People who are taking medication for thyroid disease should also be careful when taking ashwagandha because it might increase thyroid hormone levels.

At least two studies have shown that ashwagandha can increase VO2 max levels, which is the maximum amount of oxygen you take in while physically exerting yourself [17] Choudhary B, Shetty A, Langade DG. Efficacy of Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera [L.] Dunal) in improving cardiorespiratory endurance in healthy athletic adults. Ayu. 2015;36(1):63-68. [18] Sandhu JS, Shah B, Shenoy S, Chauhan S, Lavekar GS, Padhi MM. Effects of Withania somnifera (Ashwagandha) and Terminalia arjuna (Arjuna) on physical performance and cardiorespiratory endurance in healthy young adults. Int J Ayurveda Res. 2010;1(3):144-149. . These levels are used in measuring cardiorespiratory endurance—how well the heart and lungs deliver oxygen to muscles during physical activity. Thus, higher VO2 max levels can indicate a healthy heart that performs well under those circumstances. Anbalagan, K. and Sadique, J. Influence of an Indian medicine (Ashwagandha) on acute-phase reactants in inflammation. Indian J Exp Biol. 1981;19(3):245-249. View abstract. Brain health –Due to its extremely potent neuroprotective properties, ashwagandha has been proven to augment cognitive functions ranging from memory and attention to productivity and focus. Mishra LC, Singh BB, Dagenais S. Scientific basis for the therapeutic use of Withania somnifera (ashwagandha): a review. Altern Med Rev 2000;5:334-46. View abstract.

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Bhat, J., Damle, A., Vaishnav, P. P., Albers, R., Joshi, M., and Banerjee, G. In vivo enhancement of natural killer cell activity through tea fortified with Ayurvedic herbs. Phytother.Res 2010;24(1):129-135. View abstract. Bhattacharya, S. K., Bhattacharya, A., Sairam, K., and Ghosal, S. Anxiolytic-antidepressant activity of Withania somnifera glycowithanolides: an experimental study. Phytomedicine 2000;7(6):463-469. View abstract. One particular study indicated that ashwagandha can benefit sleep quality as well—researchers confirmed participants slept much better with doses of the herb compared to placebo doses [4] Salve J, Pate S, Debnath K, et al. Adaptogenic and Anxiolytic Effects of Ashwagandha Root Extract in Healthy Adults: A Double-blind, Randomized, Placebo-controlled Clinical Study. Cureus. 2019;11(12): e6466. . 2. Lowers Blood Sugar and Fat

Deshpande A, Irani N, Balkrishnan R, Benny IR. A randomized, double blind, placebo controlled study to evaluate the effects of ashwagandha (Withania somnifera) extract on sleep quality in healthy adults. Sleep Med. 2020;72:28-36. View abstract. Efficacy and Safety of Ashwagandha Root Extract in Subclinical Hypothyroid Patients: A Double-Blind Randomized Placebo-Controlled Trial Yes, ashwagandha is an adaptogen and can be taken in the morning to help combat fatigue, stress, and positive changes in mood or behavior positively. However, it’s important to note that everyone reacts differently to supplements. Reducing blood sugar levels– by increasing insulin secretion and improving insulin sensitivity within muscle cells. Ghosal S, Lal J, Srivastava R, and et al. Immunomodulatory and CNS effects of sitoindosides 9 and 10, two new glycowithanolides from Withania somnifera. Phytotherapy Research 1989;3(5):201-206.

Praveenkumar, V., Kuttan, R., and Kuttan, G. Chemoprotective action of Rasayanas against cyclosphamide toxicity. Tumori 8-31-1994;80(4):306-308. View abstract. The ‘medicinal’ benefits of functional mushrooms are well documented and are responsible for around 130 therapeutic activities in the body 15. Agarwal R, Diwanay S, Patki P, Patwardhan B. Studies on immunomodulatory activity of Withania somnifera (Ashwagandha) extracts in experimental immune inflammation. J Ethnopharmacol 1999;67:27-35. View abstract.