What are adaptogens?
Adaptogens are extracts or compounds that share the characteristic of helping your body adapt to the different stressful situations of everyday life.
- They do not have a stimulating capacity and/or produce a specific response in the body.
- They must be able to improve tolerance to any stressor.
- They reduce cortisol.
What is ashwagandha?
Ashwagandha is a compound of plant origin that has become very popular, as it can reduce stress, lower cortisol, and improve sleep.
It comes from the root of a plant native to India called Whithania Somnifera. It has been used in traditional medicine for more than 2,000 years.
Ashwagandha acts on the endocrine system, specifically on the HPA axis (Hypothalamic-Pituitary-Adrenal). It is an adaptogen because of its properties.
Composition; Its active ingredients
In the composition of ashwagandha, we find a large number of active ingredients with different functions, as well as mineral salts.
Flavonoids
- A type of phytonutrient found in fruits and vegetables. · Powerful antioxidant and natural anti-inflammatory properties.
Steroidal lactones
One of the best-known active ingredients in ashwagandha. They are called withanolides and are responsible for giving this supplement its main adaptogenic characteristics. They also have anti-inflammatory properties.
- Withaferin A, effective against different types of tumor cells · Withanolide D.
Alkaloids
Alkaloids are compounds found in plants; they are a type of secondary metabolite that produces physiological effects. They derive from an amino acid; that is why they are nitrogenous molecules.
· We find 12 different types of alkaloids. · They provide sedative, calming, and analgesic properties. · The most relevant are: anaferine, pseudotropine, and somniferine.
Other compounds:
· Triethylene glycol: promotes falling asleep and improves rest. · Iron · Potassium
What are the properties of ashwagandha?
Cortisol reduction.
Ashwagandha is an effective natural remedy for reducing the level of a hormone called cortisol. It is secreted by the adrenal cortex. It is released in situations of stress, nervousness, and even anxiety.
Endocrine function.
It may help improve thyroid health and, consequently, endocrine function.
Stress reduction.
By reducing cortisol, stress levels can be reduced. It also has anxiolytic and antidepressant properties. It promotes an improvement in general well-being. It may be an ally against depression.
Improved sleep.
Ashwagandha contains a neurotransmitter involved in falling asleep and resting: tryptophan. This can be converted into serotonin. It helps regulate sleep patterns. It also participates in other functions related to the central nervous system, such as the secretion of dopamine and noradrenaline.
Memory.
It has potential effects on cognitive ability and memory. There are conditions related to this that are medically treated with withanolides, one of the active ingredients in ashwaghndha.
Antioxidant properties.
It improves the immune system, reduces oxidative stress, and contains molecules that are directly involved in the aging process. It also acts as a hepatoprotective agent.