therapy. [25] Withaferin A: From ayurvedic folk medicine to preclinical anti-cancer drug. [26] Identification of Withaferin A as a Potential Candidate for Anti-Cancer Therapy in Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer. [27] Withaferin A inhibits expression of ataxia telangiectasia and Rad3-related kinase and enhances sensitivity of human breast cancer cells to cisplatin. [28] Subcritical water extraction of withanosides and withanolides from ashwagandha (Withania somnifera L) and their biological activities. [29] Cytotoxic Withanolides from the Roots of Indian Ginseng (Withania somnifera). [30] Clinical Evaluation of the Spermatogenic Activity of the Root Extract of Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera) in Oligospermic Males: A Pilot Study. [31] Withania somnifera (Indian ginseng) in male infertility: An evidence-based systematic review and meta-analysis. [32] Efficacy and Safety of Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera) Root Extract in Improving Sexual Function in Women: A Pilot Study. [33] Safety assessment of Withania somnifera extract standardized for Withaferin A: Acute and sub-acute toxicity study. KSM-66 Ashwagandha: A Superhero Herb for Body & Brain

A Superhero Herb for Body & Brain: KSM-66 Ashwagandha

Play Episode Listen Later Apr 19, 2022 28:23

Ashwagandha is an important herb used in the ancient Indian system of medicine known as Ayurveda to promote general health and well-being. In Ayurvedic practice, ashwagandha is classified as a Rasayana, which means an herb or preparation that rejuvenates, extends life, and promotes a youthful state of physical and mental health. Listen in to discover more about ashwagandha's incredible health benefits in general and a special potent “superhero” form known as KSM-66 ashwagandha. What Does Ashwagandha Do? Ashwagandha's superpower is that it is an adaptogen. Adaptogens are non-toxic therapies that normalize our bodily functions – both physical and mental – that are thrown out of balance when we are exposed to chronic, uncontrolled stress. They do so by correcting imbalances in the neuroendocrine and immune systems [2]. In short, adaptogens enhance our ability to cope with stress. There are more than 35 natural compounds in ashwagandha including alkaloids, steroidal lactones, saponins, and with anolides. These compounds have been shown to have anti-stress activity in multiple laboratory models of chronic stress and in some human studies as well [1-5]. Additionally, ashwagandha extracts as well as specific bioactive compounds present in this plant – primarily in the roots – have been shown to help: counter pain and joint swelling associated with arthritis boost various components of the immune system protect the brain and nervous system slow down or even kill abnormal cells enhance both male and female sexual desire and function What Is KSM-66 Ashwagandha? KSM-66 Ashwagandha is a high-concentration ashwagandha root extract manufactured and sold by Ixoreal Biomed, located in Hyderabad, India [6]. Ashwagandha KSM-66 is made solely from ashwagandha roots, which contain its main bioactive ingredients, without using any other parts that are considered to be less effective. A unique feature of KSM-66 ashwagandha is that it's standardized to a withanolide content of at least 5 percent. Withanolides are a group of around 300 naturally occurring steroid compounds, some of which are naturally present in ashwagandha. One example is Withaferin A, an anti-inflammatory compound that has also been shown to stop tumors from growing their own blood vessels, slowing down their growth, and perhaps even shrinking them. Last but not least, KSM-66 ashwagandha is produced by a unique extraction process, based on the principles of “green chemistry,” without using alcohol or any synthetic solvents. Let's take a closer look now at some of KSM-66 ashwagandha's benefits for health. What Too Much Cortisol Does to the Body Any stressful event in our lives causes our adrenal glands to produce cortisol, a steroid hormone that acts to control blood sugar levels, regulate metabolism, lower inflammation levels, influence memory formation, and manage salt and water balance [7]. The more stressed we are and the longer we're stressed, the more our adrenals respond by releasing cortisol into our bloodstream. Too much cortisol in the blood over a prolonged period of time can lead to: rapid weight gain high blood pressure osteoporosis muscle weakness mood swings anxiety, depression, or irritability increased thirst and frequency of urination [7] Ongoing high cortisol levels can also eventually cause a lack of sex drive in men. In women, periods typically become irregular, less frequent, or may even stop altogether (amenorrhea). How Can Ashwagandha Help Us Cope With Stress? To answer this question, a double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled trial was conducted to assess the safety and efficacy of KSM-66 ashwagandha (which, as mentioned above, is a high-concentration, full-spectrum ashwagandha root extract) in 64 adults [5]. After 60 days of treatment, the study authors observed a “substantial reduction” in four separate measures of stress in the study participants. KSM-66 ashwagandha also reduced levels of the hormone cortisol in the blood. By lowering cortisol, ashwagandha tones down the body's response to stressful situations, in effect “calming us down.” No serious adverse events were reported [5] and the study researchers concluded that: “High-concentration full-spectrum Ashwagandha root extract safely and effectively improves an individual's resistance towards stress and thereby improves self-assessed quality of life.” Similarly, in another randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study, 60 stressed but otherwise healthy adults were randomly assigned to take either a placebo or an ashwagandha root extract once daily for 2 months [8]. At the end of the study, participants given ashwagandha showed a significant reduction in their stress, anxiety, and depression scores. Once again, ashwagandha consumption was associated with a greater reduction in the levels of cortisol in the blood, when compared with placebo [8]. The Connection Between Stress and Obesity Chronic stress has been associated with many illnesses, including obesity. In a double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled trial, ashwagandha consumption was seen to lead to significant reductions in emotional and uncontrolled food cravings while also lowering cortisol, body weight, and body mass index (BMI) in 52 subjects subjected to chronic stress [9]. Indeed, laboratory experiments in mice have shown that one of the main active ingredients in ashwagandha known as Withaferin A can protect against obesity caused by a high-fat diet by reducing inflammation in the liver, oxidative stress, and insulin resistance [10]. These and other findings make it clear that ashwagandha is a powerful tool in our battle against ongoing stress, likely by regulating various specific aspects of our hypothalamus-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis. This is an interactive neuroendocrine system that plays a key role in maintaining our body's internal equilibrium, along with orchestrating our body's response to stress. Ashwagandha Benefits for Joint Pain Ashwagandha is a key ingredient in many Ayurvedic formulations prescribed for joint-related conditions such as osteoarthritis. Indeed, many research studies show that ashwagandha and its bioactive ingredients help to manage and reduce inflammation levels. For instance, in a double-blind, placebo-controlled cross-over clinical trial published in 1991, 42 patients with osteoarthritis were randomized to receive a formula containing ashwagandha, frankincense, turmeric, and zinc – or placebo – for three months [11]. Clinical efficacy was evaluated every 15 days in terms of severity of pain, morning stiffness, Ritchie articular index (a weighted score of tenderness and swelling in 53 joint groups, each scored on a 0-3 scale), joint score, disability score, and grip strength. Throughout the study, the herbal formula was seen to significantly reduce the severity of joint pain and disability. No significant adverse effects were reported. In another study, 86 patients with joint pain were given 5 grams of ashwagandha powder twice a day for three weeks with lukewarm water or milk [12]. Then these patients took another Ayurvedic preparation known as Sidh Makardhwaj – a formulation used in rheumatoid arthritis and neurological disorders – daily for the next four weeks. Treatment with ashwagandha and Sidh Makardhwaj for seven weeks led to significantly improved scores of joint swelling, tenderness, and pain, indicating that this combination treatment is likely to be beneficial in rheumatoid arthritis. Indeed, in laboratory experiments, an ashwagandha root extract was seen to reduce inflammation in knee cartilage taken from chronic osteoarthritis patients [13]. Ashwagandha for Boosting Endurance, Muscle Strength, and Recovery Ashwagandha has long had the reputation of being able to enhance cardiovascular endurance and physical performance. As stated earlier, consuming this herb is said to impart the strength and stamina of a horse [1]. In a prospective, double-blind, randomized, and placebo-controlled study, KSM-66 ashwagandha was shown to significantly boost cardiorespiratory endurance and improve self-reported quality of life (QOL) in 50 healthy male and female athletic adults [14]. In another randomized, prospective, double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical study, 57 young men with little previous experience in resistance training were randomized into treatment and placebo groups [15]. Participants in the treatment group consumed 300 mg of ashwagandha root extract twice daily, while those in the control group took starch placebos instead. Multiple measurements – including muscle strength, muscle size, body composition, testosterone levels, and muscle recovery – were made before the start of the study. Both groups then went through resistance training for 8 weeks and the measurements were repeated when they were done. Promisingly, the group of men taking ashwagandha root extract had significantly greater increases in muscle strength and arm muscle size relative to the placebo group. They also showed significantly less exercise-induced muscle damage, higher testosterone levels, and a greater reduction in body fat percentage. In other words, ashwagandha supplementation is associated with significant increases in muscle mass, strength, and recovery after exercise. In another randomized, double-blind strength and conditioning study known as the STAR trial, 500 mg of an extract of ashwagandha roots and leaves was consumed by recreationally active young men for 12 weeks [16]. Body composition, muscular strength, power, and endurance, cycling time trial, and blood chemistry were measured before and after the study. Consuming the ashwagandha extract was seen to improve upper and lower body strength and improve distribution of body mass in these men, once again without causing any serious adverse effects. Ashwagandha as an Immune System Enhancer Ashwagandha enhances immune function. In a small study, ashwagandha root extract was seen to activate multiple types of immune cells in the participants [17]. Similarly, a tea fortified with five herbs including ashwagandha was seen to activate so-called “natural killer” (NK) cells in not just one, but two independent double-blind intervention studies conducted in India on healthy volunteers [18]. NK cell activity is an important aspect of our body's early immune response to infections. Interestingly, in other situations, ashwagandha extracts have also been shown to suppress specific components of the immune system. For example, one of the characteristic features of rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is the continuous production of pro-inflammatory compounds known as cytokines in joint cavities, triggering inflammation and cartilage destruction. In laboratory experiments in rats, a root extract of ashwagandha was seen to suppress production of pro-inflammatory cytokines and reduce oxidative stress [19]. The Brain-Boosting Benefits of Ashwagandha Numerous laboratory studies show that ashwagandha – traditionally used in Ayurveda to boost intellect and memory – can slow, stop, and reverse damage to brain cells and may even help to reconstruct brain cell networks. For instance, ashwagandha extracts have been shown to promote nerve cell growth in culture [20]. Withanolide A, withanoside IV, and withanoside VI were identified as the bioactive compounds responsible. Ashwagandha extracts as well as specific bioactive compounds (e.g., withanolide A) have also been shown to protect nerve cells in culture against damage caused by various toxic agents [21]. Amazingly, the administration of withanoside IV for 21 days led to recovery in a rat model of spinal cord damage [20]. It is well known that toxic free radicals damage brain cells and contribute to both normal aging and aging-related health conditions. In a 2015 study, both ashwagandha extracts and a bioactive compound known as withanone were seen to protect nerve cells from oxidative damage [22]. Not surprisingly, ashwagandha has long been used in Ayurveda to enhance memory and improve mental faculties. In a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled pilot study, 50 adults suffering from mild cognitive impairment (MCI) – who are considered to be at a greater risk of developing dementia later in life – were treated with either 300 mg of KSM-66 ashwagandha twice daily or placebo for 8 weeks [23]. After 8 weeks, the ashwagandha KSM-66 group showed significant improvements in both their immediate or short-term as well as general memory, relative to the placebo group. The ashwagandha group also showed significant improvements in executive function, sustained attention, and information-processing abilities. Can Ashwagandha Even Help Protect Against Abnormal Cell Growth? Ashwagandha and other species of Withania are well known in folk medicine traditions for their anti-cancer properties and their extracts have been shown to be toxic for multiple types of cancer cells in laboratory experiments [24]. They appear to act by slowing down or even stopping cancer cell growth by inducing programmed cell death or “apoptosis.” As stated earlier, Withaferin A, an anti-inflammatory withanolide, has been shown to act as an anti-angiogenic. In other words, it can help stop tumors from growing their own blood vessels, slowing down their growth, or perhaps even shrinking them. As reported in the journal Biochemical Pharmacology in August 2019, growing evidence suggests that Withaferin A is very effective against cancer [25]. For instance, low response rate and recurrence are common issues in lung cancer. Withaferin A has been shown to exhibit potent toxicity against several lung cancer cell lines in laboratory experiments. Not only that, the combination of Withaferin A and chemotherapeutic drugs were shown to have additive effects on lung cancer cell survival [26]. Withaferin A has also been shown to be toxic for breast cancer and cervical cancer (HeLa) cells in laboratory experiments [27,28]. Similarly, other bioactive compounds in ashwagandha have also been shown to be toxic for cancer cells in laboratory experiments [29]. KSM-66 Ashwagandha's Impact on Libido and Infertility Ashwagandha root extract has been shown to enhance sexual desire and function in both men and women. For instance, ashwagandha has been described in Ayurvedic medicine as an aphrodisiac that can be used to treat male sexual dysfunction and infertility. In a pilot study conducted to evaluate the effects of ashwagandha in patients with a low sperm count (known as oligospermia), a total of 46 male patients were randomized either to treatment with KSM-66 Ashwagandha or placebo for 90 days [30]. At the end of the study, participants given KSM-66 ashwagandha showed a 167% increase in sperm count, a 53% increase in semen volume, and a 57% increase in sperm motility relative to baseline. In comparison, only minimal changes were seen in the placebo group. Further, a greater improvement in hormone levels was seen with KSM-66 ashwagandha. In other words, ashwagandha is likely to be very effective in treating oligospermia, which is a leading cause of male infertility. Similarly, a meta-analysis showed that ashwagandha significantly improved sperm concentration and sperm motility even in men with normal sperm parameters, without any adverse effects [31]. Ashwagandha has also been shown to enhance sexual function in women. At the Trupti Hospital and Santati Fertility Center located near Mumbai in India, 50 women were randomized to either ashwagandha treatment or placebo (300 mg twice daily) for 8 weeks [32]. In this study, ashwagandha supplementation was shown to lead to significantly higher scores in multiple markers of sexual desire and function. But Is Ashwagandha Safe? Ashwagandha root powder has been used in Ayurvedic medicine for centuries, and it is believed to be completely safe and free of any toxicity. Extracts of ashwagandha made using alcohol and water will likely contain higher doses of its natural ingredients, relative to raw powder. So far animal studies with such extracts have shown no evidence of toxicity, even at relatively high doses [33]. However, it is always advisable to take an herbal supplement only after consulting your healthcare provider, especially if you have any ongoing health conditions or if you're pregnant or breastfeeding. Organixx Turmeric 3D Contains KSM-66 Ashwagandha The Organixx Turmeric 3D formula has always contained ashwagandha extract. As part of our commitment to seeking out the cleanest and most effective supplement ingredients, we upgraded to KSM-66 Ashwagandha in 2019 – the most clinically studied ashwagandha on the market. KSM-66 is a full-spectrum extract produced using a unique proprietary extraction process, based on “Green Chemistry” principles, without using alcohol or any other chemical solvent. Resources: [1] An Overview on Ashwagandha: A Rasayana (Rejuvenator) of Ayurveda. [2] Scientific basis for the use of Indian ayurvedic medicinal plants in the treatment of neurodegenerative disorders: ashwagandha. [3] Scientific Basis for the Therapeutic Use of Withania somnifera (Ashwagandha): A Review. [4] Anti‐stress activity of sitoindosides VII and VIII, new acylsterylglucosides from Withania somnifera. [5] A prospective, randomized double-blind, placebo-controlled study of safety and efficacy of a high-concentration full-spectrum extract of ashwagandha root in reducing stress and anxiety in adults. [6] KSM-66 Ashwagandha Documentary [7] Society for Endocrinology: You and Your Hormones – Cortisol. [8] An investigation into the stress-relieving and pharmacological actions of an ashwagandha (Withania somnifera) extract: A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study. [9] Body Weight Management in Adults Under Chronic Stress Through Treatment With Ashwagandha Root Extract: A Double-Blind, Randomized, Placebo-Controlled Trial. [10] Withaferin A Protects Against High-Fat Diet-Induced Obesity Via Attenuation of Oxidative Stress, Inflammation, and Insulin Resistance. [11] Treatment of osteoarthritis with a herbomineral formulation: a double-blind, placebo-controlled, cross-over study. [12] Efficacy & safety evaluation of Ayurvedic treatment (Ashwagandha powder & Sidh Makardhwaj) in rheumatoid arthritis patients: a pilot prospective study. [13] The relationship between chondroprotective and antiinflammatory effects of Withania somnifera root and glucosamine sulphate on human osteoarthritic cartilage in vitro. [14] Efficacy of Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera [L.] Dunal) in improving cardiorespiratory endurance in healthy athletic adults. [15] Examining the effect of Withania somnifera supplementation on muscle strength and recovery: a randomized controlled trial. [16] Effects of an Aqueous Extract of Withania somnifera on Strength Training Adaptations and Recovery: The STAR Trial. [17] In vivo effects of Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera) extract on the activation of lymphocytes. [18] In vivo enhancement of natural killer cell activity through tea fortified with Ayurvedic herbs. [19] In vivo, Extract from Withania somnifera Root Ameliorates Arthritis via Regulation of Key Immune Mediators of Inflammation in Experimental Model of Arthritis. [20] Effects of Ashwagandha (roots of Withania somnifera) on neurodegenerative diseases. [21] Neuritic regeneration and synaptic reconstruction induced by withanolide A. [22] Combinations of Ashwagandha leaf extracts protect brain-derived cells against oxidative stress and induce differentiation. [23] Efficacy and Safety of Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera (L.) Dunal) Root Extract in Improving Memory and Cognitive Functions. [24] Medicinal Plants from Near East for Cancer Therapy. [25] Withaferin A: From ayurvedic folk medicine to preclinical anti-cancer drug. [26] Identification of Withaferin A as a Potential Candidate for Anti-Cancer Therapy in Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer. [27] Withaferin A inhibits expression of ataxia telangiectasia and Rad3-related kinase and enhances sensitivity of human breast cancer cells to cisplatin. [28] Subcritical water extraction of withanosides and withanolides from ashwagandha (Withania somnifera L) and their biological activities. [29] Cytotoxic Withanolides from the Roots of Indian Ginseng (Withania somnifera). [30] Clinical Evaluation of the Spermatogenic Activity of the Root Extract of Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera) in Oligospermic Males: A Pilot Study. [31] Withania somnifera (Indian ginseng) in male infertility: An evidence-based systematic review and meta-analysis. [32] Efficacy and Safety of Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera) Root Extract in Improving Sexual Function in Women: A Pilot Study. [33] Safety assessment of Withania somnifera extract standardized for Withaferin A: Acute and sub-acute toxicity study. KSM-66 Ashwagandha: A Superhero Herb for Body & Brain

A Superhero Herb for Body & Brain: KSM-66 Ashwagandha

Play Episode Listen Later Jan 18, 2022 28:23

Ashwagandha is an important herb used in the ancient Indian system of medicine known as Ayurveda to promote general health and well-being. In Ayurvedic practice, ashwagandha is classified as a Rasayana, which means an herb or preparation that rejuvenates, extends life, and promotes a youthful state of physical and mental health. Listen in to discover more about ashwagandha's incredible health benefits in general and a special potent “superhero” form known as KSM-66 ashwagandha. What Does Ashwagandha Do? Ashwagandha's superpower is that it is an adaptogen. Adaptogens are non-toxic therapies that normalize our bodily functions – both physical and mental – that are thrown out of balance when we are exposed to chronic, uncontrolled stress. They do so by correcting imbalances in the neuroendocrine and immune systems [2]. In short, adaptogens enhance our ability to cope with stress. There are more than 35 natural compounds in ashwagandha including alkaloids, steroidal lactones, saponins, and with anolides. These compounds have been shown to have anti-stress activity in multiple laboratory models of chronic stress and in some human studies as well [1-5]. Additionally, ashwagandha extracts as well as specific bioactive compounds present in this plant – primarily in the roots – have been shown to help: counter pain and joint swelling associated with arthritis boost various components of the immune system protect the brain and nervous system slow down or even kill abnormal cells enhance both male and female sexual desire and function What Is KSM-66 Ashwagandha? KSM-66 Ashwagandha is a high-concentration ashwagandha root extract manufactured and sold by Ixoreal Biomed, located in Hyderabad, India [6]. Ashwagandha KSM-66 is made solely from ashwagandha roots, which contain its main bioactive ingredients, without using any other parts that are considered to be less effective. A unique feature of KSM-66 ashwagandha is that it's standardized to a withanolide content of at least 5 percent. Withanolides are a group of around 300 naturally occurring steroid compounds, some of which are naturally present in ashwagandha. One example is Withaferin A, an anti-inflammatory compound that has also been shown to stop tumors from growing their own blood vessels, slowing down their growth, and perhaps even shrinking them. Last but not least, KSM-66 ashwagandha is produced by a unique extraction process, based on the principles of “green chemistry,” without using alcohol or any synthetic solvents. Let's take a closer look now at some of KSM-66 ashwagandha's benefits for health. What Too Much Cortisol Does to the Body Any stressful event in our lives causes our adrenal glands to produce cortisol, a steroid hormone that acts to control blood sugar levels, regulate metabolism, lower inflammation levels, influence memory formation, and manage salt and water balance [7]. The more stressed we are and the longer we're stressed, the more our adrenals respond by releasing cortisol into our bloodstream. Too much cortisol in the blood over a prolonged period of time can lead to: rapid weight gain high blood pressure osteoporosis muscle weakness mood swings anxiety, depression, or irritability increased thirst and frequency of urination [7] Ongoing high cortisol levels can also eventually cause a lack of sex drive in men. In women, periods typically become irregular, less frequent, or may even stop altogether (amenorrhea). How Can Ashwagandha Help Us Cope With Stress? To answer this question, a double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled trial was conducted to assess the safety and efficacy of KSM-66 ashwagandha (which, as mentioned above, is a high-concentration, full-spectrum ashwagandha root extract) in 64 adults [5]. After 60 days of treatment, the study authors observed a “substantial reduction” in four separate measures of stress in the study participants. KSM-66 ashwagandha also reduced levels of the hormone cortisol in the blood. By lowering cortisol, ashwagandha tones down the body's response to stressful situations, in effect “calming us down.” No serious adverse events were reported [5] and the study researchers concluded that: “High-concentration full-spectrum Ashwagandha root extract safely and effectively improves an individual's resistance towards stress and thereby improves self-assessed quality of life.” Similarly, in another randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study, 60 stressed but otherwise healthy adults were randomly assigned to take either a placebo or an ashwagandha root extract once daily for 2 months [8]. At the end of the study, participants given ashwagandha showed a significant reduction in their stress, anxiety, and depression scores. Once again, ashwagandha consumption was associated with a greater reduction in the levels of cortisol in the blood, when compared with placebo [8]. The Connection Between Stress and Obesity Chronic stress has been associated with many illnesses, including obesity. In a double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled trial, ashwagandha consumption was seen to lead to significant reductions in emotional and uncontrolled food cravings while also lowering cortisol, body weight, and body mass index (BMI) in 52 subjects subjected to chronic stress [9]. Indeed, laboratory experiments in mice have shown that one of the main active ingredients in ashwagandha known as Withaferin A can protect against obesity caused by a high-fat diet by reducing inflammation in the liver, oxidative stress, and insulin resistance [10]. These and other findings make it clear that ashwagandha is a powerful tool in our battle against ongoing stress, likely by regulating various specific aspects of our hypothalamus-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis. This is an interactive neuroendocrine system that plays a key role in maintaining our body's internal equilibrium, along with orchestrating our body's response to stress. Ashwagandha Benefits for Joint Pain Ashwagandha is a key ingredient in many Ayurvedic formulations prescribed for joint-related conditions such as osteoarthritis. Indeed, many research studies show that ashwagandha and its bioactive ingredients help to manage and reduce inflammation levels. For instance, in a double-blind, placebo-controlled cross-over clinical trial published in 1991, 42 patients with osteoarthritis were randomized to receive a formula containing ashwagandha, frankincense, turmeric, and zinc – or placebo – for three months [11]. Clinical efficacy was evaluated every 15 days in terms of severity of pain, morning stiffness, Ritchie articular index (a weighted score of tenderness and swelling in 53 joint groups, each scored on a 0-3 scale), joint score, disability score, and grip strength. Throughout the study, the herbal formula was seen to significantly reduce the severity of joint pain and disability. No significant adverse effects were reported. In another study, 86 patients with joint pain were given 5 grams of ashwagandha powder twice a day for three weeks with lukewarm water or milk [12]. Then these patients took another Ayurvedic preparation known as Sidh Makardhwaj – a formulation used in rheumatoid arthritis and neurological disorders – daily for the next four weeks. Treatment with ashwagandha and Sidh Makardhwaj for seven weeks led to significantly improved scores of joint swelling, tenderness, and pain, indicating that this combination treatment is likely to be beneficial in rheumatoid arthritis. Indeed, in laboratory experiments, an ashwagandha root extract was seen to reduce inflammation in knee cartilage taken from chronic osteoarthritis patients [13]. Ashwagandha for Boosting Endurance, Muscle Strength, and Recovery Ashwagandha has long had the reputation of being able to enhance cardiovascular endurance and physical performance. As stated earlier, consuming this herb is said to impart the strength and stamina of a horse [1]. In a prospective, double-blind, randomized, and placebo-controlled study, KSM-66 ashwagandha was shown to significantly boost cardiorespiratory endurance and improve self-reported quality of life (QOL) in 50 healthy male and female athletic adults [14]. In another randomized, prospective, double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical study, 57 young men with little previous experience in resistance training were randomized into treatment and placebo groups [15]. Participants in the treatment group consumed 300 mg of ashwagandha root extract twice daily, while those in the control group took starch placebos instead. Multiple measurements – including muscle strength, muscle size, body composition, testosterone levels, and muscle recovery – were made before the start of the study. Both groups then went through resistance training for 8 weeks and the measurements were repeated when they were done. Promisingly, the group of men taking ashwagandha root extract had significantly greater increases in muscle strength and arm muscle size relative to the placebo group. They also showed significantly less exercise-induced muscle damage, higher testosterone levels, and a greater reduction in body fat percentage. In other words, ashwagandha supplementation is associated with significant increases in muscle mass, strength, and recovery after exercise. In another randomized, double-blind strength and conditioning study known as the STAR trial, 500 mg of an extract of ashwagandha roots and leaves was consumed by recreationally active young men for 12 weeks [16]. Body composition, muscular strength, power, and endurance, cycling time trial, and blood chemistry were measured before and after the study. Consuming the ashwagandha extract was seen to improve upper and lower body strength and improve distribution of body mass in these men, once again without causing any serious adverse effects. Ashwagandha as an Immune System Enhancer Ashwagandha enhances immune function. In a small study, ashwagandha root extract was seen to activate multiple types of immune cells in the participants [17]. Similarly, a tea fortified with five herbs including ashwagandha was seen to activate so-called “natural killer” (NK) cells in not just one, but two independent double-blind intervention studies conducted in India on healthy volunteers [18]. NK cell activity is an important aspect of our body's early immune response to infections. Interestingly, in other situations, ashwagandha extracts have also been shown to suppress specific components of the immune system. For example, one of the characteristic features of rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is the continuous production of pro-inflammatory compounds known as cytokines in joint cavities, triggering inflammation and cartilage destruction. In laboratory experiments in rats, a root extract of ashwagandha was seen to suppress production of pro-inflammatory cytokines and reduce oxidative stress [19]. The Brain-Boosting Benefits of Ashwagandha Numerous laboratory studies show that ashwagandha – traditionally used in Ayurveda to boost intellect and memory – can slow, stop, and reverse damage to brain cells and may even help to reconstruct brain cell networks. For instance, ashwagandha extracts have been shown to promote nerve cell growth in culture [20]. Withanolide A, withanoside IV, and withanoside VI were identified as the bioactive compounds responsible. Ashwagandha extracts as well as specific bioactive compounds (e.g., withanolide A) have also been shown to protect nerve cells in culture against damage caused by various toxic agents [21]. Amazingly, the administration of withanoside IV for 21 days led to recovery in a rat model of spinal cord damage [20]. It is well known that toxic free radicals damage brain cells and contribute to both normal aging and aging-related health conditions. In a 2015 study, both ashwagandha extracts and a bioactive compound known as withanone were seen to protect nerve cells from oxidative damage [22]. Not surprisingly, ashwagandha has long been used in Ayurveda to enhance memory and improve mental faculties. In a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled pilot study, 50 adults suffering from mild cognitive impairment (MCI) – who are considered to be at a greater risk of developing dementia later in life – were treated with either 300 mg of KSM-66 ashwagandha twice daily or placebo for 8 weeks [23]. After 8 weeks, the ashwagandha KSM-66 group showed significant improvements in both their immediate or short-term as well as general memory, relative to the placebo group. The ashwagandha group also showed significant improvements in executive function, sustained attention, and information-processing abilities. Can Ashwagandha Even Help Protect Against Abnormal Cell Growth? Ashwagandha and other species of Withania are well known in folk medicine traditions for their anti-cancer properties and their extracts have been shown to be toxic for multiple types of cancer cells in laboratory experiments [24]. They appear to act by slowing down or even stopping cancer cell growth by inducing programmed cell death or “apoptosis.” As stated earlier, Withaferin A, an anti-inflammatory withanolide, has been shown to act as an anti-angiogenic. In other words, it can help stop tumors from growing their own blood vessels, slowing down their growth, or perhaps even shrinking them. As reported in the journal Biochemical Pharmacology in August 2019, growing evidence suggests that Withaferin A is very effective against cancer [25]. For instance, low response rate and recurrence are common issues in lung cancer. Withaferin A has been shown to exhibit potent toxicity against several lung cancer cell lines in laboratory experiments. Not only that, the combination of Withaferin A and chemotherapeutic drugs were shown to have additive effects on lung cancer cell survival [26]. Withaferin A has also been shown to be toxic for breast cancer and cervical cancer (HeLa) cells in laboratory experiments [27,28]. Similarly, other bioactive compounds in ashwagandha have also been shown to be toxic for cancer cells in laboratory experiments [29]. KSM-66 Ashwagandha's Impact on Libido and Infertility Ashwagandha root extract has been shown to enhance sexual desire and function in both men and women. For instance, ashwagandha has been described in Ayurvedic medicine as an aphrodisiac that can be used to treat male sexual dysfunction and infertility. In a pilot study conducted to evaluate the effects of ashwagandha in patients with a low sperm count (known as oligospermia), a total of 46 male patients were randomized either to treatment with KSM-66 Ashwagandha or placebo for 90 days [30]. At the end of the study, participants given KSM-66 ashwagandha showed a 167% increase in sperm count, a 53% increase in semen volume, and a 57% increase in sperm motility relative to baseline. In comparison, only minimal changes were seen in the placebo group. Further, a greater improvement in hormone levels was seen with KSM-66 ashwagandha. In other words, ashwagandha is likely to be very effective in treating oligospermia, which is a leading cause of male infertility. Similarly, a meta-analysis showed that ashwagandha significantly improved sperm concentration and sperm motility even in men with normal sperm parameters, without any adverse effects [31]. Ashwagandha has also been shown to enhance sexual function in women. At the Trupti Hospital and Santati Fertility Center located near Mumbai in India, 50 women were randomized to either ashwagandha treatment or placebo (300 mg twice daily) for 8 weeks [32]. In this study, ashwagandha supplementation was shown to lead to significantly higher scores in multiple markers of sexual desire and function. But Is Ashwagandha Safe? Ashwagandha root powder has been used in Ayurvedic medicine for centuries, and it is believed to be completely safe and free of any toxicity. Extracts of ashwagandha made using alcohol and water will likely contain higher doses of its natural ingredients, relative to raw powder. So far animal studies with such extracts have shown no evidence of toxicity, even at relatively high doses [33]. However, it is always advisable to take an herbal supplement only after consulting your healthcare provider, especially if you have any ongoing health conditions or if you're pregnant or breastfeeding. Organixx Turmeric 3D Contains KSM-66 Ashwagandha The Organixx Turmeric 3D formula has always contained ashwagandha extract. As part of our commitment to seeking out the cleanest and most effective supplement ingredients, we upgraded to KSM-66 Ashwagandha in 2019 – the most clinically studied ashwagandha on the market. KSM-66 is a full-spectrum extract produced using a unique proprietary extraction process, based on “Green Chemistry” principles, without using alcohol or any other chemical solvent. RESOURCES: [1] An Overview on Ashwagandha: A Rasayana (Rejuvenator) of Ayurveda. [2] Scientific basis for the use of Indian ayurvedic medicinal plants in the treatment of neurodegenerative disorders: ashwagandha. [3] Scientific Basis for the Therapeutic Use of Withania somnifera (Ashwagandha): A Review. [4] Anti‐stress activity of sitoindosides VII and VIII, new acylsterylglucosides from Withania somnifera. [5] A prospective, randomized double-blind, placebo-controlled study of safety and efficacy of a high-concentration full-spectrum extract of ashwagandha root in reducing stress and anxiety in adults. [6] KSM-66 Ashwagandha Documentary [7] Society for Endocrinology: You and Your Hormones – Cortisol. [8] An investigation into the stress-relieving and pharmacological actions of an ashwagandha (Withania somnifera) extract: A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study. [9] Body Weight Management in Adults Under Chronic Stress Through Treatment With Ashwagandha Root Extract: A Double-Blind, Randomized, Placebo-Controlled Trial. [10] Withaferin A Protects Against High-Fat Diet-Induced Obesity Via Attenuation of Oxidative Stress, Inflammation, and Insulin Resistance. [11] Treatment of osteoarthritis with a herbomineral formulation: a double-blind, placebo-controlled, cross-over study. [12] Efficacy & safety evaluation of Ayurvedic treatment (Ashwagandha powder & Sidh Makardhwaj) in rheumatoid arthritis patients: a pilot prospective study. [13] The relationship between chondroprotective and antiinflammatory effects of Withania somnifera root and glucosamine sulphate on human osteoarthritic cartilage in vitro. [14] Efficacy of Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera [L.] Dunal) in improving cardiorespiratory endurance in healthy athletic adults. [15] Examining the effect of Withania somnifera supplementation on muscle strength and recovery: a randomized controlled trial. [16] Effects of an Aqueous Extract of Withania somnifera on Strength Training Adaptations and Recovery: The STAR Trial. [17] In vivo effects of Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera) extract on the activation of lymphocytes. [18] In vivo enhancement of natural killer cell activity through tea fortified with Ayurvedic herbs. [19] In vivo, Extract from Withania somnifera Root Ameliorates Arthritis via Regulation of Key Immune Mediators of Inflammation in Experimental Model of Arthritis. [20] Effects of Ashwagandha (roots of Withania somnifera) on neurodegenerative diseases. [21] Neuritic regeneration and synaptic reconstruction induced by withanolide A. [22] Combinations of Ashwagandha leaf extracts protect brain-derived cells against oxidative stress and induce differentiation. [23] Efficacy and Safety of Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera (L.) Dunal) Root Extract in Improving Memory and Cognitive Functions. [24] Medicinal Plants from Near East for Cancer Therapy. [25] Withaferin A: From ayurvedic folk medicine to preclinical anti-cancer drug. [26] Identification of Withaferin A as a Potential Candidate for Anti-Cancer Therapy in Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer. [27] Withaferin A inhibits expression of ataxia telangiectasia and Rad3-related kinase and enhances sensitivity of human breast cancer cells to cisplatin. [28] Subcritical water extraction of withanosides and withanolides from ashwagandha (Withania somnifera L) and their biological activities. [29] Cytotoxic Withanolides from the Roots of Indian Ginseng (Withania somnifera). [30] Clinical Evaluation of the Spermatogenic Activity of the Root Extract of Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera) in Oligospermic Males: A Pilot Study. [31] Withania somnifera (Indian ginseng) in male infertility: An evidence-based systematic review and meta-analysis. [32] Efficacy and Safety of Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera) Root Extract in Improving Sexual Function in Women: A Pilot Study. [33] Safety assessment of Withania somnifera extract standardized for Withaferin A: Acute and sub-acute toxicity study. KSM-66 Ashwagandha: A Superhero Herb for Body & Brain

A Superhero Herb for Body & Brain: KSM-66 Ashwagandha

mental health anxiety stress nature meditation depression dna coping stress management subjects cognition extract manage stress behavioural prolonged healthy ways rhodiola placebo controlled withania

Play Episode Listen Later Jan 18, 2022 28:19

Ashwagandha is an important herb used in the ancient Indian system of medicine known as Ayurveda to promote general health and well-being. In Ayurvedic practice, ashwagandha is classified as a Rasayana, which means an herb or preparation that rejuvenates, extends life, and promotes a youthful state of physical and mental health. Listen in to discover more about ashwagandha's incredible health benefits in general and a special potent “superhero” form known as KSM-66 ashwagandha. What Does Ashwagandha Do? Ashwagandha's superpower is that it is an adaptogen. Adaptogens are non-toxic therapies that normalize our bodily functions – both physical and mental – that are thrown out of balance when we are exposed to chronic, uncontrolled stress. They do so by correcting imbalances in the neuroendocrine and immune systems [2]. In short, adaptogens enhance our ability to cope with stress. There are more than 35 natural compounds in ashwagandha including alkaloids, steroidal lactones, saponins, and with anolides. These compounds have been shown to have anti-stress activity in multiple laboratory models of chronic stress and in some human studies as well [1-5]. Additionally, ashwagandha extracts as well as specific bioactive compounds present in this plant – primarily in the roots – have been shown to help: counter pain and joint swelling associated with arthritis boost various components of the immune system protect the brain and nervous system slow down or even kill abnormal cells enhance both male and female sexual desire and function What Is KSM-66 Ashwagandha? KSM-66 Ashwagandha is a high-concentration ashwagandha root extract manufactured and sold by Ixoreal Biomed, located in Hyderabad, India [6]. Ashwagandha KSM-66 is made solely from ashwagandha roots, which contain its main bioactive ingredients, without using any other parts that are considered to be less effective. A unique feature of KSM-66 ashwagandha is that it's standardized to a withanolide content of at least 5 percent. Withanolides are a group of around 300 naturally occurring steroid compounds, some of which are naturally present in ashwagandha. One example is Withaferin A, an anti-inflammatory compound that has also been shown to stop tumors from growing their own blood vessels, slowing down their growth, and perhaps even shrinking them. Last but not least, KSM-66 ashwagandha is produced by a unique extraction process, based on the principles of “green chemistry,” without using alcohol or any synthetic solvents. Let's take a closer look now at some of KSM-66 ashwagandha's benefits for health. What Too Much Cortisol Does to the Body Any stressful event in our lives causes our adrenal glands to produce cortisol, a steroid hormone that acts to control blood sugar levels, regulate metabolism, lower inflammation levels, influence memory formation, and manage salt and water balance [7]. The more stressed we are and the longer we're stressed, the more our adrenals respond by releasing cortisol into our bloodstream. Too much cortisol in the blood over a prolonged period of time can lead to: rapid weight gain high blood pressure osteoporosis muscle weakness mood swings anxiety, depression, or irritability increased thirst and frequency of urination [7] Ongoing high cortisol levels can also eventually cause a lack of sex drive in men. In women, periods typically become irregular, less frequent, or may even stop altogether (amenorrhea). How Can Ashwagandha Help Us Cope With Stress? To answer this question, a double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled trial was conducted to assess the safety and efficacy of KSM-66 ashwagandha (which, as mentioned above, is a high-concentration, full-spectrum ashwagandha root extract) in 64 adults [5]. After 60 days of treatment, the study authors observed a “substantial reduction” in four separate measures of stress in the study participants. KSM-66 ashwagandha also reduced levels of the hormone cortisol in the blood. By lowering cortisol, ashwagandha tones down the body's response to stressful situations, in effect “calming us down.” No serious adverse events were reported [5] and the study researchers concluded that: “High-concentration full-spectrum Ashwagandha root extract safely and effectively improves an individual's resistance towards stress and thereby improves self-assessed quality of life.” Similarly, in another randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study, 60 stressed but otherwise healthy adults were randomly assigned to take either a placebo or an ashwagandha root extract once daily for 2 months [8]. At the end of the study, participants given ashwagandha showed a significant reduction in their stress, anxiety, and depression scores. Once again, ashwagandha consumption was associated with a greater reduction in the levels of cortisol in the blood, when compared with placebo [8]. The Connection Between Stress and Obesity Chronic stress has been associated with many illnesses, including obesity. In a double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled trial, ashwagandha consumption was seen to lead to significant reductions in emotional and uncontrolled food cravings while also lowering cortisol, body weight, and body mass index (BMI) in 52 subjects subjected to chronic stress [9]. Indeed, laboratory experiments in mice have shown that one of the main active ingredients in ashwagandha known as Withaferin A can protect against obesity caused by a high-fat diet by reducing inflammation in the liver, oxidative stress, and insulin resistance [10]. These and other findings make it clear that ashwagandha is a powerful tool in our battle against ongoing stress, likely by regulating various specific aspects of our hypothalamus-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis. This is an interactive neuroendocrine system that plays a key role in maintaining our body's internal equilibrium, along with orchestrating our body's response to stress. Ashwagandha Benefits for Joint Pain Ashwagandha is a key ingredient in many Ayurvedic formulations prescribed for joint-related conditions such as osteoarthritis. Indeed, many research studies show that ashwagandha and its bioactive ingredients help to manage and reduce inflammation levels. For instance, in a double-blind, placebo-controlled cross-over clinical trial published in 1991, 42 patients with osteoarthritis were randomized to receive a formula containing ashwagandha, frankincense, turmeric, and zinc – or placebo – for three months [11]. Clinical efficacy was evaluated every 15 days in terms of severity of pain, morning stiffness, Ritchie articular index (a weighted score of tenderness and swelling in 53 joint groups, each scored on a 0-3 scale), joint score, disability score, and grip strength. Throughout the study, the herbal formula was seen to significantly reduce the severity of joint pain and disability. No significant adverse effects were reported. In another study, 86 patients with joint pain were given 5 grams of ashwagandha powder twice a day for three weeks with lukewarm water or milk [12]. Then these patients took another Ayurvedic preparation known as Sidh Makardhwaj – a formulation used in rheumatoid arthritis and neurological disorders – daily for the next four weeks. Treatment with ashwagandha and Sidh Makardhwaj for seven weeks led to significantly improved scores of joint swelling, tenderness, and pain, indicating that this combination treatment is likely to be beneficial in rheumatoid arthritis. Indeed, in laboratory experiments, an ashwagandha root extract was seen to reduce inflammation in knee cartilage taken from chronic osteoarthritis patients [13]. Ashwagandha for Boosting Endurance, Muscle Strength, and Recovery Ashwagandha has long had the reputation of being able to enhance cardiovascular endurance and physical performance. As stated earlier, consuming this herb is said to impart the strength and stamina of a horse [1]. In a prospective, double-blind, randomized, and placebo-controlled study, KSM-66 ashwagandha was shown to significantly boost cardiorespiratory endurance and improve self-reported quality of life (QOL) in 50 healthy male and female athletic adults [14]. In another randomized, prospective, double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical study, 57 young men with little previous experience in resistance training were randomized into treatment and placebo groups [15]. Participants in the treatment group consumed 300 mg of ashwagandha root extract twice daily, while those in the control group took starch placebos instead. Multiple measurements – including muscle strength, muscle size, body composition, testosterone levels, and muscle recovery – were made before the start of the study. Both groups then went through resistance training for 8 weeks and the measurements were repeated when they were done. Promisingly, the group of men taking ashwagandha root extract had significantly greater increases in muscle strength and arm muscle size relative to the placebo group. They also showed significantly less exercise-induced muscle damage, higher testosterone levels, and a greater reduction in body fat percentage. In other words, ashwagandha supplementation is associated with significant increases in muscle mass, strength, and recovery after exercise. In another randomized, double-blind strength and conditioning study known as the STAR trial, 500 mg of an extract of ashwagandha roots and leaves was consumed by recreationally active young men for 12 weeks [16]. Body composition, muscular strength, power, and endurance, cycling time trial, and blood chemistry were measured before and after the study. Consuming the ashwagandha extract was seen to improve upper and lower body strength and improve distribution of body mass in these men, once again without causing any serious adverse effects. Ashwagandha as an Immune System Enhancer Ashwagandha enhances immune function. In a small study, ashwagandha root extract was seen to activate multiple types of immune cells in the participants [17]. Similarly, a tea fortified with five herbs including ashwagandha was seen to activate so-called “natural killer” (NK) cells in not just one, but two independent double-blind intervention studies conducted in India on healthy volunteers [18]. NK cell activity is an important aspect of our body's early immune response to infections. Interestingly, in other situations, ashwagandha extracts have also been shown to suppress specific components of the immune system. For example, one of the characteristic features of rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is the continuous production of pro-inflammatory compounds known as cytokines in joint cavities, triggering inflammation and cartilage destruction. In laboratory experiments in rats, a root extract of ashwagandha was seen to suppress production of pro-inflammatory cytokines and reduce oxidative stress [19]. The Brain-Boosting Benefits of Ashwagandha Numerous laboratory studies show that ashwagandha – traditionally used in Ayurveda to boost intellect and memory – can slow, stop, and reverse damage to brain cells and may even help to reconstruct brain cell networks. For instance, ashwagandha extracts have been shown to promote nerve cell growth in culture [20]. Withanolide A, withanoside IV, and withanoside VI were identified as the bioactive compounds responsible. Ashwagandha extracts as well as specific bioactive compounds (e.g., withanolide A) have also been shown to protect nerve cells in culture against damage caused by various toxic agents [21]. Amazingly, the administration of withanoside IV for 21 days led to recovery in a rat model of spinal cord damage [20]. It is well known that toxic free radicals damage brain cells and contribute to both normal aging and aging-related health conditions. In a 2015 study, both ashwagandha extracts and a bioactive compound known as withanone were seen to protect nerve cells from oxidative damage [22]. Not surprisingly, ashwagandha has long been used in Ayurveda to enhance memory and improve mental faculties. In a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled pilot study, 50 adults suffering from mild cognitive impairment (MCI) – who are considered to be at a greater risk of developing dementia later in life – were treated with either 300 mg of KSM-66 ashwagandha twice daily or placebo for 8 weeks [23]. After 8 weeks, the ashwagandha KSM-66 group showed significant improvements in both their immediate or short-term as well as general memory, relative to the placebo group. The ashwagandha group also showed significant improvements in executive function, sustained attention, and information-processing abilities. Can Ashwagandha Even Help Protect Against Abnormal Cell Growth? Ashwagandha and other species of Withania are well known in folk medicine traditions for their anti-cancer properties and their extracts have been shown to be toxic for multiple types of cancer cells in laboratory experiments [24]. They appear to act by slowing down or even stopping cancer cell growth by inducing programmed cell death or “apoptosis.” As stated earlier, Withaferin A, an anti-inflammatory withanolide, has been shown to act as an anti-angiogenic. In other words, it can help stop tumors from growing their own blood vessels, slowing down their growth, or perhaps even shrinking them. As reported in the journal Biochemical Pharmacology in August 2019, growing evidence suggests that Withaferin A is very effective against cancer [25]. For instance, low response rate and recurrence are common issues in lung cancer. Withaferin A has been shown to exhibit potent toxicity against several lung cancer cell lines in laboratory experiments. Not only that, the combination of Withaferin A and chemotherapeutic drugs were shown to have additive effects on lung cancer cell survival [26]. Withaferin A has also been shown to be toxic for breast cancer and cervical cancer (HeLa) cells in laboratory experiments [27,28]. Similarly, other bioactive compounds in ashwagandha have also been shown to be toxic for cancer cells in laboratory experiments [29]. KSM-66 Ashwagandha's Impact on Libido and Infertility Ashwagandha root extract has been shown to enhance sexual desire and function in both men and women. For instance, ashwagandha has been described in Ayurvedic medicine as an aphrodisiac that can be used to treat male sexual dysfunction and infertility. In a pilot study conducted to evaluate the effects of ashwagandha in patients with a low sperm count (known as oligospermia), a total of 46 male patients were randomized either to treatment with KSM-66 Ashwagandha or placebo for 90 days [30]. At the end of the study, participants given KSM-66 ashwagandha showed a 167% increase in sperm count, a 53% increase in semen volume, and a 57% increase in sperm motility relative to baseline. In comparison, only minimal changes were seen in the placebo group. Further, a greater improvement in hormone levels was seen with KSM-66 ashwagandha. In other words, ashwagandha is likely to be very effective in treating oligospermia, which is a leading cause of male infertility. Similarly, a meta-analysis showed that ashwagandha significantly improved sperm concentration and sperm motility even in men with normal sperm parameters, without any adverse effects [31]. Ashwagandha has also been shown to enhance sexual function in women. At the Trupti Hospital and Santati Fertility Center located near Mumbai in India, 50 women were randomized to either ashwagandha treatment or placebo (300 mg twice daily) for 8 weeks [32]. In this study, ashwagandha supplementation was shown to lead to significantly higher scores in multiple markers of sexual desire and function. But Is Ashwagandha Safe? Ashwagandha root powder has been used in Ayurvedic medicine for centuries, and it is believed to be completely safe and free of any toxicity. Extracts of ashwagandha made using alcohol and water will likely contain higher doses of its natural ingredients, relative to raw powder. So far animal studies with such extracts have shown no evidence of toxicity, even at relatively high doses [33]. However, it is always advisable to take an herbal supplement only after consulting your healthcare provider, especially if you have any ongoing health conditions or if you're pregnant or breastfeeding. Organixx Turmeric 3D Contains KSM-66 Ashwagandha The Organixx Turmeric 3D formula has always contained ashwagandha extract. As part of our commitment to seeking out the cleanest and most effective supplement ingredients, we upgraded to KSM-66 Ashwagandha in 2019 – the most clinically studied ashwagandha on the market. KSM-66 is a full-spectrum extract produced using a unique proprietary extraction process, based on “Green Chemistry” principles, without using alcohol or any other chemical solvent. RESOURCES: [1] An Overview on Ashwagandha: A Rasayana (Rejuvenator) of Ayurveda. [2] Scientific basis for the use of Indian ayurvedic medicinal plants in the treatment of neurodegenerative disorders: ashwagandha. [3] Scientific Basis for the Therapeutic Use of Withania somnifera (Ashwagandha): A Review. [4] Anti‐stress activity of sitoindosides VII and VIII, new acylsterylglucosides from Withania somnifera. [5] A prospective, randomized double-blind, placebo-controlled study of safety and efficacy of a high-concentration full-spectrum extract of ashwagandha root in reducing stress and anxiety in adults. [6] KSM-66 Ashwagandha Documentary [7] Society for Endocrinology: You and Your Hormones – Cortisol. [8] An investigation into the stress-relieving and pharmacological actions of an ashwagandha (Withania somnifera) extract: A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study. [9] Body Weight Management in Adults Under Chronic Stress Through Treatment With Ashwagandha Root Extract: A Double-Blind, Randomized, Placebo-Controlled Trial. [10] Withaferin A Protects Against High-Fat Diet-Induced Obesity Via Attenuation of Oxidative Stress, Inflammation, and Insulin Resistance. [11] Treatment of osteoarthritis with a herbomineral formulation: a double-blind, placebo-controlled, cross-over study. [12] Efficacy & safety evaluation of Ayurvedic treatment (Ashwagandha powder & Sidh Makardhwaj) in rheumatoid arthritis patients: a pilot prospective study. [13] The relationship between chondroprotective and antiinflammatory effects of Withania somnifera root and glucosamine sulphate on human osteoarthritic cartilage in vitro. [14] Efficacy of Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera [L.] Dunal) in improving cardiorespiratory endurance in healthy athletic adults. [15] Examining the effect of Withania somnifera supplementation on muscle strength and recovery: a randomized controlled trial. [16] Effects of an Aqueous Extract of Withania somnifera on Strength Training Adaptations and Recovery: The STAR Trial. [17] In vivo effects of Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera) extract on the activation of lymphocytes. [18] In vivo enhancement of natural killer cell activity through tea fortified with Ayurvedic herbs. [19] In vivo, Extract from Withania somnifera Root Ameliorates Arthritis via Regulation of Key Immune Mediators of Inflammation in Experimental Model of Arthritis. [20] Effects of Ashwagandha (roots of Withania somnifera) on neurodegenerative diseases. [21] Neuritic regeneration and synaptic reconstruction induced by withanolide A. [22] Combinations of Ashwagandha leaf extracts protect brain-derived cells against oxidative stress and induce differentiation. [23] Efficacy and Safety of Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera (L.) Dunal) Root Extract in Improving Memory and Cognitive Functions. [24] Medicinal Plants from Near East for Cancer Therapy. [25] Withaferin A: From ayurvedic folk medicine to preclinical anti-cancer drug. [26] Identification of Withaferin A as a Potential Candidate for Anti-Cancer Therapy in Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer. [27] Withaferin A inhibits expression of ataxia telangiectasia and Rad3-related kinase and enhances sensitivity of human breast cancer cells to cisplatin. [28] Subcritical water extraction of withanosides and withanolides from ashwagandha (Withania somnifera L) and their biological activities. [29] Cytotoxic Withanolides from the Roots of Indian Ginseng (Withania somnifera). [30] Clinical Evaluation of the Spermatogenic Activity of the Root Extract of Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera) in Oligospermic Males: A Pilot Study. [31] Withania somnifera (Indian ginseng) in male infertility: An evidence-based systematic review and meta-analysis. [32] Efficacy and Safety of Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera) Root Extract in Improving Sexual Function in Women: A Pilot Study. [33] Safety assessment of Withania somnifera extract standardized for Withaferin A: Acute and sub-acute toxicity study. KSM-66 Ashwagandha: A Superhero Herb for Body & Brain

Chatting Supplements: Apple Cider Vinegar + Ashwagandha

Chat Sh*t Get Fit

Play Episode Listen Later Nov 8, 2021 58:53

Welcome back to Chat Sh*t Get Fit - Chatting Supplements. This week we explore the world of "voodoo" (as Tom calls it) and take a closer look at Apple Cider Vinegar (ACV) and Ashwagandha. Both come with a plethora of health benefits and due to the risk of their gummy form and promotion from athletes you seem to see them all over the place physically and virtually. The question is do the claims stand up to the latest scientific evidence or is it all placebo? The claims we focus on in today's episode are Weight loss/management Gut Health Heart Health Immunity/Immune Health Skin Health Physical Performance Sleep Memory We use the commonly reported benefits as a guide + Goli a well-known player for these supplements has a citation page offering scientific evidence to back the numerous health-boosting claims. Spoiler alert: Bill & Tom are not impressed. By the end of this episode, you'll be able to make a more informed decision whether to buy these (sometimes expensive) supplements. In this episode, we also launch our brand new Patreon! We are super excited about this as it allows you to get more great content from us but at the same time support the running of the podcast. Currently, we have 3 tiers with extras ranging from access to live podcast specials and Monthly Q&As all the way to Train Primal Membership & health-boosting consultation calls with Bill or Tom once a month. For all the details and to join us on Patreon head to patreon.com/csgfpodcast Cannonball Coffee. Great tasting and super powerful which WILL give you a boost in the gym. We spoke to Cannonball Coffee on a previous podcast and you can listen to that here to see why we are such fans. So if you want to support us in some small way and get some great coffee head to cannonballcoffee.co.uk and use code PRIMAL10 for 10% off any order. New to the show? Head back to episode 1 "Let's Chat, Covid & Fitness" where we give an introduction into who we are and talk about the current state of ourselves and the fitness industry during this covid pandemic. Find us on Instagram @bill_trainprimal @coachtomreardon Website: www.chatshitgetfit.com Email: csgfpodcast@gmail.com Studies Mentioned Beneficial effects of Apple Cider Vinegar on weight management, Visceral Adiposity Index and lipid profile in overweight or obese subjects receiving restricted calorie diet Effect of apple cider vinegar on delayed gastric emptying in patients with type 1 diabetes mellitus Delayed gastric emptying rate may explain improved glycaemia in healthy subjects to a starchy meal with added vinegar Vinegar intake reduces body weight, body fat mass, and serum triglyceride levels in obese Japanese subjects Antimicrobial activity of apple cider vinegar against Escherichia coli, Staphylococcus aureus and Candida albicans; downregulating cytokine and microbial protein expression Antifungal Activity of Apple Cider Vinegar on Candida Species Involved in Denture Stomatitis Apple cider vinegar soaks [0.5%] as a treatment for atopic dermatitis do not improve skin barrier integrity Effects of Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera) on Physical Performance: Systematic Review and Bayesian Meta-Analysis Effects of Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera) on VO2max: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis Efficacy of Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera [L.] Dunal) in improving cardiorespiratory endurance in healthy athletic adults Efficacy and Safety of Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera) Root Extract in Insomnia and Anxiety Efficacy and Safety of Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera (L.) Dunal) Root Extract in Improving Memory and Cognitive Functions Body Weight Management in Adults Under Chronic Stress Through Treatment With Ashwagandha Root Extract A prospective, randomized double-blind, placebo-controlled study of safety and efficacy of a high-concentration full-spectrum extract of ashwagandha root in reducing stress and anxiety in adults

head spoilers safety chat chatting supplements insomnia apple cider vinegar ashwagandha goli improving memory withania covid fitness

9 Healthy Ways to Manage Stress

Lab Rats Podcast

Play Episode Listen Later May 10, 2021 58:17

As a follow-up to our 3 part series on "addictions", we wanted to provide constructive ways to manage stress. Stress is a normal part of life; tthere is no way to completely avoid the stressors we face daily. However, what we can control is how we respond to that stress. In this episode, we share our 9 favorite ways to naturally manage stress:SleepSupplementsExerciseBreathworkMindsetNatureLaughterSaying "no"RelationshipsSubscribe to the Rat Pack NewsletterRate the show on Apple PodcastFollow along on InstagramGet 25% off the most comprehensive blood, DNA, and fitness tracking platform with InsideTrackerTry the cleanest, most effective electrolyte drink on the market: Drink LMNTResourcesA prospective, randomized double-blind, placebo-controlled study of safety and efficacy of a high-concentration full-spectrum extract of ashwagandha root in reducing stress and anxiety in adultsAn investigation into the stress-relieving actions of an ashwagandha (Withania somnifera) extract: A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled studyAnti-Stress, Behavioural and Magnetoencephalography Effects of an L-Theanine-Based Nutrient Drink: A Randomised, Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled, Crossover TrialMulticenter, open-label, exploratory clinical trial with Rhodiola rosea extractStress management and the role of Rhodiola rosea: a reviewThe Effects of Rhodiola rosea L. Extract on Anxiety, Stress, Cognition and Other Mood SymptomsRhodiola rosea in Subjects with Prolonged or Chronic Fatigue SymptomsHerbal Medicine for Depression and Anxiety: A Systematic ReviewThe Effect of Valeric on Anxiety Severity in Women Undergoing HysterosalpingographyKavain, the Major Constituent of the Anxiolytic Kava Extract, Potentiates GABAA ReceptorsThe Role of Nature in Coping with Psycho-Physiological Stress: A Literature Review on RestorativenessMinimum Time Dose in Nature to Positively Impact the Mental Health of College-Aged Students, and How to Measure It: A Scoping ReviewDisclaimerThis podcast is not intended to provide medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. The products, information, services, and other content provided on and through this podcast, including information that may be provided in the show notes (directly or via linking to third-party sites), are provided for informational purposes only. Please consult with your physician or other healthcare professionals regarding any medical or health-related diagnosis or treatment options.

Mind body veterinary medicine with Dr Matthew Muir (Part B)

Pure Animal Podcast

Play Episode Listen Later Mar 2, 2021 60:50

We welcome back Dr Matthew Muir for Part B of our discussion about mind body veterinary medicine. In this second part of our series, we discuss: Manipulating the gut-brain axis through diet and Dr Muir's "ideal meal" Emerging evidence for the influence of the microbiome on the mental health of dogs Considering elimination and provocation diets to understand which foods are possibly influencing mental health and behaviour Herbal medicine and its role in treatment plans, including managing GIT disease and mental ill health A deeper dive into the merits of Withania somnifera and Reishi mushroom extract Translational research and its potential to "save humanity" Sleep hygiene The practical applications of TTouch and massage in general Resources mentioned in this episode are listed and linked to below: Wernimont et al. 2020. The Effects of Nutrition on the Gastrointestinal Microbiome of Cats and Dogs: Impact on Health and Disease https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/32670224/ Mondo et al. 2020. Gut microbiome structure and adrenocortical activity in dogs with aggressive and phobic behavioral disorders https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/32021942/ Kirchoff et al. 2019. The gut microbiome correlates with conspecific aggression in a small population of rescued dogs (Canis familiaris)https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/30643689/ Craig. 2016. Atopic dermatitis and the intestinal microbiota in humans and dogs https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/29067183/ Mondo et al. 2019. Role of gut microbiota in dog and cat's health and diseases https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/31998619/ Costantini et al. 2017. Impact of Omega-3 Fatty Acids on the Gut Microbiota https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/29215589/ Chang et al. 2015. Ganoderma lucidum reduces obesity in mice by modulating the composition of the gut microbiota https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/26102296/ Yuan et al. 2020. An Integrated Pharmacology-Based Analysis for Antidepressant Mechanism of Chinese Herbal Formula Xiao-Yao-San https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/32256358/ Liao et al. 2018. A preliminary review of studies on adaptogens: comparison of their bioactivity in TCM with that of ginseng-like herbs used worldwide https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/30479654/ Panossian. 2017. Understanding adaptogenic activity: specificity of the pharmacological action of adaptogens and other phytochemicals https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/28640972/ Andrade et al. 2000. A double-blind, placebo-controlled evaluation of the anxiolytic efficacy ff an ethanolic extract of withania somnifera https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/21407960/ Yenisetti, Manjunath & Muralidhara. 2016. Neuropharmacological Properties of Withania somnifera - Indian Ginseng: An Overview on Experimental Evidence with Emphasis on Clinical Trials and Patents https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/27316579/ Singh & Ramassamy. 2017. In vitro screening of neuroprotective activity of Indian medicinal plant Withania somnifera https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/29152258/ Texas A&M Canine Microbiota Dysbiosis Index https://vetmed.tamu.edu/gilab/service/assays/canine-microbiota-dysbiosis-index/ Vanoli et al. 1991. Vagal stimulation and prevention of sudden death in conscious dogs with a healed myocardial infarction https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/2019002/ Ohemeng & Parham. 2020. Vagal Nerve Stimulation: Indications, Implantation, and Outcomes https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/31685239/ Spotifiy: Through a Dog's Ear playlist https://open.spotify.com/artist/1MsgeM3kAiAt5NTnasaIh1#:~:text=Popular&text=%22Through%20a%20Dog's%20Ear%22%20is,have%20been%20created%20since%202003. Karen Overall's relaxation protocol https://journeydogtraining.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/07/ProtocolforRelaxation.pdf LuckyDog Acupressure http://www.luckydoghealth.com/dogacupressurechart.htm See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

1497: Five Weird Supplements That Actually Work

Mind Pump: Raw Fitness Truth

Play Episode Listen Later Feb 25, 2021 47:15

In this episode Sal, Adam & Justin discuss some lesser known supplements that actually work. Mind Pump's history with supplements. (2:30) Five Weird Supplements That Actually Work. (15:00) #1 – Ecdysterone. (16:27) #2 – Cordyceps. (24:12) #3 – Lion's Mane. (28:55) #4 - Horny Goat Weed. (33:20) #5 – Ashwagandha. (38:54) Mind Pump's stance on supplementation. (43:15) Related Links/Products Mentioned February Promotion: Phase II Bundle Visit Four Sigmatic for an exclusive offer for Mind Pump listeners! **Code “mindpump” at checkout Mark McGwire's Little Helper: The Androstenedione Debate Superdrol - steroid.com Ecdysterone Explained: The 5 Biggest Benefits Revealed Spinach extract improves athletic performance, study shows 6 Benefits of Cordyceps, All Backed by Science Cordyceps militaris Improves Tolerance to High-Intensity Exercise After Acute and Chronic Supplementation Neurotrophic properties of the Lion's mane medicinal mushroom, Hericium erinaceus (Higher Basidiomycetes) from Malaysia Mushrooms Prevent Alzheimer's, Study Finds Men's Health: Does Horny Goat Weed Work for Erectile Dysfunction? How Much Icariin Equals Viagra? Or Are They The Same? Horny goat weed: Uses, benefits, side effects Horny Goat Weed for Women 12 Proven Health Benefits of Ashwagandha The Effects of Ashwagandha in Endurance Exercise Performance An investigation into the stress-relieving and pharmacological actions of an ashwagandha (Withania somnifera) extract: A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study Visit Organifi for the exclusive offer for Mind Pump listeners! **Code “mindpump” at checkout** Mind Pump Podcast – YouTube Mind Pump Free Resources

women benefits weird code lion supplements horny mane actually work erectile dysfunction ashwagandha mark mcgwire cordyceps mind pump horny goat weed withania hericium

The Gary Null Show - 02.22.21

The Gary Null Show

Play Episode Listen Later Feb 22, 2021 60:13

Gary takes on the real issues that the mainstream media is afraid to tackle. Tune in to find out the latest about health news, healing, politics, and the economy. Study: Ashwagandha extract can be used to improve sleep quality and relieve stress Patil University School of Medicine (India), February 19, 2021 Ashwagandha, also known as Withania somnifera or Indian ginseng, is a medicinal herb native to India and North Africa. It has been used for over 3,000 years to relieve stress, as well as to increase energy levels and improve concentration. A recent study published in the journal Cureus suggests it may hold the key to treating insomnia. A team of researchers from Patil University School of Medicine, Vedantaa Institute of Medical Sciences and Prakruti Hospital conducted a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study to determine the effects of ashwagandha root extract in patients with insomnia and anxiety. A total of 60 participants were randomly divided into two groups: 40 were placed in the test group and given a capsule containing 300 mg of high-concentration ashwagandha root extract, while the remaining 20 formed the placebo group. Those in the placebo group received capsules containing starch twice a day over a period of ten weeks. The researchers used Sleep Actigraphy to assess sleep onset latency (SOL), total sleep time (TST), sleep efficiency (SE) and wake after sleep onset (WASO). Other factors that the research team looked at were total time in bed, mental alertness on rising, sleep quality, Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI) and the Hamilton Anxiety Rating Scale. According to the researchers, SOL, SE and sleep quality were visibly improved after ashwagandha treatment, along with other sleep parameters. (Related: Ashwagandha: Discover the health benefits of this popular ancient adaptogen.) Their findings suggest that ashwagandha can be used to improve sleep in patients with insomnia and anxiety, although further large-scale studies are needed. Omega-3 supplements may reduce muscle soreness after exercise, study finds University of Westminster (UK), February 18, 2021 Researchers at the University of Westminster have found that taking omega-3 supplements may help to reduce muscle soreness after exercise. The findings may be important for people who avoid exercise because of the soreness associated with it. Omega-3 fatty acids are polyunsaturated fatty acids that play important roles in our bodies and may provide a number of health benefits. These are essential fats as our bodies cannot produce them and we must get them from our diet, primarily from oily fish. They have anti-inflammatory functions, can help maintain a healthy heart, reduce the risk of heart disease and may have incredible effects on brain and mental health. Previous studies have looked at the effect of omega-3 fish oils on muscle damage recovery and muscle inflammation following exercise. Whilst evidence is mixed, it has been shown that sustained omega-3 intake in your diet may lead to small gains in recovery for athletes following intense exercise and possibly small gains in exercise performance too. In this study, the researchers gave people omega-3 capsules three times a day for four weeks, or a matching placebo, to build up their levels. They then took part in a very intense exercise program aimed at causing severe muscle pain and physiologically safe muscle damage. The researchers then measured blood levels of inflammation and muscle damage markers, physical pain and the ability of the participants to do forceful muscle contractions every day for the next three days. They found a lower inflammatory response and decreased muscle damage after exercise in the fish oil group. However, the omega-3 did not seem to change the amount of force reduction in future muscle contractions, suggesting that omega-3 supplementation had limited impact on muscle function, recovery and subsequent performance, but it did reduce the pain participants experienced. Talking about the study, Ph.D. researcher and lead author Yvoni Kyriakidou, from the University of Westminster's School of Life Sciences, said: "Whilst the omega-3 supplementation didn't seem to enhance performance, it did reduce the pain participants experienced which we suggest is useful in itself as people don't like exercise because it hurts. If it doesn't hurt as much, maybe more people will keep doing it?" Higher intake of carotenoid beta cryptoxanthin associated with lower risk of osteoporosis Seoul National University (South Korea), February 12, 2021 According to news reporting out of Seoul, South Korea, research stated, “Many studies have analyzed the effects of * * b* * -cryptoxanthin (BCX) on osteoporosis and bone health. This systematic review and meta-analysis aimed at providing quantitative evidence for the effects of BCX on osteoporosis.” The news journalists obtained a quote from the research from Seoul National University: “Publications were selected and retrieved from three databases and carefully screened to evaluate their eligibility. Data from the final 15 eligible studies were extracted and uniformly summarized. Among the 15 studies, seven including 100,496 individuals provided information for the meta-analysis. A random effects model was applied to integrate the odds ratio (OR) to compare the risk of osteoporosis and osteoporosis-related complications between the groups with high and low intake of BCX. A high intake of BCX was significantly correlated with a reduced risk of osteoporosis (OR = 0.79, 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.70-0.90, * * p* * = 0.0002). The results remained significant when patients were stratified into male and female subgroups as well as Western and Asian cohorts. A high intake of BCX was also negatively associated with the incidence of hip fracture (OR = 0.71, 95% CI 0.54-0.94, * * p* * = 0.02).” According to the news reporters, the research concluded: “The results indicate that BCX intake potentially reduces the risk of osteoporosis and hip fracture. Further longitudinal studies are needed to validate the causality of current findings.” Being male, having overweight and depression can influence aging Vrije University (Netherlands) and Virginia Commonwealth University, February 15, 2021 Scientists are using biology to more accurately measure how quickly humans age. One factor is the length of an individual’s telomeres, stretches of DNA and proteins at the ends of our chromosomes that shorten as we age. An epigenetic clock, meanwhile, looks at the changes in gene function that do not make alterations to the genetic code, or genome. Another aging clock is based on transcriptomes, a collection of all the gene readouts in a cell. Scientists also measure age with metabolomics, the study of the chemical processes that involve metabolites, small molecules produced by and during metabolic processes. In addition, scientists use what they call a proteomic clock, which measures levels of proteins in the blood. For a new study, now published in the journal eLife, researchersset out to learn whether a composite biological clock outperforms individual biological clocks in predicting health. “To develop a better understanding of the mechanisms underlying biological aging, we wanted to examine how indicators of biological aging relate to each other, how they link to determinants of physical and mental health, and whether a combined biological clock, made up of all age indicators, is a better predictor of health,” says co-lead author Dr. Rick Jansen, an assistant professor in the department of psychiatry at Amsterdam UMC, in the Netherlands. Examining biological aging indicators The researchers used blood samples from 2,981 individuals aged 18–65 years who took part in the Netherlands Study of Depression and Anxiety. Of the participants, 74% had a diagnosis of a depressive disorder, an anxiety disorder, or both, while 26% were healthy control participants. The participants were recruited from medical facilities and the general population between September 2004 and February 2007. The team used computer modeling to examine whether five measures of biological aging — telomere length and the epigenetic, transcriptomic, proteomic, and metabolomic clocks — were interrelated and associated with mental and physical health. The researchers then took the five indicators and incorporated them into an analysis that also included sex, lifestyle factors, physical ability, and known health conditions. What makes people age faster? The scientists found that being male was associated with more advanced biological aging according to four of the five biological clock measurements. This is consistent with the understanding that in most places, women outlive men. Other factors associated with more advanced biological aging according to at least four of the five measures were: having a high body mass index, smoking, and having metabolic syndrome. The researchers also discovered that depression is linked to more advanced biological aging. In addition, they noted associations between medication use and this aging. However, they could not determine whether this was due to the medication itself or the underlying physical or mental illness requiring treatment. Meanwhile, the study allowed the researchers to infer that some biological clocks show overlap, but most seem to be tracking different aspects of the aging process. They write: “This provides further support for the hypothesis that not one biological clock sufficiently captures the biological aging process and that not all clocks are under the control of one unitary aging process.” Vitamin B3 prevents glaucoma in laboratory mice Jackson Laboratory, February 16, 2021 In mice genetically predisposed to glaucoma, vitamin B3 added to drinking water is effective at preventing the disease, a research team led by Jackson Laboratory Professor and Howard Hughes Medical Investigator Simon W.M. John reports in the journal Science. The vitamin administration was surprisingly effective, eliminating the vast majority of age-related molecular changes and providing a remarkably robust protection against glaucoma. It offers promise for developing inexpensive and safe treatments for glaucoma patients. Glaucoma is one of the most common neurodegenerative diseases, affecting an estimated 80 million people worldwide. In most glaucoma patients, harmfully high pressure inside the eye or intraocular pressure leads to the progressive dysfunction and loss of retinal ganglion cells. Retinal ganglion cells are the neuronal cells that connect the eye to the brain via the optic nerve. Increasing age is a key risk factor for glaucoma, contributing to both harmful elevation of intraocular pressure and increased neuronal vulnerability to pressure-induced damage. "We wanted to identify key age-related susceptibility factors that change with age in the eye," John says, "and that therefore increase vulnerability to disease and in particular neuronal disease." By understanding general age-related mechanism, there is the potential to develop new interventions to generally protect from common age-related disease processes in many people. Conducting a variety of genomic, metabolic, neurobiological and other tests in mice susceptible to inherited glaucoma, compared to control mice, the researchers discovered that NAD, a molecule vital to energy metabolism in neurons and other cells, declines with age. "There's an analogy with an old motorbike," John says. "It runs just fine, but little things get less reliable with age. One day you stress it: you drive it up a steep hill or you go on really long journey and you get in trouble. It's less reliable than a new bike and it's going to fail with a higher frequency than that new bike." The decrease in NAD levels reduces the reliability of neurons' energy metabolism, especially under stress such as increased intraocular pressure. "Like taking that big hill on your old bike, some things are going to fail more often," John says. "The amount of failure will increase over time, resulting in more damage and disease progression." In essence, the treatments of vitamin B3 (nicotinamide, an amide form of vitamin B3, also called niacinamide) boosted the metabolic reliability of aging retinal ganglion cells, keeping them healthier for longer. "Because these cells are still healthy, and still metabolically robust," says JAX Postdoctoral Associate Pete Williams, first author of the study, "even when high intraocular pressure turns on, they better resist damaging processes." The researchers also found that a single gene-therapy application of Nmnat1 (the gene for an enzyme that makes NAD from nicotinamide) prevented glaucoma from developing in this mouse model. "It can be a problem for patients, especially the elderly, to take their drugs every day and in the correct dose," Williams says. "So gene therapy could be a one-shot, protective treatment." He notes that gene therapies, through injections into the eye, have been approved for a handful of very rare, human genetic eye disorders, and their demonstration of an important age-dependent factor may enable gene therapy for more common eye disease. John says that the team is pursuing clinical partnerships to begin the process of testing the effectiveness of vitamin B3 treatment in glaucoma patients. They are also exploring potential applications for the treatment in other diseases involving neurodegeneration. Even short periods of being sedentary is bad for your heart, caution researchers University of Liverpool, February 18, 2021 Researchers from the University of Liverpool in the U.K. found that short periods of being sedentary can worsen cardiometabolic health. In a study published in the journal Diabetologia, the researchers revealed that reducing physical activity for at least two weeks can lead to a rise in blood sugar levels, disrupt cholesterol levels and impair cardiorespiratory fitness. Increased sedentary behavior worsens cardiometabolic health It’s no secret that physical inactivity is bad for health. Research shows that physical inactivity and sedentary behavior are major risk factors for obesity, insulin resistance and Type 2 diabetes. But little is known about the consequences of short-term physical inactivity. For their study, the researchers examined the metabolic consequences of short-term increased sedentary behavior in 45 healthy adults with a mean age of 36 years. All of the participants have a mean daily step count of more than 10,000 steps and were asked to reduce their daily step count to around 1,500 steps for two weeks. The researchers measured the participants’ cardiorespiratory fitness, body composition and multi-organ insulin sensitivity at baseline, after the two-week step reduction and two weeks after the participants resumed their normal physical activity. The team found that the participants developed “metabolic derangements” after two weeks of increased sedentary behavior. Their blood sugar and bad cholesterol levels rose, and their insulin sensitivity declined. In addition, the participants lost a little muscle mass in their legs and gained fat around their liver and abdomen. (Related: Twice as many deaths are caused by physical inactivity compared to obesity, stunning study finds.) Fortunately, these changes were reversed after the participants resumed their normal routine. For some reason, however, some participants failed to return to quite the same level of exercise they had engaged in prior to the study. These participants now completed fewer minutes of vigorous activity each week and exhibited slight but lasting symptoms of insulin resistance. While this lasting effect might be due to the participants’ lower levels of vigorous activity, the researchers are also open to the possibility that this stemmed from genetic factors.

A Superhero Herb for Body & Brain: KSM-66 Ashwagandha

Play Episode Listen Later Dec 22, 2020 28:19

Ashwagandha is an important herb used in the ancient Indian system of medicine known as Ayurveda to promote general health and well-being. In Ayurvedic practice, ashwagandha is classified as a Rasayana, which means an herb or preparation that rejuvenates, extends life, and promotes a youthful state of physical and mental health. Listen in to discover more about ashwagandha’s incredible health benefits in general and a special potent “superhero” form known as KSM-66 ashwagandha. What Does Ashwagandha Do? Ashwagandha’s superpower is that it is an adaptogen. Adaptogens are non-toxic therapies that normalize our bodily functions – both physical and mental – that are thrown out of balance when we are exposed to chronic, uncontrolled stress. They do so by correcting imbalances in the neuroendocrine and immune systems [2]. In short, adaptogens enhance our ability to cope with stress. There are more than 35 natural compounds in ashwagandha including alkaloids, steroidal lactones, saponins, and with anolides. These compounds have been shown to have anti-stress activity in multiple laboratory models of chronic stress and in some human studies as well [1-5]. Additionally, ashwagandha extracts as well as specific bioactive compounds present in this plant – primarily in the roots – have been shown to help: counter pain and joint swelling associated with arthritis • boost various components of the immune system • protect the brain and nervous system • slow down or even kill abnormal cells • enhance both male and female sexual desire and function What Is KSM-66 Ashwagandha? KSM-66 Ashwagandha is a high-concentration ashwagandha root extract manufactured and sold by Ixoreal Biomed, located in Hyderabad, India [6]. Ashwagandha KSM-66 is made solely from ashwagandha roots, which contain its main bioactive ingredients, without using any other parts that are considered to be less effective. A unique feature of KSM-66 ashwagandha is that it’s standardized to a withanolide content of at least 5 percent. Withanolides are a group of around 300 naturally occurring steroid compounds, some of which are naturally present in ashwagandha. One example is Withaferin A, an anti-inflammatory compound that has also been shown to stop tumors from growing their own blood vessels, slowing down their growth, and perhaps even shrinking them. Last but not least, KSM-66 ashwagandha is produced by a unique extraction process, based on the principles of “green chemistry,” without using alcohol or any synthetic solvents. Let’s take a closer look now at some of KSM-66 ashwagandha’s benefits for health. What Too Much Cortisol Does to the Body Any stressful event in our lives causes our adrenal glands to produce cortisol, a steroid hormone that acts to control blood sugar levels, regulate metabolism, lower inflammation levels, influence memory formation, and manage salt and water balance [7]. The more stressed we are and the longer we’re stressed, the more our adrenals respond by releasing cortisol into our bloodstream. Too much cortisol in the blood over a prolonged period of time can lead to: rapid weight gain high blood pressure osteoporosis muscle weakness mood swings anxiety, depression, or irritability increased thirst and frequency of urination [7] Ongoing high cortisol levels can also eventually cause a lack of sex drive in men. In women, periods typically become irregular, less frequent, or may even stop altogether (amenorrhea). How Can Ashwagandha Help Us Cope With Stress? To answer this question, a double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled trial was conducted to assess the safety and efficacy of KSM-66 ashwagandha (which, as mentioned above, is a high-concentration, full-spectrum ashwagandha root extract) in 64 adults [5]. After 60 days of treatment, the study authors observed a “substantial reduction” in four separate measures of stress in the study participants. KSM-66 ashwagandha also reduced levels of the hormone cortisol in the blood. By lowering cortisol, ashwagandha tones down the body’s response to stressful situations, in effect “calming us down.” No serious adverse events were reported [5] and the study researchers concluded that: “High-concentration full-spectrum Ashwagandha root extract safely and effectively improves an individual’s resistance towards stress and thereby improves self-assessed quality of life.” Similarly, in another randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study, 60 stressed but otherwise healthy adults were randomly assigned to take either a placebo or an ashwagandha root extract once daily for 2 months [8]. At the end of the study, participants given ashwagandha showed a significant reduction in their stress, anxiety, and depression scores. Once again, ashwagandha consumption was associated with a greater reduction in the levels of cortisol in the blood, when compared with placebo [8]. The Connection Between Stress and Obesity Chronic stress has been associated with many illnesses, including obesity. In a double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled trial, ashwagandha consumption was seen to lead to significant reductions in emotional and uncontrolled food cravings while also lowering cortisol, body weight, and body mass index (BMI) in 52 subjects subjected to chronic stress [9]. Indeed, laboratory experiments in mice have shown that one of the main active ingredients in ashwagandha known as Withaferin A can protect against obesity caused by a high-fat diet by reducing inflammation in the liver, oxidative stress, and insulin resistance [10]. These and other findings make it clear that ashwagandha is a powerful tool in our battle against ongoing stress, likely by regulating various specific aspects of our hypothalamus-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis. This is an interactive neuroendocrine system that plays a key role in maintaining our body’s internal equilibrium, along with orchestrating our body’s response to stress. Ashwagandha Benefits for Joint Pain Ashwagandha is a key ingredient in many Ayurvedic formulations prescribed for joint-related conditions such as osteoarthritis. Indeed, many research studies show that ashwagandha and its bioactive ingredients help to manage and reduce inflammation levels. For instance, in a double-blind, placebo-controlled cross-over clinical trial published in 1991, 42 patients with osteoarthritis were randomized to receive a formula containing ashwagandha, frankincense, turmeric, and zinc – or placebo – for three months [11]. Clinical efficacy was evaluated every 15 days in terms of severity of pain, morning stiffness, Ritchie articular index (a weighted score of tenderness and swelling in 53 joint groups, each scored on a 0-3 scale), joint score, disability score, and grip strength. Throughout the study, the herbal formula was seen to significantly reduce the severity of joint pain and disability. No significant adverse effects were reported. In another study, 86 patients with joint pain were given 5 grams of ashwagandha powder twice a day for three weeks with lukewarm water or milk [12]. Then these patients took another Ayurvedic preparation known as Sidh Makardhwaj – a formulation used in rheumatoid arthritis and neurological disorders – daily for the next four weeks. Treatment with ashwagandha and Sidh Makardhwaj for seven weeks led to significantly improved scores of joint swelling, tenderness, and pain, indicating that this combination treatment is likely to be beneficial in rheumatoid arthritis. Indeed, in laboratory experiments, an ashwagandha root extract was seen to reduce inflammation in knee cartilage taken from chronic osteoarthritis patients [13]. Ashwagandha for Boosting Endurance, Muscle Strength, and Recovery Ashwagandha has long had the reputation of being able to enhance cardiovascular endurance and physical performance. As stated earlier, consuming this herb is said to impart the strength and stamina of a horse [1]. In a prospective, double-blind, randomized, and placebo-controlled study, KSM-66 ashwagandha was shown to significantly boost cardiorespiratory endurance and improve self-reported quality of life (QOL) in 50 healthy male and female athletic adults [14]. In another randomized, prospective, double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical study, 57 young men with little previous experience in resistance training were randomized into treatment and placebo groups [15]. Participants in the treatment group consumed 300 mg of ashwagandha root extract twice daily, while those in the control group took starch placebos instead. Multiple measurements – including muscle strength, muscle size, body composition, testosterone levels, and muscle recovery – were made before the start of the study. Both groups then went through resistance training for 8 weeks and the measurements were repeated when they were done. Promisingly, the group of men taking ashwagandha root extract had significantly greater increases in muscle strength and arm muscle size relative to the placebo group. They also showed significantly less exercise-induced muscle damage, higher testosterone levels, and a greater reduction in body fat percentage. In other words, ashwagandha supplementation is associated with significant increases in muscle mass, strength, and recovery after exercise. In another randomized, double-blind strength and conditioning study known as the STAR trial, 500 mg of an extract of ashwagandha roots and leaves was consumed by recreationally active young men for 12 weeks [16]. Body composition, muscular strength, power, and endurance, cycling time trial, and blood chemistry were measured before and after the study. Consuming the ashwagandha extract was seen to improve upper and lower body strength and improve distribution of body mass in these men, once again without causing any serious adverse effects. Ashwagandha as an Immune System Enhancer Ashwagandha enhances immune function. In a small study, ashwagandha root extract was seen to activate multiple types of immune cells in the participants [17]. Similarly, a tea fortified with five herbs including ashwagandha was seen to activate so-called “natural killer” (NK) cells in not just one, but two independent double-blind intervention studies conducted in India on healthy volunteers [18]. NK cell activity is an important aspect of our body’s early immune response to infections. Interestingly, in other situations, ashwagandha extracts have also been shown to suppress specific components of the immune system. For example, one of the characteristic features of rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is the continuous production of pro-inflammatory compounds known as cytokines in joint cavities, triggering inflammation and cartilage destruction. In laboratory experiments in rats, a root extract of ashwagandha was seen to suppress production of pro-inflammatory cytokines and reduce oxidative stress [19]. The Brain-Boosting Benefits of Ashwagandha Numerous laboratory studies show that ashwagandha – traditionally used in Ayurveda to boost intellect and memory – can slow, stop, and reverse damage to brain cells and may even help to reconstruct brain cell networks. For instance, ashwagandha extracts have been shown to promote nerve cell growth in culture [20]. Withanolide A, withanoside IV, and withanoside VI were identified as the bioactive compounds responsible. Ashwagandha extracts as well as specific bioactive compounds (e.g., withanolide A) have also been shown to protect nerve cells in culture against damage caused by various toxic agents [21]. Amazingly, the administration of withanoside IV for 21 days led to recovery in a rat model of spinal cord damage [20]. It is well known that toxic free radicals damage brain cells and contribute to both normal aging and aging-related health conditions. In a 2015 study, both ashwagandha extracts and a bioactive compound known as withanone were seen to protect nerve cells from oxidative damage [22]. Not surprisingly, ashwagandha has long been used in Ayurveda to enhance memory and improve mental faculties. In a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled pilot study, 50 adults suffering from mild cognitive impairment (MCI) – who are considered to be at a greater risk of developing dementia later in life – were treated with either 300 mg of KSM-66 ashwagandha twice daily or placebo for 8 weeks [23]. After 8 weeks, the ashwagandha KSM-66 group showed significant improvements in both their immediate or short-term as well as general memory, relative to the placebo group. The ashwagandha group also showed significant improvements in executive function, sustained attention, and information-processing abilities. Can Ashwagandha Even Help Protect Against Abnormal Cell Growth? Ashwagandha and other species of Withania are well known in folk medicine traditions for their anti-cancer properties and their extracts have been shown to be toxic for multiple types of cancer cells in laboratory experiments [24]. They appear to act by slowing down or even stopping cancer cell growth by inducing programmed cell death or “apoptosis.” As stated earlier, Withaferin A, an anti-inflammatory withanolide, has been shown to act as an anti-angiogenic. In other words, it can help stop tumors from growing their own blood vessels, slowing down their growth, or perhaps even shrinking them. As reported in the journal Biochemical Pharmacology in August 2019, growing evidence suggests that Withaferin A is very effective against cancer [25]. For instance, low response rate and recurrence are common issues in lung cancer. Withaferin A has been shown to exhibit potent toxicity against several lung cancer cell lines in laboratory experiments. Not only that, the combination of Withaferin A and chemotherapeutic drugs were shown to have additive effects on lung cancer cell survival [26]. Withaferin A has also been shown to be toxic for breast cancer and cervical cancer (HeLa) cells in laboratory experiments [27,28]. Similarly, other bioactive compounds in ashwagandha have also been shown to be toxic for cancer cells in laboratory experiments [29]. KSM-66 Ashwagandha’s Impact on Libido and Infertility Ashwagandha root extract has been shown to enhance sexual desire and function in both men and women. For instance, ashwagandha has been described in Ayurvedic medicine as an aphrodisiac that can be used to treat male sexual dysfunction and infertility. In a pilot study conducted to evaluate the effects of ashwagandha in patients with a low sperm count (known as oligospermia), a total of 46 male patients were randomized either to treatment with KSM-66 Ashwagandha or placebo for 90 days [30]. At the end of the study, participants given KSM-66 ashwagandha showed a 167% increase in sperm count, a 53% increase in semen volume, and a 57% increase in sperm motility relative to baseline. In comparison, only minimal changes were seen in the placebo group. Further, a greater improvement in hormone levels was seen with KSM-66 ashwagandha. In other words, ashwagandha is likely to be very effective in treating oligospermia, which is a leading cause of male infertility. Similarly, a meta-analysis showed that ashwagandha significantly improved sperm concentration and sperm motility even in men with normal sperm parameters, without any adverse effects [31]. Ashwagandha has also been shown to enhance sexual function in women. At the Trupti Hospital and Santati Fertility Center located near Mumbai in India, 50 women were randomized to either ashwagandha treatment or placebo (300 mg twice daily) for 8 weeks [32]. In this study, ashwagandha supplementation was shown to lead to significantly higher scores in multiple markers of sexual desire and function. But Is Ashwagandha Safe? Ashwagandha root powder has been used in Ayurvedic medicine for centuries, and it is believed to be completely safe and free of any toxicity. Extracts of ashwagandha made using alcohol and water will likely contain higher doses of its natural ingredients, relative to raw powder. So far animal studies with such extracts have shown no evidence of toxicity, even at relatively high doses [33]. However, it is always advisable to take an herbal supplement only after consulting your healthcare provider, especially if you have any ongoing health conditions or if you’re pregnant or breastfeeding. Organixx Turmeric 3D Contains KSM-66 Ashwagandha The Organixx Turmeric 3D formula has always contained ashwagandha extract. As part of our commitment to seeking out the cleanest and most effective supplement ingredients, we upgraded to KSM-66 Ashwagandha in 2019 – the most clinically studied ashwagandha on the market. KSM-66 is a full-spectrum extract produced using a unique proprietary extraction process, based on “Green Chemistry” principles, without using alcohol or any other chemical solvent. Deeper Dive Resources [1] An Overview on Ashwagandha: A Rasayana (Rejuvenator) of Ayurveda. [2] Scientific basis for the use of Indian ayurvedic medicinal plants in the treatment of neurodegenerative disorders: ashwagandha. [3] Scientific Basis for the Therapeutic Use of Withania somnifera (Ashwagandha): A Review. [4] Anti‐stress activity of sitoindosides VII and VIII, new acylsterylglucosides from Withania somnifera. [5] A prospective, randomized double-blind, placebo-controlled study of safety and efficacy of a high-concentration full-spectrum extract of ashwagandha root in reducing stress and anxiety in adults. [6] KSM-66 Ashwagandha Documentary [7] Society for Endocrinology: You and Your Hormones – Cortisol. [8] An investigation into the stress-relieving and pharmacological actions of an ashwagandha (Withania somnifera) extract: A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study. [9] Body Weight Management in Adults Under Chronic Stress Through Treatment With Ashwagandha Root Extract: A Double-Blind, Randomized, Placebo-Controlled Trial. [10] Withaferin A Protects Against High-Fat Diet-Induced Obesity Via Attenuation of Oxidative Stress, Inflammation, and Insulin Resistance. [11] Treatment of osteoarthritis with a herbomineral formulation: a double-blind, placebo-controlled, cross-over study. [12] Efficacy & safety evaluation of Ayurvedic treatment (Ashwagandha powder & Sidh Makardhwaj) in rheumatoid arthritis patients: a pilot prospective study. [13] The relationship between chondroprotective and antiinflammatory effects of Withania somnifera root and glucosamine sulphate on human osteoarthritic cartilage in vitro. [14] Efficacy of Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera [L.] Dunal) in improving cardiorespiratory endurance in healthy athletic adults. [15] Examining the effect of Withania somnifera supplementation on muscle strength and recovery: a randomized controlled trial. [16] Effects of an Aqueous Extract of Withania somnifera on Strength Training Adaptations and Recovery: The STAR Trial. [17] In vivo effects of Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera) extract on the activation of lymphocytes. [18] In vivo enhancement of natural killer cell activity through tea fortified with Ayurvedic herbs. [19] In vivo, Extract from Withania somnifera Root Ameliorates Arthritis via Regulation of Key Immune Mediators of Inflammation in Experimental Model of Arthritis. [20] Effects of Ashwagandha (roots of Withania somnifera) on neurodegenerative diseases. [21] Neuritic regeneration and synaptic reconstruction induced by withanolide A. [22] Combinations of Ashwagandha leaf extracts protect brain-derived cells against oxidative stress and induce differentiation. [23] Efficacy and Safety of Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera (L.) Dunal) Root Extract in Improving Memory and Cognitive Functions. [24] Medicinal Plants from Near East for Cancer Therapy. [25] Withaferin A: From ayurvedic folk medicine to preclinical anti-cancer drug. [26] Identification of Withaferin A as a Potential Candidate for Anti-Cancer Therapy in Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer. [27] Withaferin A inhibits expression of ataxia telangiectasia and Rad3-related kinase and enhances sensitivity of human breast cancer cells to cisplatin. [28] Subcritical water extraction of withanosides and withanolides from ashwagandha (Withania somnifera L) and their biological activities. [29] Cytotoxic Withanolides from the Roots of Indian Ginseng (Withania somnifera). [30] Clinical Evaluation of the Spermatogenic Activity of the Root Extract of Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera) in Oligospermic Males: A Pilot Study. [31] Withania somnifera (Indian ginseng) in male infertility: An evidence-based systematic review and meta-analysis. [32] Efficacy and Safety of Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera) Root Extract in Improving Sexual Function in Women: A Pilot Study. [33] Safety assessment of Withania somnifera extract standardized for Withaferin A: Acute and sub-acute toxicity study.

A Superhero Herb for Body & Brain: KSM-66 Ashwagandha

ayurvedic herbal extract ashwagandha withania

Play Episode Listen Later Dec 22, 2020 28:23

Ashwagandha is an important herb used in the ancient Indian system of medicine known as Ayurveda to promote general health and well-being. In Ayurvedic practice, ashwagandha is classified as a Rasayana, which means an herb or preparation that rejuvenates, extends life, and promotes a youthful state of physical and mental health. Listen in to discover more about ashwagandha’s incredible health benefits in general and a special potent “superhero” form known as KSM-66 ashwagandha. What Does Ashwagandha Do? Ashwagandha’s superpower is that it is an adaptogen. Adaptogens are non-toxic therapies that normalize our bodily functions – both physical and mental – that are thrown out of balance when we are exposed to chronic, uncontrolled stress. They do so by correcting imbalances in the neuroendocrine and immune systems [2]. In short, adaptogens enhance our ability to cope with stress. There are more than 35 natural compounds in ashwagandha including alkaloids, steroidal lactones, saponins, and with anolides. These compounds have been shown to have anti-stress activity in multiple laboratory models of chronic stress and in some human studies as well [1-5]. Additionally, ashwagandha extracts as well as specific bioactive compounds present in this plant – primarily in the roots – have been shown to help: counter pain and joint swelling associated with arthritis • boost various components of the immune system • protect the brain and nervous system • slow down or even kill abnormal cells • enhance both male and female sexual desire and function What Is KSM-66 Ashwagandha? KSM-66 Ashwagandha is a high-concentration ashwagandha root extract manufactured and sold by Ixoreal Biomed, located in Hyderabad, India [6]. Ashwagandha KSM-66 is made solely from ashwagandha roots, which contain its main bioactive ingredients, without using any other parts that are considered to be less effective. A unique feature of KSM-66 ashwagandha is that it’s standardized to a withanolide content of at least 5 percent. Withanolides are a group of around 300 naturally occurring steroid compounds, some of which are naturally present in ashwagandha. One example is Withaferin A, an anti-inflammatory compound that has also been shown to stop tumors from growing their own blood vessels, slowing down their growth, and perhaps even shrinking them. Last but not least, KSM-66 ashwagandha is produced by a unique extraction process, based on the principles of “green chemistry,” without using alcohol or any synthetic solvents. Let’s take a closer look now at some of KSM-66 ashwagandha’s benefits for health. What Too Much Cortisol Does to the Body Any stressful event in our lives causes our adrenal glands to produce cortisol, a steroid hormone that acts to control blood sugar levels, regulate metabolism, lower inflammation levels, influence memory formation, and manage salt and water balance [7]. The more stressed we are and the longer we’re stressed, the more our adrenals respond by releasing cortisol into our bloodstream. Too much cortisol in the blood over a prolonged period of time can lead to: rapid weight gain high blood pressure osteoporosis muscle weakness mood swings anxiety, depression, or irritability increased thirst and frequency of urination [7] Ongoing high cortisol levels can also eventually cause a lack of sex drive in men. In women, periods typically become irregular, less frequent, or may even stop altogether (amenorrhea). How Can Ashwagandha Help Us Cope With Stress? To answer this question, a double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled trial was conducted to assess the safety and efficacy of KSM-66 ashwagandha (which, as mentioned above, is a high-concentration, full-spectrum ashwagandha root extract) in 64 adults [5]. After 60 days of treatment, the study authors observed a “substantial reduction” in four separate measures of stress in the study participants. KSM-66 ashwagandha also reduced levels of the hormone cortisol in the blood. By lowering cortisol, ashwagandha tones down the body’s response to stressful situations, in effect “calming us down.” No serious adverse events were reported [5] and the study researchers concluded that: “High-concentration full-spectrum Ashwagandha root extract safely and effectively improves an individual’s resistance towards stress and thereby improves self-assessed quality of life.” Similarly, in another randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study, 60 stressed but otherwise healthy adults were randomly assigned to take either a placebo or an ashwagandha root extract once daily for 2 months [8]. At the end of the study, participants given ashwagandha showed a significant reduction in their stress, anxiety, and depression scores. Once again, ashwagandha consumption was associated with a greater reduction in the levels of cortisol in the blood, when compared with placebo [8]. The Connection Between Stress and Obesity Chronic stress has been associated with many illnesses, including obesity. In a double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled trial, ashwagandha consumption was seen to lead to significant reductions in emotional and uncontrolled food cravings while also lowering cortisol, body weight, and body mass index (BMI) in 52 subjects subjected to chronic stress [9]. Indeed, laboratory experiments in mice have shown that one of the main active ingredients in ashwagandha known as Withaferin A can protect against obesity caused by a high-fat diet by reducing inflammation in the liver, oxidative stress, and insulin resistance [10]. These and other findings make it clear that ashwagandha is a powerful tool in our battle against ongoing stress, likely by regulating various specific aspects of our hypothalamus-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis. This is an interactive neuroendocrine system that plays a key role in maintaining our body’s internal equilibrium, along with orchestrating our body’s response to stress. Ashwagandha Benefits for Joint Pain Ashwagandha is a key ingredient in many Ayurvedic formulations prescribed for joint-related conditions such as osteoarthritis. Indeed, many research studies show that ashwagandha and its bioactive ingredients help to manage and reduce inflammation levels. For instance, in a double-blind, placebo-controlled cross-over clinical trial published in 1991, 42 patients with osteoarthritis were randomized to receive a formula containing ashwagandha, frankincense, turmeric, and zinc – or placebo – for three months [11]. Clinical efficacy was evaluated every 15 days in terms of severity of pain, morning stiffness, Ritchie articular index (a weighted score of tenderness and swelling in 53 joint groups, each scored on a 0-3 scale), joint score, disability score, and grip strength. Throughout the study, the herbal formula was seen to significantly reduce the severity of joint pain and disability. No significant adverse effects were reported. In another study, 86 patients with joint pain were given 5 grams of ashwagandha powder twice a day for three weeks with lukewarm water or milk [12]. Then these patients took another Ayurvedic preparation known as Sidh Makardhwaj – a formulation used in rheumatoid arthritis and neurological disorders – daily for the next four weeks. Treatment with ashwagandha and Sidh Makardhwaj for seven weeks led to significantly improved scores of joint swelling, tenderness, and pain, indicating that this combination treatment is likely to be beneficial in rheumatoid arthritis. Indeed, in laboratory experiments, an ashwagandha root extract was seen to reduce inflammation in knee cartilage taken from chronic osteoarthritis patients [13]. Ashwagandha for Boosting Endurance, Muscle Strength, and Recovery Ashwagandha has long had the reputation of being able to enhance cardiovascular endurance and physical performance. As stated earlier, consuming this herb is said to impart the strength and stamina of a horse [1]. In a prospective, double-blind, randomized, and placebo-controlled study, KSM-66 ashwagandha was shown to significantly boost cardiorespiratory endurance and improve self-reported quality of life (QOL) in 50 healthy male and female athletic adults [14]. In another randomized, prospective, double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical study, 57 young men with little previous experience in resistance training were randomized into treatment and placebo groups [15]. Participants in the treatment group consumed 300 mg of ashwagandha root extract twice daily, while those in the control group took starch placebos instead. Multiple measurements – including muscle strength, muscle size, body composition, testosterone levels, and muscle recovery – were made before the start of the study. Both groups then went through resistance training for 8 weeks and the measurements were repeated when they were done. Promisingly, the group of men taking ashwagandha root extract had significantly greater increases in muscle strength and arm muscle size relative to the placebo group. They also showed significantly less exercise-induced muscle damage, higher testosterone levels, and a greater reduction in body fat percentage. In other words, ashwagandha supplementation is associated with significant increases in muscle mass, strength, and recovery after exercise. In another randomized, double-blind strength and conditioning study known as the STAR trial, 500 mg of an extract of ashwagandha roots and leaves was consumed by recreationally active young men for 12 weeks [16]. Body composition, muscular strength, power, and endurance, cycling time trial, and blood chemistry were measured before and after the study. Consuming the ashwagandha extract was seen to improve upper and lower body strength and improve distribution of body mass in these men, once again without causing any serious adverse effects. Ashwagandha as an Immune System Enhancer Ashwagandha enhances immune function. In a small study, ashwagandha root extract was seen to activate multiple types of immune cells in the participants [17]. Similarly, a tea fortified with five herbs including ashwagandha was seen to activate so-called “natural killer” (NK) cells in not just one, but two independent double-blind intervention studies conducted in India on healthy volunteers [18]. NK cell activity is an important aspect of our body’s early immune response to infections. Interestingly, in other situations, ashwagandha extracts have also been shown to suppress specific components of the immune system. For example, one of the characteristic features of rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is the continuous production of pro-inflammatory compounds known as cytokines in joint cavities, triggering inflammation and cartilage destruction. In laboratory experiments in rats, a root extract of ashwagandha was seen to suppress production of pro-inflammatory cytokines and reduce oxidative stress [19]. The Brain-Boosting Benefits of Ashwagandha Numerous laboratory studies show that ashwagandha – traditionally used in Ayurveda to boost intellect and memory – can slow, stop, and reverse damage to brain cells and may even help to reconstruct brain cell networks. For instance, ashwagandha extracts have been shown to promote nerve cell growth in culture [20]. Withanolide A, withanoside IV, and withanoside VI were identified as the bioactive compounds responsible. Ashwagandha extracts as well as specific bioactive compounds (e.g., withanolide A) have also been shown to protect nerve cells in culture against damage caused by various toxic agents [21]. Amazingly, the administration of withanoside IV for 21 days led to recovery in a rat model of spinal cord damage [20]. It is well known that toxic free radicals damage brain cells and contribute to both normal aging and aging-related health conditions. In a 2015 study, both ashwagandha extracts and a bioactive compound known as withanone were seen to protect nerve cells from oxidative damage [22]. Not surprisingly, ashwagandha has long been used in Ayurveda to enhance memory and improve mental faculties. In a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled pilot study, 50 adults suffering from mild cognitive impairment (MCI) – who are considered to be at a greater risk of developing dementia later in life – were treated with either 300 mg of KSM-66 ashwagandha twice daily or placebo for 8 weeks [23]. After 8 weeks, the ashwagandha KSM-66 group showed significant improvements in both their immediate or short-term as well as general memory, relative to the placebo group. The ashwagandha group also showed significant improvements in executive function, sustained attention, and information-processing abilities. Can Ashwagandha Even Help Protect Against Abnormal Cell Growth? Ashwagandha and other species of Withania are well known in folk medicine traditions for their anti-cancer properties and their extracts have been shown to be toxic for multiple types of cancer cells in laboratory experiments [24]. They appear to act by slowing down or even stopping cancer cell growth by inducing programmed cell death or “apoptosis.” As stated earlier, Withaferin A, an anti-inflammatory withanolide, has been shown to act as an anti-angiogenic. In other words, it can help stop tumors from growing their own blood vessels, slowing down their growth, or perhaps even shrinking them. As reported in the journal Biochemical Pharmacology in August 2019, growing evidence suggests that Withaferin A is very effective against cancer [25]. For instance, low response rate and recurrence are common issues in lung cancer. Withaferin A has been shown to exhibit potent toxicity against several lung cancer cell lines in laboratory experiments. Not only that, the combination of Withaferin A and chemotherapeutic drugs were shown to have additive effects on lung cancer cell survival [26]. Withaferin A has also been shown to be toxic for breast cancer and cervical cancer (HeLa) cells in laboratory experiments [27,28]. Similarly, other bioactive compounds in ashwagandha have also been shown to be toxic for cancer cells in laboratory experiments [29]. KSM-66 Ashwagandha’s Impact on Libido and Infertility Ashwagandha root extract has been shown to enhance sexual desire and function in both men and women. For instance, ashwagandha has been described in Ayurvedic medicine as an aphrodisiac that can be used to treat male sexual dysfunction and infertility. In a pilot study conducted to evaluate the effects of ashwagandha in patients with a low sperm count (known as oligospermia), a total of 46 male patients were randomized either to treatment with KSM-66 Ashwagandha or placebo for 90 days [30]. At the end of the study, participants given KSM-66 ashwagandha showed a 167% increase in sperm count, a 53% increase in semen volume, and a 57% increase in sperm motility relative to baseline. In comparison, only minimal changes were seen in the placebo group. Further, a greater improvement in hormone levels was seen with KSM-66 ashwagandha. In other words, ashwagandha is likely to be very effective in treating oligospermia, which is a leading cause of male infertility. Similarly, a meta-analysis showed that ashwagandha significantly improved sperm concentration and sperm motility even in men with normal sperm parameters, without any adverse effects [31]. Ashwagandha has also been shown to enhance sexual function in women. At the Trupti Hospital and Santati Fertility Center located near Mumbai in India, 50 women were randomized to either ashwagandha treatment or placebo (300 mg twice daily) for 8 weeks [32]. In this study, ashwagandha supplementation was shown to lead to significantly higher scores in multiple markers of sexual desire and function. But Is Ashwagandha Safe? Ashwagandha root powder has been used in Ayurvedic medicine for centuries, and it is believed to be completely safe and free of any toxicity. Extracts of ashwagandha made using alcohol and water will likely contain higher doses of its natural ingredients, relative to raw powder. So far animal studies with such extracts have shown no evidence of toxicity, even at relatively high doses [33]. However, it is always advisable to take an herbal supplement only after consulting your healthcare provider, especially if you have any ongoing health conditions or if you’re pregnant or breastfeeding. Organixx Turmeric 3D Contains KSM-66 Ashwagandha The Organixx Turmeric 3D formula has always contained ashwagandha extract. As part of our commitment to seeking out the cleanest and most effective supplement ingredients, we upgraded to KSM-66 Ashwagandha in 2019 – the most clinically studied ashwagandha on the market. KSM-66 is a full-spectrum extract produced using a unique proprietary extraction process, based on “Green Chemistry” principles, without using alcohol or any other chemical solvent. Deeper Dive Resources [1] An Overview on Ashwagandha: A Rasayana (Rejuvenator) of Ayurveda. [2] Scientific basis for the use of Indian ayurvedic medicinal plants in the treatment of neurodegenerative disorders: ashwagandha. [3] Scientific Basis for the Therapeutic Use of Withania somnifera (Ashwagandha): A Review. [4] Anti‐stress activity of sitoindosides VII and VIII, new acylsterylglucosides from Withania somnifera. [5] A prospective, randomized double-blind, placebo-controlled study of safety and efficacy of a high-concentration full-spectrum extract of ashwagandha root in reducing stress and anxiety in adults. [6] KSM-66 Ashwagandha Documentary [7] Society for Endocrinology: You and Your Hormones – Cortisol. [8] An investigation into the stress-relieving and pharmacological actions of an ashwagandha (Withania somnifera) extract: A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study. [9] Body Weight Management in Adults Under Chronic Stress Through Treatment With Ashwagandha Root Extract: A Double-Blind, Randomized, Placebo-Controlled Trial. [10] Withaferin A Protects Against High-Fat Diet-Induced Obesity Via Attenuation of Oxidative Stress, Inflammation, and Insulin Resistance. [11] Treatment of osteoarthritis with a herbomineral formulation: a double-blind, placebo-controlled, cross-over study. [12] Efficacy & safety evaluation of Ayurvedic treatment (Ashwagandha powder & Sidh Makardhwaj) in rheumatoid arthritis patients: a pilot prospective study. [13] The relationship between chondroprotective and antiinflammatory effects of Withania somnifera root and glucosamine sulphate on human osteoarthritic cartilage in vitro. [14] Efficacy of Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera [L.] Dunal) in improving cardiorespiratory endurance in healthy athletic adults. [15] Examining the effect of Withania somnifera supplementation on muscle strength and recovery: a randomized controlled trial. [16] Effects of an Aqueous Extract of Withania somnifera on Strength Training Adaptations and Recovery: The STAR Trial. [17] In vivo effects of Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera) extract on the activation of lymphocytes. [18] In vivo enhancement of natural killer cell activity through tea fortified with Ayurvedic herbs. [19] In vivo, Extract from Withania somnifera Root Ameliorates Arthritis via Regulation of Key Immune Mediators of Inflammation in Experimental Model of Arthritis. [20] Effects of Ashwagandha (roots of Withania somnifera) on neurodegenerative diseases. [21] Neuritic regeneration and synaptic reconstruction induced by withanolide A. [22] Combinations of Ashwagandha leaf extracts protect brain-derived cells against oxidative stress and induce differentiation. [23] Efficacy and Safety of Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera (L.) Dunal) Root Extract in Improving Memory and Cognitive Functions. [24] Medicinal Plants from Near East for Cancer Therapy. [25] Withaferin A: From ayurvedic folk medicine to preclinical anti-cancer drug. [26] Identification of Withaferin A as a Potential Candidate for Anti-Cancer Therapy in Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer. [27] Withaferin A inhibits expression of ataxia telangiectasia and Rad3-related kinase and enhances sensitivity of human breast cancer cells to cisplatin. [28] Subcritical water extraction of withanosides and withanolides from ashwagandha (Withania somnifera L) and their biological activities. [29] Cytotoxic Withanolides from the Roots of Indian Ginseng (Withania somnifera). [30] Clinical Evaluation of the Spermatogenic Activity of the Root Extract of Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera) in Oligospermic Males: A Pilot Study. [31] Withania somnifera (Indian ginseng) in male infertility: An evidence-based systematic review and meta-analysis. [32] Efficacy and Safety of Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera) Root Extract in Improving Sexual Function in Women: A Pilot Study. [33] Safety assessment of Withania somnifera extract standardized for Withaferin A: Acute and sub-acute toxicity study.

Ep 26 - Withania: Herbal Extract Company

Mentoring with Geraldine

Play Episode Listen Later Nov 23, 2020 14:17

Join Geraldine & Christine from the Herbal Extract Company as we discuss - Withania commonly known as Ashwagandha, is a revered medicinal plant that has been used in Ayurvedic and indigenous medicine for millennia to relieve stress, increase energy levels and improve concentration.

How Stress Can Lower Your Immune System

The Herbalist's Path

Play Episode Listen Later Nov 13, 2020 26:19

How does stress impact your immune system?Have you ever been super stressed out, spread way too thin, and next thing you know, you've gotten sick (which certainly doesn't help the stress!)? Well, stress and what it does to your body can really adversely affect your immune system. And right now-- post-election, pre-holidays, global pandemic-- we're all worn out and worn down. But there are things we can do (and herbs we can use) to help our brains stay chill so our bodies can stay strong. There's lifestyle habits we can use like yoga or deep breathing exercises, connecting with others (using other pathways when physical closeness isn't an option), connecting with yourself, and getting outside!There are herbs we can use to help too. The class of herbs I seek when I need body/mind support is Adaptogens. These herbs help our bodies to adapt to stressors, regulating and supporting our neuroendocrine & immune systems. Some nourish, some boost immune system. The herbs we'll talk about in this episode are Licorice Root (Glycyrrhiza glabra), Tulsi (Ocimum tenuiflorum) , and Ashwaganda (Withania somnifera)Remember, different bodies react to herbs in different ways. The information presented is in no way meant to diagnose or remedy any ailment. Find out what works for you with the help of a certified herbalist, naturopathic practitioner, or other health There's a variety of ways to get this plant medicine in your body --tinctures, capsules, teas, etc. For some ready-made tea options, check out Mountain Mel's Herbal Teas at mountainmels.com. Use code THP15 at checkout to receive 15% off just for listening. Or make your own with bulk herbs from our partners at Mountain Rose Herbs or Oshala Farms.Learning is fun!! We've got an upcoming FREE WORKSHOP "Keeping Cold & Flu at Bay...the Natural Way!" on November 13th, 17th, 18th, & 20th. Grab your spot here and join the fun!Join our Herbalist's Path Facebook Group where we can share ideas, information, and our creations. Do you have an idea for a show topic? We'd love to hear it! Let's inspire a movement where there's an herbalist in every home...again! Together we can make herbalism #spreadlikewildflowersRegister For Our FREE 3-Day LIVE Immune Boosting Workshop. Learn why herbalism is the most sustainable way to keep you & your family healthy and well. Begin your path to being the herbalist in your home. Register here today! #spreadlikewildflowersSupport the show (https://www.patreon.com/theherbalistspath/)

learning stress register lower bay immune system flu herbalist tulsi natural ways adaptogens free workshop herbal teas ashwaganda mountain rose herbs withania

Can Ashwagandha (Withania Somnifera) Safely Improve Stress and Sleep?

Nootralize Podcast

Play Episode Listen Later Oct 25, 2020 20:02

https://nootralize.com/nootropics/ashwagandha

stress sleep safely ashwagandha withania

Episode 233: Greg Potter - Nutrition, stress, and sleep

All Things Strength & Wellness

Play Episode Listen Later Aug 31, 2020 57:41

This episodes guest sees the return of Greg Potter. Greg was previously on episode 210.Greg has a PhD in nutrition, circadian rhythms, sleep, and metabolism, and he is cofounder and Chief Science Officer of Resilient Nutrition, whose products we discuss in the show. He also works as a health and performance consultant and is a regular speaker at international health summits. Highlights of Greg’s career include working with the US Naval Special Warfare, coaching a sprinter to four gold medals at the European Championships, helping two men break the World Record while rowing the Atlantic, and having his research featured in dozens of international news outlets, including the BBC. Greg also likes science, mountains, diving, sunshine, techno, and fish pie! On this episode Greg and I discuss: Greg's work with Resilient Nutrition Why Greg got involved in the supplement production industry The nutritional products that Resilient produce and offer The ergogenic benefits of Ashwagandha Stress and anxiety effects on sleep This was an outstanding episode and I hope you all enjoy it as much as we did! Stay Strong, RB Show Notes: Website - resilientnutrition.com Website - gregpotterphd.com Podcasts Mentioned: Joe Rogan Experience #1244 - Colin O'Brady The Happiness Lab Research and Articles Mentioned: Effects of an Aqueous Extract of Withania somnifera on Strength Training Adaptations and Recovery: The STAR Trial Effects of the COVID-19 lockdown on human sleep and rest-activity rhythms Sleep in university students prior to and during COVID-19 Stay- at Home orders Books Mentioned: Thinking Fast and Slow Endure Why Evolution Is True Crossing the Chasm, 3rd Edition Adventures of a Young Naturalist People and Resources Mentioned: Daniel Kahneman Tim N. Ziegenfuss bettersleep.com Joe Rogan Colin O'Brady

covid-19 stress phd home sleep nutrition bbc atlantic resilient world records european championships chasm stay strong chief science officer greg potter withania

Alternative Treatment for Anxiety

Lab Rats Podcast

Play Episode Play 59 sec Highlight Listen Later Aug 24, 2020 24:07

Most people experience some form of occasional anxiety in daily life, whether it be due to an issue at work, relationship tension, or an upcoming exam. However, a percentage of the population experience much more frequent, intense moments of fear and panic that fall under the category of "anxiety disorder". These feelings of stress, anxiety, panic, and fear exist on a spectrum, with some people experiencing them briefly, while others experience them chronically, and everything in-between.Medical News Bulletin recently published an article titled "Alternative treatment for anxiety", where they examined recent studies on a powerful apoptogenic herb that has shown evidence of reducing the symptoms of anxiety and stress in certain people. Adaptogens have been used in Chinese and Ayurvedic medicine for thousands of years but they've had a resurgence recently. In this episode, we look at one particular adaptogenic herb and how it may impact the body's response to stress and anxiety. Visit our InstagramLearn more on our websiteResources:Medical News Bulletin - Alternative treatment for anxietyA prospective, randomized double-blind, placebo-controlled study of safety and efficacy of a high-concentration full-spectrum extract of ashwagandha root in reducing stress and anxiety in adultsAn investigation into the stress-relieving and pharmacological actions of an ashwagandha (Withania somnifera) extract: A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled studyAn Alternative Treatment for Anxiety: A Systematic Review of Human Trial Results Reported for the Ayurvedic Herb AshwagandhaDisclaimer: This podcast is not intended to provide medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. The products, information, services and other content provided on and through this podcast, including information that may be provided in the show notes (directly or via linking to third-party sites), are provided for informational purposes only. Please consult with your physician or other healthcare professional regarding any medical or health-related diagnosis or treatment options.

anxiety chinese wellness nutrition ayurvedic anxiety disorders adaptogens alternative treatments ancestral living withania

Withania

Alle Radici della Natura

Play Episode Listen Later Apr 30, 2020 15:03

Prodotto consigliato a base di WITHANIA: https://tinyurl.com/y6uetegg

medicina natura bianchi ivo scienza prodotto naturale piante fitoterapia naturopatia withania

A Superhero Herb for Body & Brain: KSM-66 Ashwagandha

Play Episode Listen Later Mar 10, 2020 28:23

Ashwagandha is an important herb used in the ancient Indian system of medicine known as Ayurveda to promote general health and well-being. In Ayurvedic practice, ashwagandha is classified as a Rasayana, which means an herb or preparation that rejuvenates, extends life, and promotes a youthful state of physical and mental health. Listen in to discover more about ashwagandha’s incredible health benefits in general and a special potent “superhero” form known as KSM-66 ashwagandha. What Does Ashwagandha Do? Ashwagandha’s superpower is that it is an adaptogen. Adaptogens are non-toxic therapies that normalize our bodily functions – both physical and mental – that are thrown out of balance when we are exposed to chronic, uncontrolled stress. They do so by correcting imbalances in the neuroendocrine and immune systems [2]. In short, adaptogens enhance our ability to cope with stress. There are more than 35 natural compounds in ashwagandha including alkaloids, steroidal lactones, saponins, and with anolides. These compounds have been shown to have anti-stress activity in multiple laboratory models of chronic stress and in some human studies as well [1-5]. Additionally, ashwagandha extracts as well as specific bioactive compounds present in this plant – primarily in the roots – have been shown to help: counter pain and joint swelling associated with arthritis • boost various components of the immune system • protect the brain and nervous system • slow down or even kill abnormal cells • enhance both male and female sexual desire and function What Is KSM-66 Ashwagandha? KSM-66 Ashwagandha is a high-concentration ashwagandha root extract manufactured and sold by Ixoreal Biomed, located in Hyderabad, India [6]. Ashwagandha KSM-66 is made solely from ashwagandha roots, which contain its main bioactive ingredients, without using any other parts that are considered to be less effective. A unique feature of KSM-66 ashwagandha is that it’s standardized to a withanolide content of at least 5 percent. Withanolides are a group of around 300 naturally occurring steroid compounds, some of which are naturally present in ashwagandha. One example is Withaferin A, an anti-inflammatory compound that has also been shown to stop tumors from growing their own blood vessels, slowing down their growth, and perhaps even shrinking them. Last but not least, KSM-66 ashwagandha is produced by a unique extraction process, based on the principles of “green chemistry,” without using alcohol or any synthetic solvents. Let’s take a closer look now at some of KSM-66 ashwagandha’s benefits for health. What Too Much Cortisol Does to the Body Any stressful event in our lives causes our adrenal glands to produce cortisol, a steroid hormone that acts to control blood sugar levels, regulate metabolism, lower inflammation levels, influence memory formation, and manage salt and water balance [7]. The more stressed we are and the longer we’re stressed, the more our adrenals respond by releasing cortisol into our bloodstream. Too much cortisol in the blood over a prolonged period of time can lead to: rapid weight gain high blood pressure osteoporosis muscle weakness mood swings anxiety, depression, or irritability increased thirst and frequency of urination [7] Ongoing high cortisol levels can also eventually cause a lack of sex drive in men. In women, periods typically become irregular, less frequent, or may even stop altogether (amenorrhea). How Can Ashwagandha Help Us Cope With Stress? To answer this question, a double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled trial was conducted to assess the safety and efficacy of KSM-66 ashwagandha (which, as mentioned above, is a high-concentration, full-spectrum ashwagandha root extract) in 64 adults [5]. After 60 days of treatment, the study authors observed a “substantial reduction” in four separate measures of stress in the study participants. KSM-66 ashwagandha also reduced levels of the hormone cortisol in the blood. By lowering cortisol, ashwagandha tones down the body’s response to stressful situations, in effect “calming us down.” No serious adverse events were reported [5] and the study researchers concluded that: “High-concentration full-spectrum Ashwagandha root extract safely and effectively improves an individual’s resistance towards stress and thereby improves self-assessed quality of life.” Similarly, in another randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study, 60 stressed but otherwise healthy adults were randomly assigned to take either a placebo or an ashwagandha root extract once daily for 2 months [8]. At the end of the study, participants given ashwagandha showed a significant reduction in their stress, anxiety, and depression scores. Once again, ashwagandha consumption was associated with a greater reduction in the levels of cortisol in the blood, when compared with placebo [8]. The Connection Between Stress and Obesity Chronic stress has been associated with many illnesses, including obesity. In a double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled trial, ashwagandha consumption was seen to lead to significant reductions in emotional and uncontrolled food cravings while also lowering cortisol, body weight, and body mass index (BMI) in 52 subjects subjected to chronic stress [9]. Indeed, laboratory experiments in mice have shown that one of the main active ingredients in ashwagandha known as Withaferin A can protect against obesity caused by a high-fat diet by reducing inflammation in the liver, oxidative stress, and insulin resistance [10]. These and other findings make it clear that ashwagandha is a powerful tool in our battle against ongoing stress, likely by regulating various specific aspects of our hypothalamus-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis. This is an interactive neuroendocrine system that plays a key role in maintaining our body’s internal equilibrium, along with orchestrating our body’s response to stress. Ashwagandha Benefits for Joint Pain Ashwagandha is a key ingredient in many Ayurvedic formulations prescribed for joint-related conditions such as osteoarthritis. Indeed, many research studies show that ashwagandha and its bioactive ingredients help to manage and reduce inflammation levels. For instance, in a double-blind, placebo-controlled cross-over clinical trial published in 1991, 42 patients with osteoarthritis were randomized to receive a formula containing ashwagandha, frankincense, turmeric, and zinc – or placebo – for three months [11]. Clinical efficacy was evaluated every 15 days in terms of severity of pain, morning stiffness, Ritchie articular index (a weighted score of tenderness and swelling in 53 joint groups, each scored on a 0-3 scale), joint score, disability score, and grip strength. Throughout the study, the herbal formula was seen to significantly reduce the severity of joint pain and disability. No significant adverse effects were reported. In another study, 86 patients with joint pain were given 5 grams of ashwagandha powder twice a day for three weeks with lukewarm water or milk [12]. Then these patients took another Ayurvedic preparation known as Sidh Makardhwaj – a formulation used in rheumatoid arthritis and neurological disorders – daily for the next four weeks. Treatment with ashwagandha and Sidh Makardhwaj for seven weeks led to significantly improved scores of joint swelling, tenderness, and pain, indicating that this combination treatment is likely to be beneficial in rheumatoid arthritis. Indeed, in laboratory experiments, an ashwagandha root extract was seen to reduce inflammation in knee cartilage taken from chronic osteoarthritis patients [13]. Ashwagandha for Boosting Endurance, Muscle Strength, and Recovery Ashwagandha has long had the reputation of being able to enhance cardiovascular endurance and physical performance. As stated earlier, consuming this herb is said to impart the strength and stamina of a horse [1]. In a prospective, double-blind, randomized, and placebo-controlled study, KSM-66 ashwagandha was shown to significantly boost cardiorespiratory endurance and improve self-reported quality of life (QOL) in 50 healthy male and female athletic adults [14]. In another randomized, prospective, double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical study, 57 young men with little previous experience in resistance training were randomized into treatment and placebo groups [15]. Participants in the treatment group consumed 300 mg of ashwagandha root extract twice daily, while those in the control group took starch placebos instead. Multiple measurements – including muscle strength, muscle size, body composition, testosterone levels, and muscle recovery – were made before the start of the study. Both groups then went through resistance training for 8 weeks and the measurements were repeated when they were done. Promisingly, the group of men taking ashwagandha root extract had significantly greater increases in muscle strength and arm muscle size relative to the placebo group. They also showed significantly less exercise-induced muscle damage, higher testosterone levels, and a greater reduction in body fat percentage. In other words, ashwagandha supplementation is associated with significant increases in muscle mass, strength, and recovery after exercise. In another randomized, double-blind strength and conditioning study known as the STAR trial, 500 mg of an extract of ashwagandha roots and leaves was consumed by recreationally active young men for 12 weeks [16]. Body composition, muscular strength, power, and endurance, cycling time trial, and blood chemistry were measured before and after the study. Consuming the ashwagandha extract was seen to improve upper and lower body strength and improve distribution of body mass in these men, once again without causing any serious adverse effects. Ashwagandha as an Immune System Enhancer Ashwagandha enhances immune function. In a small study, ashwagandha root extract was seen to activate multiple types of immune cells in the participants [17]. Similarly, a tea fortified with five herbs including ashwagandha was seen to activate so-called “natural killer” (NK) cells in not just one, but two independent double-blind intervention studies conducted in India on healthy volunteers [18]. NK cell activity is an important aspect of our body’s early immune response to infections. Interestingly, in other situations, ashwagandha extracts have also been shown to suppress specific components of the immune system. For example, one of the characteristic features of rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is the continuous production of pro-inflammatory compounds known as cytokines in joint cavities, triggering inflammation and cartilage destruction. In laboratory experiments in rats, a root extract of ashwagandha was seen to suppress production of pro-inflammatory cytokines and reduce oxidative stress [19]. The Brain-Boosting Benefits of Ashwagandha Numerous laboratory studies show that ashwagandha – traditionally used in Ayurveda to boost intellect and memory – can slow, stop, and reverse damage to brain cells and may even help to reconstruct brain cell networks. For instance, ashwagandha extracts have been shown to promote nerve cell growth in culture [20]. Withanolide A, withanoside IV, and withanoside VI were identified as the bioactive compounds responsible. Ashwagandha extracts as well as specific bioactive compounds (e.g., withanolide A) have also been shown to protect nerve cells in culture against damage caused by various toxic agents [21]. Amazingly, the administration of withanoside IV for 21 days led to recovery in a rat model of spinal cord damage [20]. It is well known that toxic free radicals damage brain cells and contribute to both normal aging and aging-related health conditions. In a 2015 study, both ashwagandha extracts and a bioactive compound known as withanone were seen to protect nerve cells from oxidative damage [22]. Not surprisingly, ashwagandha has long been used in Ayurveda to enhance memory and improve mental faculties. In a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled pilot study, 50 adults suffering from mild cognitive impairment (MCI) – who are considered to be at a greater risk of developing dementia later in life – were treated with either 300 mg of KSM-66 ashwagandha twice daily or placebo for 8 weeks [23]. After 8 weeks, the ashwagandha KSM-66 group showed significant improvements in both their immediate or short-term as well as general memory, relative to the placebo group. The ashwagandha group also showed significant improvements in executive function, sustained attention, and information-processing abilities. Can Ashwagandha Even Help Protect Against Abnormal Cell Growth? Ashwagandha and other species of Withania are well known in folk medicine traditions for their anti-cancer properties and their extracts have been shown to be toxic for multiple types of cancer cells in laboratory experiments [24]. They appear to act by slowing down or even stopping cancer cell growth by inducing programmed cell death or “apoptosis.” As stated earlier, Withaferin A, an anti-inflammatory withanolide, has been shown to act as an anti-angiogenic. In other words, it can help stop tumors from growing their own blood vessels, slowing down their growth, or perhaps even shrinking them. As reported in the journal Biochemical Pharmacology in August 2019, growing evidence suggests that Withaferin A is very effective against cancer [25]. For instance, low response rate and recurrence are common issues in lung cancer. Withaferin A has been shown to exhibit potent toxicity against several lung cancer cell lines in laboratory experiments. Not only that, the combination of Withaferin A and chemotherapeutic drugs were shown to have additive effects on lung cancer cell survival [26]. Withaferin A has also been shown to be toxic for breast cancer and cervical cancer (HeLa) cells in laboratory experiments [27,28]. Similarly, other bioactive compounds in ashwagandha have also been shown to be toxic for cancer cells in laboratory experiments [29]. KSM-66 Ashwagandha’s Impact on Libido and Infertility Ashwagandha root extract has been shown to enhance sexual desire and function in both men and women. For instance, ashwagandha has been described in Ayurvedic medicine as an aphrodisiac that can be used to treat male sexual dysfunction and infertility. In a pilot study conducted to evaluate the effects of ashwagandha in patients with a low sperm count (known as oligospermia), a total of 46 male patients were randomized either to treatment with KSM-66 Ashwagandha or placebo for 90 days [30]. At the end of the study, participants given KSM-66 ashwagandha showed a 167% increase in sperm count, a 53% increase in semen volume, and a 57% increase in sperm motility relative to baseline. In comparison, only minimal changes were seen in the placebo group. Further, a greater improvement in hormone levels was seen with KSM-66 ashwagandha. In other words, ashwagandha is likely to be very effective in treating oligospermia, which is a leading cause of male infertility. Similarly, a meta-analysis showed that ashwagandha significantly improved sperm concentration and sperm motility even in men with normal sperm parameters, without any adverse effects [31]. Ashwagandha has also been shown to enhance sexual function in women. At the Trupti Hospital and Santati Fertility Center located near Mumbai in India, 50 women were randomized to either ashwagandha treatment or placebo (300 mg twice daily) for 8 weeks [32]. In this study, ashwagandha supplementation was shown to lead to significantly higher scores in multiple markers of sexual desire and function. But Is Ashwagandha Safe? Ashwagandha root powder has been used in Ayurvedic medicine for centuries, and it is believed to be completely safe and free of any toxicity. Extracts of ashwagandha made using alcohol and water will likely contain higher doses of its natural ingredients, relative to raw powder. So far animal studies with such extracts have shown no evidence of toxicity, even at relatively high doses [33]. However, it is always advisable to take an herbal supplement only after consulting your healthcare provider, especially if you have any ongoing health conditions or if you’re pregnant or breastfeeding. Organixx Turmeric 3D Contains KSM-66 Ashwagandha The Organixx Turmeric 3D formula has always contained ashwagandha extract. As part of our commitment to seeking out the cleanest and most effective supplement ingredients, we upgraded to KSM-66 Ashwagandha in 2019 – the most clinically studied ashwagandha on the market. KSM-66 is a full-spectrum extract produced using a unique proprietary extraction process, based on “Green Chemistry” principles, without using alcohol or any other chemical solvent.

A Superhero Herb for Body & Brain: KSM-66 Ashwagandha

medicina natura laboratorio scienza possibile vitamina piante naturali benzodiazepine sostanze withania

Play Episode Listen Later Mar 10, 2020 28:23

Ashwagandha is an important herb used in the ancient Indian system of medicine known as Ayurveda to promote general health and well-being. In Ayurvedic practice, ashwagandha is classified as a Rasayana, which means an herb or preparation that rejuvenates, extends life, and promotes a youthful state of physical and mental health. Listen in to discover more about ashwagandha’s incredible health benefits in general and a special potent “superhero” form known as KSM-66 ashwagandha. What Does Ashwagandha Do? Ashwagandha’s superpower is that it is an adaptogen. Adaptogens are non-toxic therapies that normalize our bodily functions – both physical and mental – that are thrown out of balance when we are exposed to chronic, uncontrolled stress. They do so by correcting imbalances in the neuroendocrine and immune systems [2]. In short, adaptogens enhance our ability to cope with stress. There are more than 35 natural compounds in ashwagandha including alkaloids, steroidal lactones, saponins, and with anolides. These compounds have been shown to have anti-stress activity in multiple laboratory models of chronic stress and in some human studies as well [1-5]. Additionally, ashwagandha extracts as well as specific bioactive compounds present in this plant – primarily in the roots – have been shown to help: counter pain and joint swelling associated with arthritis • boost various components of the immune system • protect the brain and nervous system • slow down or even kill abnormal cells • enhance both male and female sexual desire and function What Is KSM-66 Ashwagandha? KSM-66 Ashwagandha is a high-concentration ashwagandha root extract manufactured and sold by Ixoreal Biomed, located in Hyderabad, India [6]. Ashwagandha KSM-66 is made solely from ashwagandha roots, which contain its main bioactive ingredients, without using any other parts that are considered to be less effective. A unique feature of KSM-66 ashwagandha is that it’s standardized to a withanolide content of at least 5 percent. Withanolides are a group of around 300 naturally occurring steroid compounds, some of which are naturally present in ashwagandha. One example is Withaferin A, an anti-inflammatory compound that has also been shown to stop tumors from growing their own blood vessels, slowing down their growth, and perhaps even shrinking them. Last but not least, KSM-66 ashwagandha is produced by a unique extraction process, based on the principles of “green chemistry,” without using alcohol or any synthetic solvents. Let’s take a closer look now at some of KSM-66 ashwagandha’s benefits for health. What Too Much Cortisol Does to the Body Any stressful event in our lives causes our adrenal glands to produce cortisol, a steroid hormone that acts to control blood sugar levels, regulate metabolism, lower inflammation levels, influence memory formation, and manage salt and water balance [7]. The more stressed we are and the longer we’re stressed, the more our adrenals respond by releasing cortisol into our bloodstream. Too much cortisol in the blood over a prolonged period of time can lead to: rapid weight gain high blood pressure osteoporosis muscle weakness mood swings anxiety, depression, or irritability increased thirst and frequency of urination [7] Ongoing high cortisol levels can also eventually cause a lack of sex drive in men. In women, periods typically become irregular, less frequent, or may even stop altogether (amenorrhea). How Can Ashwagandha Help Us Cope With Stress? To answer this question, a double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled trial was conducted to assess the safety and efficacy of KSM-66 ashwagandha (which, as mentioned above, is a high-concentration, full-spectrum ashwagandha root extract) in 64 adults [5]. After 60 days of treatment, the study authors observed a “substantial reduction” in four separate measures of stress in the study participants. KSM-66 ashwagandha also reduced levels of the hormone cortisol in the blood. By lowering cortisol, ashwagandha tones down the body’s response to stressful situations, in effect “calming us down.” No serious adverse events were reported [5] and the study researchers concluded that: “High-concentration full-spectrum Ashwagandha root extract safely and effectively improves an individual’s resistance towards stress and thereby improves self-assessed quality of life.” Similarly, in another randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study, 60 stressed but otherwise healthy adults were randomly assigned to take either a placebo or an ashwagandha root extract once daily for 2 months [8]. At the end of the study, participants given ashwagandha showed a significant reduction in their stress, anxiety, and depression scores. Once again, ashwagandha consumption was associated with a greater reduction in the levels of cortisol in the blood, when compared with placebo [8]. The Connection Between Stress and Obesity Chronic stress has been associated with many illnesses, including obesity. In a double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled trial, ashwagandha consumption was seen to lead to significant reductions in emotional and uncontrolled food cravings while also lowering cortisol, body weight, and body mass index (BMI) in 52 subjects subjected to chronic stress [9]. Indeed, laboratory experiments in mice have shown that one of the main active ingredients in ashwagandha known as Withaferin A can protect against obesity caused by a high-fat diet by reducing inflammation in the liver, oxidative stress, and insulin resistance [10]. These and other findings make it clear that ashwagandha is a powerful tool in our battle against ongoing stress, likely by regulating various specific aspects of our hypothalamus-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis. This is an interactive neuroendocrine system that plays a key role in maintaining our body’s internal equilibrium, along with orchestrating our body’s response to stress. Ashwagandha Benefits for Joint Pain Ashwagandha is a key ingredient in many Ayurvedic formulations prescribed for joint-related conditions such as osteoarthritis. Indeed, many research studies show that ashwagandha and its bioactive ingredients help to manage and reduce inflammation levels. For instance, in a double-blind, placebo-controlled cross-over clinical trial published in 1991, 42 patients with osteoarthritis were randomized to receive a formula containing ashwagandha, frankincense, turmeric, and zinc – or placebo – for three months [11]. Clinical efficacy was evaluated every 15 days in terms of severity of pain, morning stiffness, Ritchie articular index (a weighted score of tenderness and swelling in 53 joint groups, each scored on a 0-3 scale), joint score, disability score, and grip strength. Throughout the study, the herbal formula was seen to significantly reduce the severity of joint pain and disability. No significant adverse effects were reported. In another study, 86 patients with joint pain were given 5 grams of ashwagandha powder twice a day for three weeks with lukewarm water or milk [12]. Then these patients took another Ayurvedic preparation known as Sidh Makardhwaj – a formulation used in rheumatoid arthritis and neurological disorders – daily for the next four weeks. Treatment with ashwagandha and Sidh Makardhwaj for seven weeks led to significantly improved scores of joint swelling, tenderness, and pain, indicating that this combination treatment is likely to be beneficial in rheumatoid arthritis. Indeed, in laboratory experiments, an ashwagandha root extract was seen to reduce inflammation in knee cartilage taken from chronic osteoarthritis patients [13]. Ashwagandha for Boosting Endurance, Muscle Strength, and Recovery Ashwagandha has long had the reputation of being able to enhance cardiovascular endurance and physical performance. As stated earlier, consuming this herb is said to impart the strength and stamina of a horse [1]. In a prospective, double-blind, randomized, and placebo-controlled study, KSM-66 ashwagandha was shown to significantly boost cardiorespiratory endurance and improve self-reported quality of life (QOL) in 50 healthy male and female athletic adults [14]. In another randomized, prospective, double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical study, 57 young men with little previous experience in resistance training were randomized into treatment and placebo groups [15]. Participants in the treatment group consumed 300 mg of ashwagandha root extract twice daily, while those in the control group took starch placebos instead. Multiple measurements – including muscle strength, muscle size, body composition, testosterone levels, and muscle recovery – were made before the start of the study. Both groups then went through resistance training for 8 weeks and the measurements were repeated when they were done. Promisingly, the group of men taking ashwagandha root extract had significantly greater increases in muscle strength and arm muscle size relative to the placebo group. They also showed significantly less exercise-induced muscle damage, higher testosterone levels, and a greater reduction in body fat percentage. In other words, ashwagandha supplementation is associated with significant increases in muscle mass, strength, and recovery after exercise. In another randomized, double-blind strength and conditioning study known as the STAR trial, 500 mg of an extract of ashwagandha roots and leaves was consumed by recreationally active young men for 12 weeks [16]. Body composition, muscular strength, power, and endurance, cycling time trial, and blood chemistry were measured before and after the study. Consuming the ashwagandha extract was seen to improve upper and lower body strength and improve distribution of body mass in these men, once again without causing any serious adverse effects. Ashwagandha as an Immune System Enhancer Ashwagandha enhances immune function. In a small study, ashwagandha root extract was seen to activate multiple types of immune cells in the participants [17]. Similarly, a tea fortified with five herbs including ashwagandha was seen to activate so-called “natural killer” (NK) cells in not just one, but two independent double-blind intervention studies conducted in India on healthy volunteers [18]. NK cell activity is an important aspect of our body’s early immune response to infections. Interestingly, in other situations, ashwagandha extracts have also been shown to suppress specific components of the immune system. For example, one of the characteristic features of rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is the continuous production of pro-inflammatory compounds known as cytokines in joint cavities, triggering inflammation and cartilage destruction. In laboratory experiments in rats, a root extract of ashwagandha was seen to suppress production of pro-inflammatory cytokines and reduce oxidative stress [19]. The Brain-Boosting Benefits of Ashwagandha Numerous laboratory studies show that ashwagandha – traditionally used in Ayurveda to boost intellect and memory – can slow, stop, and reverse damage to brain cells and may even help to reconstruct brain cell networks. For instance, ashwagandha extracts have been shown to promote nerve cell growth in culture [20]. Withanolide A, withanoside IV, and withanoside VI were identified as the bioactive compounds responsible. Ashwagandha extracts as well as specific bioactive compounds (e.g., withanolide A) have also been shown to protect nerve cells in culture against damage caused by various toxic agents [21]. Amazingly, the administration of withanoside IV for 21 days led to recovery in a rat model of spinal cord damage [20]. It is well known that toxic free radicals damage brain cells and contribute to both normal aging and aging-related health conditions. In a 2015 study, both ashwagandha extracts and a bioactive compound known as withanone were seen to protect nerve cells from oxidative damage [22]. Not surprisingly, ashwagandha has long been used in Ayurveda to enhance memory and improve mental faculties. In a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled pilot study, 50 adults suffering from mild cognitive impairment (MCI) – who are considered to be at a greater risk of developing dementia later in life – were treated with either 300 mg of KSM-66 ashwagandha twice daily or placebo for 8 weeks [23]. After 8 weeks, the ashwagandha KSM-66 group showed significant improvements in both their immediate or short-term as well as general memory, relative to the placebo group. The ashwagandha group also showed significant improvements in executive function, sustained attention, and information-processing abilities. Can Ashwagandha Even Help Protect Against Abnormal Cell Growth? Ashwagandha and other species of Withania are well known in folk medicine traditions for their anti-cancer properties and their extracts have been shown to be toxic for multiple types of cancer cells in laboratory experiments [24]. They appear to act by slowing down or even stopping cancer cell growth by inducing programmed cell death or “apoptosis.” As stated earlier, Withaferin A, an anti-inflammatory withanolide, has been shown to act as an anti-angiogenic. In other words, it can help stop tumors from growing their own blood vessels, slowing down their growth, or perhaps even shrinking them. As reported in the journal Biochemical Pharmacology in August 2019, growing evidence suggests that Withaferin A is very effective against cancer [25]. For instance, low response rate and recurrence are common issues in lung cancer. Withaferin A has been shown to exhibit potent toxicity against several lung cancer cell lines in laboratory experiments. Not only that, the combination of Withaferin A and chemotherapeutic drugs were shown to have additive effects on lung cancer cell survival [26]. Withaferin A has also been shown to be toxic for breast cancer and cervical cancer (HeLa) cells in laboratory experiments [27,28]. Similarly, other bioactive compounds in ashwagandha have also been shown to be toxic for cancer cells in laboratory experiments [29]. KSM-66 Ashwagandha’s Impact on Libido and Infertility Ashwagandha root extract has been shown to enhance sexual desire and function in both men and women. For instance, ashwagandha has been described in Ayurvedic medicine as an aphrodisiac that can be used to treat male sexual dysfunction and infertility. In a pilot study conducted to evaluate the effects of ashwagandha in patients with a low sperm count (known as oligospermia), a total of 46 male patients were randomized either to treatment with KSM-66 Ashwagandha or placebo for 90 days [30]. At the end of the study, participants given KSM-66 ashwagandha showed a 167% increase in sperm count, a 53% increase in semen volume, and a 57% increase in sperm motility relative to baseline. In comparison, only minimal changes were seen in the placebo group. Further, a greater improvement in hormone levels was seen with KSM-66 ashwagandha. In other words, ashwagandha is likely to be very effective in treating oligospermia, which is a leading cause of male infertility. Similarly, a meta-analysis showed that ashwagandha significantly improved sperm concentration and sperm motility even in men with normal sperm parameters, without any adverse effects [31]. Ashwagandha has also been shown to enhance sexual function in women. At the Trupti Hospital and Santati Fertility Center located near Mumbai in India, 50 women were randomized to either ashwagandha treatment or placebo (300 mg twice daily) for 8 weeks [32]. In this study, ashwagandha supplementation was shown to lead to significantly higher scores in multiple markers of sexual desire and function. But Is Ashwagandha Safe? Ashwagandha root powder has been used in Ayurvedic medicine for centuries, and it is believed to be completely safe and free of any toxicity. Extracts of ashwagandha made using alcohol and water will likely contain higher doses of its natural ingredients, relative to raw powder. So far animal studies with such extracts have shown no evidence of toxicity, even at relatively high doses [33]. However, it is always advisable to take an herbal supplement only after consulting your healthcare provider, especially if you have any ongoing health conditions or if you’re pregnant or breastfeeding. Organixx Turmeric 3D Contains KSM-66 Ashwagandha The Organixx Turmeric 3D formula has always contained ashwagandha extract. As part of our commitment to seeking out the cleanest and most effective supplement ingredients, we upgraded to KSM-66 Ashwagandha in 2019 – the most clinically studied ashwagandha on the market. KSM-66 is a full-spectrum extract produced using a unique proprietary extraction process, based on “Green Chemistry” principles, without using alcohol or any other chemical solvent.

Scacco Matto allo STRESS

Alle Radici della Natura

Play Episode Listen Later Oct 29, 2019 18:57

Piante e sostanze citate:Vitamina b1Vitamina cGinseng coreanoHericiumGinko biloba Withania somniferaSchisandra chinensisValerianaMelatoninaTirosina5 idrossitriptofanoMagnesioAbbonati alla mia Rivista: https://www.scienzanatura.it/categoria-prodotto/abbonamenti/Iscriviti ai miei corsi online: https://www.scienzanatura.it/categoria-prodotto/accademie/

stress allo b1 matt o iscriviti ginseng vitamina coreano piante magnesio melatonina rivista ginko schisandra valeriana biloba withania hericium

Benzodiazepine: possibile sostituirle con sostanze naturali?

Alle Radici della Natura

Play Episode Listen Later Oct 21, 2019 12:45

Corso Interpretazione Analisi di Laboratorio: https://www.scienzanatura.it/prodotto/interpretazione-analisi-di-laboratorio/Piante e sostanze menzionate in questo ep:- vitamina b12- melatonina- valeriana, melissa, lavanda, luppolo - magnolia- withania somnifera- magnesio bisglicinato- triptofano

Ashwagandha, Hashimoto’s Disease, and Subclinical Hypothyroidism

Functional Medicine Research with Dr. Nikolas Hedberg

Play Episode Listen Later Aug 1, 2019 22:43

Ashwagandha is one of my favorite supplements for Hashimoto’s disease and hypothyroidism and we have some excellent studies to support using it for these conditions. The main study I’ll cover in this research review is entitled, “Efficacy and Safety of Ashwagandha Root Extract in Subclinical Hypothyroid Patients: A Double-Blind, Randomized Placebo-Controlled Trial” published in The Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine. We’re already off to a good start just by reading the title which indicates that it is a double-blind, randomized placebo-controlled study so we know it is of the highest standard. The authors begin by discussing subclinical hypothyroidism which is usually caused by Hashimoto’s thyroiditis. Subclinical hypothyroidism is characterized by a TSH of 4.5-10 with or without the symptoms of hypothyroidism as well as positive thyroid peroxidase (TPO) and antithyroglobulin antibodies. Subclinical hypothyroidism is connected to type 2 diabetes, abnormal cholesterol, atherosclerosis, aortic calcification, impaired vascular function, as well as abnormal heart, muscle, and nerve function. Interestingly, a full review was done which found that treating patients with prescription thyroid hormone who have a TSH between 4.5 and 10 did not yield any improvements in any of the above risks. What is Ashwagandha? Ashwagandha or Withania somnifera is an adaptogen which stabilizes biochemical processes in the body. Scientific studies have found Ashwagandha beneficial for adrenal stress, fatigue, depression, anxiety, inflammation, and it helps to regulate the immune system, improve low blood pressure, and it works as an antioxidant. It has been shown in previous studies to improve T4 and T3 levels in animals. And in a human study on those with bipolar disorder, Ashwagandha improved TSH, T4, and T3 levels. Ashwagandha was even able to reverse hypothyroidism caused by the drug Metformin. How was this study done on Ashwagandha and Subclinical Hypothyroidism? This was an 8-week study including 25 subjects taking Ashwagandha at 300mg twice a day and 25 taking the placebo pill. They all had an elevated TSH between 4.5 and 10 but T4 and T3 levels were within the normal range. TSH, T4, and T3 levels were tested at the beginning of the study, at 4 weeks, and at 8 weeks. What were the study results? 2 subjects from each group dropped out of the study so we finished with 23 people in each group. T3 levels increased by 18.6% at 4 weeks and 41.5% at 8 weeks. T4 levels increased by 9.3% at 4 weeks and 19.6% at 8 weeks. TSH levels decreased (which means they improved) by -12.5% at 4 weeks and -17.4% at 8 weeks. Only 1 person in the Ashwagandha group experienced side-effects including fever, cough, headache, and weakness but these were reported as mild and temporary. Author conclusions: The author’s do state that Ashwagandha normalized thyroid function in subclinical hypothyroid subjects to a significant degree and treatment was safe and tolerable. They do point out the limitations of this study including small sample size and the low duration of the study of only 8 weeks. A better study would include hundreds of subjects monitored for a much longer period of time. Dr. Hedberg’s Comments I was impressed to see a discussion in the paper on how stress inhibits thyroid function. When the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis, or HPA axis, is upregulated, it suppresses the hypothalamic-pituitary-thyroid axis, or HPT axis which inhibits thyroid function. We also know that cortisol inhibits T4 and T3 production so Ashwagandha can help lower excess cortisol levels which will allow thyroid hormone levels to improve. Inflammation will also upregulate the HPA axis and Ashwagandha is an excellent anti-inflammatory agent. Since this was a double-blind, randomized placebo controlled trial, I don’t have much criticism for the study other than what the author’s already pointed out including the small sample si...

safety journal disease scientific inflammation hashimoto efficacy t3 hypothyroidism t4 metformin tsh ashwagandha hpa complementary medicine hedberg tpo subclinical hpt withania

The Science Behiond Ashwagandha

Health Professional Radio - Podcast 454422

Play Episode Listen Later Jul 21, 2019 10:51

Chris Kilham known as the “Medical Hunter” discusses the science behind the powerful herb Ashwagandha, also known as Withania somnifera. #Ashwagandha #WithaniaSomnifera #AshwagandhaBenefits Learn more about ashwagandha and the powerful ashwagandha benefits Ashwagandha benefits: what ashwagandha is and how it works. amazing ashwagandha benefits Visit our website www.healtprofessionalradio.com.au Follow us on our social media channels Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/hprfm/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/HealthProRadio Google+: https://plus.google.com/+HealthProfes... Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/HealthProRa... Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/heal... Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/healthprofe... Subscribe to our podcast channels Soundcloud: https://soundcloud.com/healthprofessi... Itunes: https://itunes.apple.com/nz/podcast/h... Support us on Patreon https://www.patreon.com/HPR

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How to Have More Intimacy, Orgasmic Sex, A Stronger Libido and Better Communication with Your Partner

Play Episode Listen Later Jun 11, 2019 42:26

Ready to put serious sizzle back in your relationship? Today, we’re talking about your libido, we’re talking about sex drive, and we’re talking about how to have fulfilling lovemaking with your mate, because it is vitally important. Learn the difference between testosterone driven and estrogen driven approaches to intimacy. Listen in as Susan teaches us how caring for and nurturing the sexuality that is your divine right as a human being on this planet, leads to the intimacy and connection that we all deserve to have. * * * About Susan Susan is a champion and advocate for all who desire passionate relationships. Considered the Dear Abby of sex, Susan’s fresh approach and original ideas have helped millions of people of all ages and across the gender spectrum transform sex into passion. Married to her husband, Tim, since 1993, Susan is an author, award-winning speaker, and serial entrepreneur, who teaches passionate lovemaking techniques to her fans around the world. Susan has been featured in the New York Times and on CNBC and The Today Show, as well as appearing on ABC, CBS, The CW, Fox, and on NBC as the Marriage Magician. Susan is the Chair Emeritus of The AdTech Conference. She was both CMO and a member of the board of directors for an Anthony Robbins tech startup, as well as serving on numerous boards throughout her career. In 2009, Susan was honored as a Silicon Valley Woman of Influence by the Business Journal, and as a top 10 internet pioneer by Ad Age Magazine. In 2010, was bestowed the Lifetime Industry Achievement Award by DMG World Media. Susan talks about, after 25 years of marriage, “I know from experience that deep passionate intimacy with my partner is priceless, a priority that tops my list of must-haves, alongside good health and the love of family and friends. I have made it my mission to aide anyone who wants the kind of lovemaking that improves with age.” * * * Why Are People Afraid to Talk About Sex? We don’t really get a sex education, we get a procreation education, or a “How to not procreate” education. Abuse Adult programming is so prevalent now, that people are getting “their technique” from adult programming, which is complete fantasy, primarily degrading to women. Embarrassment Shame Religion Why Don’t Our Parents Talk to Us About Sex? They don’t know. When they try to talk to us, we roll our eyes and like “Oh god, I don’t want to talk to you about this!” Fundamental Thing About Libido Men are testosterone-driven, and women are estrogen-driven, and they make us wildly different in good ways and in ways that confound each other. So, we come to our connection from different perspectives. “Revive Her Drive” Men ‘do’ to women what they want her to do to them because that’s what they know. Once you teach a man how to approach a woman the way estrogen needs to be approached, then all of a sudden, everything breaks open for the two of them. Role Reversals There are people at this end and this end that are the minorities, but the general majority is heterosexual, monogamous, masculine/feminine, but there are people where there are reversals. And it doesn’t matter if it works for both people if there’s what is called polarity. Polarity The masculine/feminine magnetic attraction of opposites. Getting Over Your Mental Block Surrounding Sex Education is number one. The Soulmate Embrace Technique Instead of trying to go from 0 to 100 miles an hour in your intimacy, start with the real foundations, like resetting your polarity. Why not just start by holding each other again? Holding and being held sets that polarity in. For the masculine, his job is to help the feminine get out of her mind and into her body. Our bodies are a temple, they are sacred. We can have sacred sexuality if we can connect at that level of intimacy, pleasure, limbic connections, soul connection, looking in each other’s eyes, syncopating our heartbeats, slowing our breath. “Setting the Lover’s Space,” having water, some strawberries and grapes, organic lube. Put in place all these little things, and hold her, and stroke her, and calm her down. Arousal and pleasure are actually the toggling of the sympathetic and parasympathetic nervous system. Testosterone is “Full speed ahead!” But estrogen is like “Doodily-do, doodily-do, do, do.” Slowing down does so many things. It’s the touch of oxytocin. It’s the engorgement of our genitals. It’s the reconnection with each other. It’s the polarity that gets set in. Women need full body touching and stroking, they need their entire proprioceptive grid of cells really smoothed and touched and loved. The Sexual Soulmate Pact “Okay, how about if we have this agreement where every time we’re intimate, I’ll tell you all the things my body is telling me she needs, so I can clue you in so you can be a winner in the bedroom with me.” Men are ruled by their hormones the same as we women are. When she blurts out any course corrections, and you can go both ways with this, of course, but this is very masculine/feminine, when she blurts out “Go harder,” “Go slower,” “Oh, you’re on my hair,” whatever she’s needing to say, and the only thing he does to respond is, “Okay, baby,” or “Got it,” or “Is this better?” or “Thank you.” Sex Drive and Libido You need good hormones to have a libido, but that’s only a small amount of it. And it’s all of these touch techniques, and calming your nervous system, and feeling safe, and your other areas of your relationship being met and supported, that are also a big part of your sex drive, what makes you want to be with a person. That’s beyond libido, that’s actually your interest in sex, not just the fact that you feel like having sex, but that you actually take action and want sex. How Females Can Approach This with Their Partners When you download my e-book, and you print it out, or you send the PDF to your husband or boyfriend, or you go out on date night and you read it together, or you read it in the car together, or you read it over dinner together, or whatever it is, or you leave it under his pillow, whatever you need to do, have him read it so he gets it and follows it, and say, “Could we make this pact? Could we have this pact in our bedroom? Let’s try it.” What Makes A Strong Libido? Hormones Creativity Vitality General Health Supplements Botanicals Ashwaganda Maca Cacao E-Plexx/T-Plexx Nitrates Citrulline/citrulline malleate Arugula Dill Cabbage Beets Set a little intention that you’re caring for and nurturing for the sexuality that is your divine right as a human being on this planet, to have the intimacy and connection that we all deserve to have. Blood Flow What Decreases Libido? Outside Forces Repression Shaming Lack of Knowledge Ignorance Fear Aging (genital atrophy) A Man’s Semen Is Very Healthy for A Woman It has luteinizing hormone; it regulates her cycle. He gives her serotonin. He gives her testosterone, which gives her more courage and lowers her anxiety. He gives her zinc and other minerals that help her clear brain fog. Deeper Dive Resources “Revive Her Drive” http://www.reviveherdriveprogram.org/ The Soulmate Embrace https://personallifemedia.com/soulmate-embrace/ The Sexual Soulmate Pact https://personallifemedia.com/sexual-soulmate-pact/ Susan’s Instagram https://www.instagram.com/susanbratton/ Susan’s YouTube https://www.youtube.com/c/BetterLover Ashwaganda https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Withania_somnifera Maca https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lepidium_meyenii Cacao https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Theobroma_cacao Citrulline https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Citrulline Organixx Supplements https://shop.organixx.com/search?q=sexual+health Organixx Articles on Libido https://organixx.com/?s=libido

women man men space new york times partner influence abc nbc holding cbs married intimacy stronger lover cmo cnbc cw today show slowing testosterone libido cacao sex drive maca anthony robbins arousal orgasmic better communication dear abby business journal blood flow chair emeritus ashwaganda revive her drive betterlover theobroma citrulline withania silicon valley woman lepidium why are people afraid lifetime industry achievement award dmg world media deeper dive resources

How to Have More Intimacy, Orgasmic Sex, A Stronger Libido and Better Communication with Your Partner