Ashwagandha can alleviate generalized anxiety disorder

reference

Fuladi S, Emami Sa, Mohammadpour Ah, Karimani A, Manteghi Aa, Sahebkar A. Assessment of the effectiveness of Withhania Somnifera root extract in patients with generalized anxiety disorder: a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study. Curr Clin Pharmacol . Online published online on April 13, 2020. DOI: 10.2174/157484715662004120413.

Study goal

to assess the effect of an extract withhania somnifera on symptoms of generalized fear

draft

randomized, double blind, placebo -controlled study

participant

40 patients took part in this study who underwent treatment with selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIS). They met the criteria for the diagnosis of a generalized anxiety disorder (GAD), as described in diagnostic and statistical manual of mental disorders , fourth edition, text revision (DSM-IV-TR). They were randomly selected for the treatment group ( w somnifera root extract, 1 g/day; n = 22) or the placebo group (n = 18). The patients received either the extract or the placebo.

for 6 weeks

study parameters evaluated

In order to assess the severity of the GAD symptoms at the beginning of the course and in week 2 and week 6 of the study, the researchers used the Hamilton Anxiety Rating Scale (Ham-A). The Ham-A scale contains 14 questions that rate the severity of GAD symptoms of 0 to 4.

primary result measurements

In the course of the study,

ham-a-scores showed a significant improvement in gad symptoms in the treatment group compared to placebo ( p <0.05). There was also a significant difference in the reduction of the gad scores between the 2 nd ( p = 0.04) and 6th week ( p = 0.02) in the treatment group. The extract was safe and the researchers did not observe any adverse effects during the study.

important knowledge

withhania somnifera (Ashwagandha) root extract is statistically effective at 1 gram per day after 2 weeks and even more after 6 weeks of treatment. It was also found that it is certain to use it while taking SSRIs.

practice implications

In alternative medical care, many patients are looking for treatment for anxiety and associated conditions such as insomnia, chronic stress and muscle tension. Many of the available medicines have side effects. For example, the frequently prescribed benzodiazepine Lorazepam can cause dizziness, weakness, drowsiness and tiredness. It can also take some getting used to. ^{1 showing studies Withhania somnifera reduces stress, lowers the cortisol level in the serum and strengthens the GABA signal transmission in the central nervous system.}

withhania somnifera has a long history of use in Ayurveda. A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study, which was carried out in India with a total of 60 patients over 10 weeks, used a highly effective full spectrum root extract of 300 mg. ^{2 The study monitored the sleeping loading, sleeping effect, quality of sleep and anxiety. There was a significant improvement in all parameters. It has been observed that the sleep effectiveness continued to increase after 10 weeks compared to the starting value, which indicates that long -term treatment is best. Larger studies are required to confirm these results. Another similarly structured study from 2019 showed a significant improvement in sleep, a reduction in the perceived stress ( p <0.05 and p <0.001), humiliated cortisol level ( p <0.05 and p <0.0001 or 300 mg withhania somnifera twice a day. 3}

withhania somnifera was surely used in combination with SSRIS, a class of medication that often excludes the use of many other natural active ingredients.

Another study with 64 participants assessed the security and effectiveness of highly concentrated full spectrum extract withhania somnifera as an adaptogen. The randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study focused on people who were affected by chronic stress, and Serum-Cortisol concluded as a marker. After 60 days, the cortisol levels in the serum were significantly reduced ( p = 0.0006) in the withhania somnifera group relative to the placebo group. No unwanted events were reported. The authors withhania somnifera is safe and effective in improving stress resistance and can therefore improve the quality of life.

A gamma amino acid (GABA) signal disorder is associated with generalized anxiety disorder, insomnia, muscle cramps and seizures. ^{6-9 A study used microtrobplated egg cells to examine the GABA receptors and their sensitivity in terms of with way Somnifera . 5 The study showed for the first time that an aqueous extract of Withhania somnifera is a strong agonist from Gabap1 receptors, and this activation does not differ significantly from the GABA produced by exogenous GABA}

In harmony with the traditional Ayurvedic use of withhania somnifera , clinical studies have shown that it can be useful for patients with gad, sleep and sleep quality problems, increased cortisol levels and other stress-related conditions such as muscle tension. This is a significant knowledge of taking away from the current study.