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Herbal Pharmacology – Ashwagandha for sleep

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Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera)  has been used in Aryuvedic medicine as a natural remedy for over 3,000 years.

A variety of health promoting properties have been attributed to Ashwagandha that include supporting thyroid health, adrenal gland health, neurodegenerative health (e.g. Parkinson’s, Huntington’s and Alzheimer’s disease), general anxiety disorders, seizures, muscle spasms, health livery function and sleep cycle patterns. 1-3

A variety of phytochemicals are present in Ashwagandha including alkaloids (isopelletierine, anaferine, cuseohygrine, anahygrine, etc.), steroidal lactones (withanolides, withaferins) and saponins.1

 

There is strong evidence that phytochemicals in Ashwagandha modulate GABAergic signaling involved in anxiety disorders, sleep disturbances, muscle spasms, and seizures. 4

 

 

Latin name

Withania somnifera

Here are more research articles about valerian, cherries, and more for helping you sleep!

Part of plant used

Root

*Often a product is standardized to withanolides

 

Constituents in Ashwagandha

alkaloids (isopelletierine, anaferine, cuseohygrine, anahygrine, etc.),

steroidal lactones (withanolides, withaferins)

saponins

Click here for articles  to lower cholesterol naturally with berberine, bergamot, olive oil and more!

Sitoindosides and acylsterylglucosides in Ashwagandha are anti-stress

Mechanism of Ashwagandha for sleep

Low levels of GABA have been linked to insomnia with one study suggesting GABA levels are 30% lower in patients with insomnia.5   Evidence exists suggesting that Ashwagandha has GABAergic activity.4

GABA is a neurotransmitter that helps the brain relax by slowing brain activity.  In fact, low levels of GABA have been linked to insomnia (inability to fall asleep and stay asleep), increased muscle activity and restless legs syndrome. Natural compounds that have GABA activity such as those found in withanolides can stimulate the GABA receptor helping the body to relax.

 

Clinical Trials:

Studies are available suggesting Ashwagandha can improve GABA brain activity for people with mood disturbances. 6-8

A study published in the journal Sleep found that GABA levels in the brain were 30% lower in patients who experience insomnia.5

Here are more research articles about valerian, cherries, and more for helping you sleep!

 

References:

 

  1. An overview on ashwagandha: a Rasayana (rejuvenator) of Ayurveda. Afr J Tradit Complement Altern Med. 2011;8(5 Suppl):208-13.
  2. Protective effect of Withania somnifera Dunal on the behavioral and biochemical alterations in sleep-disturbed mice (Grid over water suspended method). Indian J Exp Biol.  2007 Jun;45(6):524-8.
  3. Effect of Withania somnifera on Sleep-Wake Cycle in Sleep-Disturbed Rats: Possible GABAergic Mechanism. Indian J Pharm Sci. 2008 Nov;70(6):806-10.
  4. Direct evidence for GABAergic activity of Withania somnifera on mammalian ionotropic GABAA and GABAρ receptors. J Ethnopharmacol. 2015 Aug 2;171:264-72.
  5. Reduced brain GABA in primary insomnia: preliminary data from 4T proton magnetic resonance spectroscopy (1H-MRS). Sleep. 2008 Nov;31(11):1499-506.
  6. Evaluation of the efficacy of Withania somnifera (Ashwagandha) root extract in patients with obsessive-compulsive disorder: A randomized double-blind placebo-controlled trial. Complement Ther Med. 2016 Aug;27:25-9.
  7. Randomized placebo-controlled adjunctive study of an extract of withania somnifera for cognitive dysfunction in bipolar disorder. J Clin Psychiatry. 2013 Nov;74(11):1076-83.
  8. Effects of Withania somnifera in patients of schizophrenia: a randomized, double blind, placebo controlled pilot trial study. Indian J Pharmacol. 2013 Jul-Aug;45(4):417-8.

 

 

 

Jeremy Johnson, PharmD, PhD
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Categories: Herbal Pharmacology, Sleep