Ashwagandha, also known as Withania somnifera, is an ancient herb originating in India. Used in Indian Ayurvedic medicine for thousands of years, modern science has shown that the herb's active ingredients (e.g. alkaloids, steroidal lactones, and ashwagandha lactone) have great curative effects on anxiety, insomnia, cognitive dysfunction, chronic inflammation, and other diseases. In 2013, Annals of Neurosciences published a paper on the effect of ashwagandha on prolonging the lifespan of roundworms, indicating the herb's great potential for anti-aging.
Overview
- Ashwagandha increases telomerase activity.
- Ashwagandha has antioxidant properties.
- Ashwagandha fights inflammation.
- Ashwagandha weakens the aging spinal cord's defenses against antioxidation.
- Ashwagandha inhibits lipid peroxidation and protein oxidative modification caused by copper.
- Ashwagandha slows down the aging of normal fibroblasts.
- Ashwagandha slows brain aging.
- Ashwagandha reduces cortisol levels.
- Ashwagandha has many other benefits.
Ashwagandha and Anti-Aging
A study published in the journal, Advances in Bioscience and Biotechnology, found that ashwagandha root extract can increase the activity of telomerase, thereby preventing telomere loss and delaying aging. Telomere is the DNA sequence of chromosome division which gradually cycles during cell division. When the telomere reaches a certain length, the cell will stop dividing and enter a state of aging. Telomerase can help cells extend the length of telomeres, thereby delaying the process of cell aging.
The active ingredient in Ashwagandha, Withaferin A, is an effective antioxidant that removes free radicals, slows down cell aging, and promotes DNA repair. Withaferin A also reduces inflammation, prevents cell damage, and helps to prevent and alleviate cardiovascular diseases, diabetes, and cancer. Studies have shown that ashwagandha weakens the aging spinal cord's defenses against antioxidation, inhibits copper-induced lipid peroxidation and protein oxidative modification, and also slows down the aging of normal human fibroblasts.
Ashwagandha also has amelioratory effects on the aging of the brain. Emotional issues like stress and anxiety exacerbate brain aging and ashwagandha can alleviate this effect by lowering cortisol hormone levels, thereby reducing stress and anxiety. Some antioxidants in ashwagandha can help neutralize free radicals and slow down the oxidative process protect neurons, and heighten concentration and cognition. Other alcohol compounds, such as isoflavones, may also be beneficial for improving cognition and keeping the brain functioning at its prime. Ashwagandha also improves sleep quality, helps prevent insomnia, and helps the body repair and restore.
Ashwagandha and Overall Health
In addition to directly fighting aging, ashwagandha offers many health benefits that promote longevity.
- Ashwagandha kills cancer cells and improves the survival and quality of life of breast cancer patients.
- Ashwagandha helps to restart the body's myocardial oxidation or antioxidant capacity, promoting cardiovascular health.
- Ashwagandha boosts immunity.
- Ashwagandha relieves hypothyroidism.
- Ashwagandha improves sleep quality, shortening the time it takes to fall asleep.
- Ashwagandha reduces stress and anxiety.
- Ashwagandha enhances memory and cognitive function.
- Ashwagandha enhances male sexuality and treats sexual infertility.
- Ashwagandha alleviates menopausal symptoms in perimenopausal women.
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Ashwagandha and UDA Longevity Coffee
Ashwagandha is one of the most important components of UDA longevity coffee, with each serving of UDA coffee containing 15mg of high-quality ashwagandha.
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