Managing Thyroid Health: How to Use Ashwagandha and Its Compatibility with Thyroid Medication

Ashwagandha root extract increased participants’ ability to perform better in all the five DISF-M domains, including sexual cognition, sexual arousal, sexual behavior, orgasm, and sexual desire. A statistically significant increase in the total DISF-M score was observed over time in the Ashwagandha and placebo groups. When comparing the Ashwagandha group with the placebo group, a statistically significant improvement in the total DISF-M score in the Ashwagandha group was noted.

Metabolic health

The main contraindications would be hypersensitivity reactions to plants of the Solanaceae family or, specifically, to this species 112,149. Khaled G. Abdel-Wahhab et al. studied the effect of Ashwagandha methanolic extract on a rat model with induced hypothyroidism. During the study, specific groups of rats received either Ashwagandha methanolic extract (500 mg/kg/day) or levothyroxine (20 μg/kg), a clinically approved drug for the treatment of hypothyroidism. What is worth mentioning, both groups showed not only similar results in thyroid tests (TSH, total T3, free-T3, total T4 and free-T4) but also in the subsequent histopathological examination. And most important, both groups expressed above showed significantly better thyroid results than the non-treated controls 57. The thyroid gland and the hormones it synthesizes, such as triiodothyronine (T3) and thyroxine (T4), play zefbamalp a key role in metabolism, reproduction and the proper functioning of the human body.

Similarly, the main categories in men are problems with ejaculation, testicular failure to produce sperm, abnormal volume and/or quality of semen and hormonal disorders. Unless otherwise specified by your health care provider, you should follow the manufacturing label’s instructions for consuming ashwagandha. Because of its thyroid-stimulating effects, it’s also unsuitable for people with preexisting hyperthyroidism.

Liver damage is usually cholestatic or mixed with severe jaundice and pruritus, but is self-limiting, with normalisation of liver test results within 1–5 months. In addition, in the UK, a case was reported where a 39-year-old woman was diagnosed with jaundice and nausea after taking an over-the-counter herbal supplement containing Ashwagandha root extract 139. There was also a report of a 41-year-old woman who, while taking Ashwagandha extract and progesterone, qualified for a liver transplant due to her deteriorating condition 140.

Therapeutic duplication warnings

• In addition, withaferin A significantly reduced inflammatory processes, as noted by reduced microglia activity 30,31.
• However, it is only relatively recently that one of the components responsible for the anxiolytic action of Ashwagandha was identified.
• This property can be beneficial in managing hyperthyroidism, where there are higher than normal levels of thyroid hormone in the body.
• The main contraindications would be hypersensitivity reactions to plants of the Solanaceae family or, specifically, to this species 112,149.
• It is always recommended to consult with a healthcare professional before incorporating any new supplements or herbs into your routine, especially if you have a pre-existing medical condition or are taking medication.

Such therapy resulted in significant emotional improvement over time, measured by reduction in HAM-A score (Hamilton Anxiety Rating Scale) and reduction in morning cortisol and DHEA-S (dehydroepiandrosterone sulfate) levels. Based on the HAM-A score, they deduced that anxiety level reduced by 41% in the test group and only by 24% in the placebo group. These conclusions were further confirmed by positive improvements in DASS-21 (Depression Anxiety Stress Scale—21)—30% in the study group vs. 10% in the placebo group. Statistically significant changes in levels of these hormones occurred in both sexes 16. In both study groups, serum cortisol levels were significantly lower than in placebo group at the eighth week. Despite numerous in vitro and in vivo preclinical studies, there is a need for clinical trials to confirm the therapeutic properties of W.

Regulating Hypothalamus, Pituitary Gland and Their Axis by Ashwagandha

NRS, or non-restorative sleep, does not have a standard and generally accepted definition, but it is considered by a large proportion of researchers to be a symptom of insomnia. It is usually defined as a subjective feeling of tiredness upon awakening, possibly due to insufficient sleep 94. Researchers consider that more research is needed to define more precisely what NRS is 94,95. As with insomnia, sickle cell disease (SCD) is much more common in women and in people with depression. It is estimated that SCD may affect around 10% of the world’s population and can occur independently without other insomnia symptoms 96,97,98. A study was conducted to assess the effect of Ashwagandha on improving overall sleep quality in people with NRS.

Future research may provide new insights into its mechanisms of action and expand its applications in both traditional and modern medicine. Ashwagandha has been used as an aphrodisiac in Ayurveda for thousands of years. The WHO defines it as the inability to achieve pregnancy following 12 months of regular sexual intercourse without contraception. It is estimated that approximately 8 to 12 percent of couples and 186 million individuals around the world are affected by this condition 46. Infertility is a serious social, emotional and demographic problem 2, so there is an urgent need to find a good solution. Male and female factors contribute almost equally to the causes of infertility 47,48.

What Foods are Good and Bad for Hyperthyroidism?

A study was conducted using a sustained-release capsule containing Ashwagandha root extract (300 mg, Prolanza™). It was noted that treatment with Withania somnifera once daily with one capsule significantly improved memory and attention, sleep quality, and overall psychological well-being. A study was conducted in female rats to determine the effects of acute sleep deprivation on immune function and the modulation of this state by the application of an aqueous extract of Withania somnifera leaves. An increased expression of pro-inflammatory and immune factors was observed in the sleep-deprived animals (GFAP, TNF α, IL-6, OX-18, OX-42).

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Canine Cognitive Dysfunction (CCD) is an age-dependent disease in which pathological changes in the brain are observed, leading to memory loss and impaired motor function. In both dogs and humans, a progression of oxidative damage in the brain is noted with age. In a study conducted on human embryonal neuroblastoma SK-N-SH cells, Ashwagandha extract was shown to have antioxidant properties (significantly reduces free radical generation). It also modulated cholinergic transmission, potentially inhibiting acetylcholinesterase activity, which may have benefits in the treatment of canine cognitive dysfunction and Alzheimer’s disease 20. An important issue in the context of the development of preparations containing W. Somnifera extract is the standardization of the raw material and the development of an appropriate formula with high bioavailability.

Vitamins and Supplements: What to Know Before You Take Herbal Supplements

Some people also take ashwagandha powder and add it to water, smoothies, or yogurt. Dr. Brian has been practicing pharmacy for over 13 years and has wide-ranging experiences in many different areas of the profession. From retail, clinical, program development, and administrative responsibilities, he’s your knowledgeable and go-to source for all your pharmacy and medication-related questions! Dr. Brian Staiger also has herbalist training and educational certificates in the field of medical ethnobotany.Feel free to send him an email at email protected!