Is ashwagandha a sedative?

[Guest guest]

Dear Dr. Muzumdar,

 

> I did not come across strong mention of the nidrajanana effect of

> Ashwandha.

 

Warrier et al's " Indian Medicinal Plants " , published by Orient-

Longman (1996, pp 411) states that Ashwagandha is " somniferous " , and

cites a text called the Vangasena that uses the term

" nidraamaashveva " to describe this herb, which is perhaps a compound

between sleep (nidra) and ashvas, which Monnier-Williams translates as:

 

ÄÅ›vas

Ä-√śvas P. -Å›vasiti and -Å›vasati (Impv. 2. sg. -Å›vasihi and -

śvasa [MBh. vi, 490]

• impf. -aÅ›vasÄ«t [bhaá¹­á¹­.] and -aÅ›vasat [KathÄs. xxxiii,

129]), Ā. -śvasate, to breathe, breathe again or freely

• to take or recover breath, take heart or courage

• to revive MBh. R. KathÄs. BhP. & c.: Caus. -Å›vÄsayati, to cause

to take breath

• to encourage, comfort

• to calm, console, cheer up

MBh. Suśr. Ragh. Kum. & c

 

http://students.washington.edu/prem/mw/aa.html

 

However, your clarification of this term would be appreciated.

 

 

> Even the commonly used formulations of Ashwandha like

> Ashwagandharishta, Ashwagandhadi Ghruta, Ashwagandhavaleha do not

> have insomnia as indication.

 

I agree. Ashwagandha isn't a sedative per se, but is very good to

calm the nervous system (vata), which helps promote sleep in most

people (see below).

 

 

> ....... Hence, irrespective of any GABAnergic effects, it would

> be better considering the application of Ashwagandha on the basis

> of it's doshaghnata, rogaghnata and prakruti as advocated in

> Nighantus................

> .............Therefore, in my opinion, references of a single

> chemical effect is not sufficient enough to explain any specific

> activity of any particular herb.

 

The GABAnergic effects have been observed with the _whole plant

extract_, not just the isolated constituents. From my monograph

(http://www.toddcaldecott.com/ashwagandha.html):

 

" Isolated constituents of Withania somnifera (sitoindosides VII-X and

withaferin-A) increased cortical muscarinic acetylcholine receptor

capacity, partly explaining the cognition-enhancing and memory-

improving effects traditionally attributed to Ashvagandha (Schliebs

et al 1997). A methanolic extract of Withania somnifera inhibited

the specific binding of [3H]GABA and [35S]TBPS, and enhanced the

binding of [3H]flunitrazepam to their putative receptor sites,

suggesting a GABA-mimetic activity (Mehta et al 1991). A commercial

root extract of Withania somnifera used repeatedly over nine days

attenuated the development of tolerance to the analgesic effect of

morphine and suppressed morphine-withdrawal jumps (Kulkarni and Ninan

1997). "

 

As a herbalist and practitioner of Ayurveda, I make sure I don't

confuse purported effects of isolated constituents with traditional

indications. Nonetheless, it is not like researchers and

practitioners are studying different things, and so it is no surprise

that properly conducted research sheds some light on traditional

uses. With regard to the paradoxical reactions noted for

Ashwagandha, I stated that this could be caused because there is

already to much pitta in the system, and Ashwgandha aggravates

pitta. This is a simple straightforward explanation that can be

expanded upon on the basis of prakriti, vikriti, kala, desha etc.,

and should address the basic concerns. Nonetheless, confusion still

exists, and so I provided the reference to Withania's GABAnergic

effects because this is a clinically relevant piece of information

with regard to ADD/ADHD and autism. Really, its just different sides

of the same coin. Further, while we could say that people who have

negative reactions to Withania must be displaying some obvious

contraindication, there is a possibility that no such obvious

contraindication can be observed - hence the paradox and the need to

occasionally look outside the box.

 

best wishes... Todd Caldecott

[Guest guest]

ayurveda , Todd Caldecott <todd wrote:

> I agree. Ashwagandha isn't a sedative per se, but is very good to

> calm the nervous system (vata), which helps promote sleep in most

> people (see below).

 

Exprience with patients:

An arishtam made by aswagandha is known as " Aswagandharishtam " . 2 tsp

with equal water at bedtime causes deep sleep, after the usage for

about a month. Overworking intellectuals should often use it to

offset nervous debility due to hyperactivity.

ayurveda/message/1564

 

Aswagandha, when boiled with milk, enhances sedative effect:

http://health.ayurveda/message/9475

 

Despite this experience, it becomes ineffective under the following

circumstances:

 

It is the firm opinion of many Indian scientists as well as patients

that sleep inducer tablets given to us by drug companies, when taken

for long time, sow the seeds of insomnia and also nourish the tree of

insomnia. If you have any stomach disorders or anorexia, check up if

your sleeping pills are the root cause.

ayurveda/message/2754

[Guest guest]

Dear

We do not know the authenticity of the reference of Vangasena. However, the term

you have referred to as " nidraamaashveva " can be split in three Sanskrit words

" nidraam-ashva-eva " - which means sleep as that of a horse. This obviously

suggests the alertness promoting property of Ashwagandha rather than lethargy

inducing property.

The word Ashwagandha is basically derived from two words Ashwa + gandha, which

means the root has the smell like that of the horse. Another synonym of

Ashwagandha is Hayagandha where Haya means horse.

The Monnier-William reference seems to be out of context, as the word to be

focussed on should be ashva and not ashvas, ashva being a noun and ashvas being

aroot or verb in Sanskrit. I feel the split of samaas ie the conjunction of word

complex has not been done properly and hence a wrong interpretation.

Your references about the chemical constituentsof Ashwagandha itself starts with

the word 'isolated'. Even the GABA-mimetic activity is exhibited in the

methanlic extract.I would like to draw your attention to the reality that

methanolic extract implies only that portion of herb which is soluble in

methanol or alcoholic extract. So, how it can be concluded that the effect is

consistent even in whole sample? There are no consistent human clinical studies,

neither has this fact been confirmed in blood level studies till now, as far as

my information goes. Hence my reservations on accepting the isolated presence of

any particular constituent in any specific extract.

Lastly, I would definitely like to think out of the box, but before that we all

need to know all the essential information inside the box, as told by my revered

teachers. Have you understood and grasped all that is within the box of

Ayurveda?

Happy to be a student of Ayurveda

Ever-learner

 

Dr.D.B.Muzumdar

[Guest guest]

the entire passage is:

 

vidadhaati nashtanidre nidraamaashveva siddhamidaṃ

 

which a friend helped me translate to:

 

vidadhaati (knowing/ knowledge) nastinidre (if there is no sleep)

nidraamaashveva (to induce sleep) siddhamidam (successful in that)

 

i am not familiar with this reference - the Vangasena...

 

Caldecott

todd

www.toddcaldecott.com

[Guest guest]

I will definitely try to get to the reference you have mentioned from Vangasena

along with the pre and post references to this piece of Shloka that you have

mentioned. According to my information, this reference is not quoted on a

regular basis while discussing Ashwagandha.

 

Dr.D.B.Muzumdar

M.D.Ayurveda-Medicine(Mumbai-India)

______

the entire passage is:

vidadhaati nashtanidre nidraamaashveva siddhamidaṃ

[Guest guest]

Dear Dr. Muzumdar,

 

So what are we debating again? That Withania doesn't have a sedative-

like activity? Besides myself and others on the list stating as

such, you yourself have stated this with reference to " wild "

varieties (which we never really elucidated). I have provided you

with references from both the extant Ayurvedic literature and also

modern commentators that Ashwagandha is used in insomnia. And I have

provided evidence that Withania modulates the neurochemistry in favor

of sedation or neuroinhibition. The last study I referenced

suggested a diazepam-like activity for Withania in support of the

notion that Ashwagandha has neuroinhibitory effects, and now you are

challenging the notion that Valium is NOT used for insomnia or as a

sleeping aid?? Sigh...

 

" Diazepam is a type of medicine called a benzodiazepine.

Benzodiazepines are used for their sedative and anxiety-relieving

effects.

 

Diazepam works by acting on receptors in the brain called GABA

receptors. This causes the release of a neurotransmitter called GABA

in the brain.

 

Neurotransmitters are chemicals that are stored in nerve cells in the

brain and nervous system. They are involved in transmitting messages

between the nerve cells. GABA is a neurotransmitter that acts as a

natural 'nerve-calming' agent. It helps keep the nerve activity in

the brain in balance, and is involved in inducing sleepiness,

reducing anxiety and relaxing muscles.

 

As diazepam increases the activity of GABA in the brain, it increases

its calming effect and results in sleepiness, a decrease in anxiety

and relaxation of muscles. "

 

http://www.netdoctor.co.uk/medicines/100000757.html

Caldecott

todd

www.toddcaldecott.com

________

The key-words in the research paper are 'poly-herbal preparation NR-

ANX-C' and 'anti-anxiety activity' , the title of this paper being

'Anti-anxiety activity of NR-ANX-C, a poly-herbal preparation in

rats'. So, the points to be thought of would be -

1) It is a poly-herbal preparation and not plain, whole

Ashwagandha; the obvious term poly-herbal indicating more than one

herb.

2) The action targeted is anti-anxiolytic and not sedative.

Pharmacologically, these are two distinctly seperate actions.

3) The study has been done on Wistar albino rats and not humans.

Hence it indicates that the study is in very much preliminary stage

to qualify for confirmed pharmacological and clinical activity.

4) Moreover, nowhere in the abstract is the mention of words

Ashwagandha or sedative, which are the main subject of our discussion.

[Guest guest]

All I can say is that someone should let these poor mice sleep:

 

1: Indian J Exp Biol. 2007 Jun;45(6):524-8.

 

Protective effect of Withania somnifera Dunal on the behavioral and

biochemical alterations in sleep-disturbed mice (Grid over water

suspended method).

 

Kumar A, Kalonia H.

 

Pharmacology Division, University Institute of Pharmaceutical

Sciences, Panjab University, Chandigarh 160 014, India.

kumaruips

 

Sleep disruption involves extensive changes in physiological

function, including EEG, motor, metabolic, autonomic processes

physiological homeostasis and psychological balance that are

necessary for physical health. Benzodiazepines are the most widely

used drugs for the sleep related problems in spite of their

limitations and side effects. Objective of the study was to

investigate the protective effect of W. somnifera on the behavioral

and biochemical alterations in sleep disturbed mice. Pretreatment

with W. somnifera root extract (100. 200 mg/kg) and diazepam (0.5 mg/

kg) significantly protected reduction in body weight, improved the

reduced locomotor activity and anxiety levels in animals. Biochemical

studies also revealed that W. somnifera (100 and 200 mg/kg) and

diazepam (0.5 mg/kg) pretreatment for five days decreased

significantly lipid peroxidation, nitrites levels and improved

catalase, and reduced glutathione levels. Co-administration of W.

somnifera (100 mg/kg) with diazepam (0.5 mg/kg) improved

significantly all the biochemical parameters as compared to their

effect per se. Preliminary results suggest that Withania root extract

can be used in the management sleep loss and associated oxidative

stress.

Caldecott

todd

www.toddcaldecott.com

 

 

_________

The key-words in the research paper are 'poly-herbal preparation NR-

ANX-C' and 'anti-anxiety activity' , the title of this paper being

'Anti-anxiety activity of NR-ANX-C, a poly-herbal preparation in

rats'. So, the points to be thought of would be -

1) It is a poly-herbal preparation and not plain, whole

Ashwagandha; the obvious term poly-herbal indicating more than one

herb.

[Guest guest]

Dear Dr. Muzumdar

 

The formula NR-ANX-C contains Ashwagandha, Green Tea, Triphala,

Shilajit and Holy Basil. Please not that I am not suggesting that

this one study alone, based only on a polyherbal formulation, proves

Withania has a " sedative " property. It is only one small piece of

evidence among several pieces of supporting evidence I have

presented. In the interest of clearing up any misunderstanding, here

are my basic points:

 

1. In Ayurveda, there are a specific set of uses for Ashwagandha,

which relate to its taste, energy, actions and special properties.

2. Among this set are its uses as a treatment for epilepsy and insomnia.

3. In medical terms, both epilepsy and insomnia are marked by

alterations in GABA activity, which is major neuroinhibitory

neurotransmitter in the brain.

4. Several studies have demonstrated that Ashwagandha has a

GABAnergic effect similar to diazepam (valium): as an isolate,

methanolic extract, commercial preparation, and as part of a

polyherbal combination.

5. Apart from its use in epilepsy and insomnia, Ashwagandha has a

general use in vata-vyadhi (vata disorders), which include some

symptoms in common with ADD/HD, such as anxiety, restlessness,

nervousness and inattentiveness.

6. It can be shown that some patients with ADD/HD (or ADD/HD

tendencies) do very poorly on neuroinhibitory agents such as

diazepam, and better on stimulants such as ritalin. This effect is

also observed with natural sourced compounds such as valerian or coffee.

7. Given that Ashwagandha can be seen to have a significant

neuroinhibitory activity, in part mediated through its GABAnergic

activity, it stands to reason that Ashwagandha could in fact cause a

worsening of some patients' symptoms such as anxiety, restlessness,

nervousness and inattentiveness.

8. The paradox thus lies in the fact that Ashwagandha may worsen the

very symptoms it is traditionally indicated for.

 

Really, the paradox lies in how we regard people with ADD/HD. I have

hopefully conveyed that Ayurveda is more than just matching symptoms

with those on a product label, or what is said in a pharmacopoeia or

even what is found in an ancient and venerated shastra. This takes

knowledge and experience. For example, perhaps the patient has all

of these vata-like symptoms, but the pulse or tongue indicates heat.

Then Ashwagandha is potentially contraindicated, or should be

formulated with cooling herbs to balance this effect. In other

words, the patient exhibits a particular energy conformation and the

proper herb responds with a complimentary conformation, to promote

balance. Paradoxes don't exist at this level, because here we arise

beyond a particular way of seeing things, that things must be and

always remain such and such as way. Nonetheless, perhaps you can now

appreciate why some might see a paradox in this situation, and have a

renewed appreciation of the opportunity it presents to illustrate

some interesting and useful piece of clinical information with regard

to ADD/HD and Ashwagandha.

 

best...

Caldecott

todd

www.toddcaldecott.com

________

 

 

The key-words in the research paper are 'poly-herbal preparation NR-

ANX-C' and 'anti-anxiety activity' , the title of this paper being

'Anti-anxiety activity of NR-ANX-C, a poly-herbal preparation in

rats'. So, the points to be thought of would be -

1) It is a poly-herbal preparation and not plain, whole

Ashwagandha; the obvious term poly-herbal indicating more than one

herb.

2) The action targeted is anti-anxiolytic and not sedative.

Pharmacologically, these are two distinctly seperate actions.

[Guest guest]

Dear

I have started feeling that it is you not at ease unless you say the last word.

I am well versed with pharmacology of all the medicines and Idon't need any

revisions from anybody, not least from ametuers.

You are side-tracking the subject by trying to create a jumble. Somebody says

diazepam like effect and you start giving a lecture. Has the study you have

mentioned given any actual evidence of the poly-herbal combination (note it is

not plain Ashwagandha) on the effect on GABA receptors?

You did not seem to study my replies properly and are more interested in

confrontation. Are you trying to prove your intelligence or working for the

cause of Ayurveda?

 

Dr.D.B.Muzumdar

M.D.AAyurveda-Medicine (Mumbai-India)

< dahpc >

____________________

So what are we debating again? That Withania doesn't have a sedative-

like activity? Besides myself and others on the list stating as

such, you yourself have stated this with reference to " wild "

varieties (which we never really elucidated). I have provided you

with references from both the extant Ayurvedic literature and also

modern commentators that Ashwagandha is used in insomnia. And I have

provided evidence that Withania modulates the neurochemistry in favor

of sedation or neuroinhibition. The last study I referenced

suggested a diazepam-like activity for Withania in support of the

notion that Ashwagandha has neuroinhibitory effects, and now you are

challenging the notion that Valium is NOT used for insomnia or as a

sleeping aid?? Sigh...

[Guest guest]

Did someone study the report properly?

1) The dose of Withania (Ashwagandha)mentioned for rats in this study is

100-200mg/kg. If translated for use in human beings it would be 5 gms-10 gms for

a average person of 50 kgs. If the body-weight is more, more of the extract will

be needed. Is such a high dose workable and acceptable in daily use for

practical purposes?

2) Withania was co-administered with Diazepam, and not used independantly. How

can the action of Withania be assessed seperately in such a study?

3) The last line in the mentioned abstract says ' PRELIMINARY RESULTS SUGGEST'.

Does it mean that this study is completed, and the results are ' CONCLUSIVE AND

ESTABLISHED'?

A SCIENTIFIC MIND IS MORE THAN JUST JUMPING TO CONCLUSIONS BY THROWING SOME

REFERENCES AND BIG SCIENTIFIC WORDS.

Everyone who really wants to know Ayurveda should take note of this, and prevent

themselves from getting misleaded.

________________-

 

All I can say is that someone should let these poor mice sleep:

 

1: Indian J Exp Biol. 2007 Jun;45(6):524-8.

 

Protective effect of Withania somnifera Dunal on the behavioral and

biochemical alterations in sleep-disturbed mice (Grid over water

suspended method).

 

Kumar A, Kalonia H.

 

Pharmacology Division, University Institute of Pharmaceutical

Sciences, Panjab University, Chandigarh 160 014, India.

kumaruips

 

Sleep disruption involves extensive changes in physiological

function, including EEG, motor, metabolic, autonomic processes

physiological homeostasis and psychological balance that are

necessary for physical health. Benzodiazepines are the most widely

used drugs for the sleep related problems in spite of their

limitations and side effects. Objective of the study was to

investigate the protective effect of W. somnifera on the behavioral

and biochemical alterations in sleep disturbed mice. Pretreatment

with W. somnifera root extract (100. 200 mg/kg) and diazepam (0.5 mg/

kg) significantly protected reduction in body weight, improved the

reduced locomotor activity and anxiety levels in animals. Biochemical

studies also revealed that W. somnifera (100 and 200 mg/kg) and

diazepam (0.5 mg/kg) pretreatment for five days decreased

significantly lipid peroxidation, nitrites levels and improved

catalase, and reduced glutathione levels. Co-administration of W.

somnifera (100 mg/kg) with diazepam (0.5 mg/kg) improved

significantly all the biochemical parameters as compared to their

effect per se. Preliminary results suggest that Withania root extract

can be used in the management sleep loss and associated oxidative

stress.

[Guest guest]

Dear

Firstly, all reasoning and primary studies should culminate in conclusive

studies to arrive at a definite results. Just suggestions have a very limited

value, when we deal in medicine. It is OK to discuss, but when you have to use

any substance as medicine, suggestive or priliminary observations don't hold

good. Nobody takes responsibility of such incidences.

Secondly, the adverse effect generated by Ashwagandha itself denotes it's

improper use, according to dictums of Ayurveda. Such worsening of patient

symptoms is due to improper application and usage of medicines/herbs based on

ametuer understanding or half-baked knowledge.

Thirdly, the group of disorders like ADD/HD, anxiety, restlessness, nervousness

and inattentiveness have their disease-base in Apaspara and Unmada, and not

Vata-vyadhi. Hence the line of thinking gets flawed. AND Ashwagandha is not the

primary medicine in Unmada and Apasmara group of diseases.

This should possibly give you a proper direction for application of Ayurveda and

Ashwagandha.

 

Dr.D.B.Muzumdar

M.D.Ayurveda-Medicine(Mumbai-India)

< dahpc >

_______________

Withania has a " sedative " property. It is only one small piece of

evidence among several pieces of supporting evidence I have

presented. In the interest of clearing up any misunderstanding, here

are my basic points:

 

1. In Ayurveda, there are a specific set of uses for Ashwagandha,

which relate to its taste, energy, actions and special properties.

2. Among this set are its uses as a treatment for epilepsy and insomnia.

<snip>

[Guest guest]

> Did someone study the report properly?

> 1) The dose of Withania (Ashwagandha)mentioned for rats in this

> study is 100-200mg/kg. If translated for use in human beings it

> would be 5 gms-10 gms for a average person of 50 kgs. If the body-

> weight is more, more of the extract will be needed. Is such a high

> dose workable and acceptable in daily use for practical purposes?

 

is 5-10 g all that much? for a churna, the Sarngadhara states that

typical dosage is one karsha, which is about 12 g...

many herbalists and practitioners use these kind of doses, within and

without Ayurveda

 

 

>

> 2) Withania was co-administered with Diazepam, and not used

> independantly. How can the action of Withania be assessed

> seperately in such a study?

 

nothing i have said relies upon a single piece of evidence

i have provided you with a very clear response, citing SEVERAL

DIFFERENT studies that demonstrates a GABAnergic activity for Withania

 

at this point i have to ask myself if this isn't a case of not being

able to see the forest through the trees? or perhaps of mistaking

the different parts of an elephant for a tree trunk or a piece of

rope? or perhaps of a longing to unhorse a windmill? what point are

you trying to make exactly?

 

except to try to prove that I am wrong...

 

>

> 3) The last line in the mentioned abstract says ' PRELIMINARY

> RESULTS SUGGEST'. Does it mean that this study is completed, and

> the results are ' CONCLUSIVE AND ESTABLISHED'?

 

what ever is conclusive or established in science? ALL scientific

research into Ayurveda is preliminary at this point

fortunately my argument doesn't rest on science alone, but on

clinical experience and testimony

 

the original issue at debate was Ashwagandha's potential sedative

effects, and how it and herbs that similarly have GABAnergic

activities might cause unanticipated reactions in a particular type

of patient that otherwise might be assessed as having a vata disorder

- my intent was not to get into a tedious argument, but to respond to

a question about this perceived effect

 

you haven't provided any useful insight into this question except to

attack everything i say

 

 

>

> A SCIENTIFIC MIND IS MORE THAN JUST JUMPING TO CONCLUSIONS BY

> THROWING SOME REFERENCES AND BIG SCIENTIFIC WORDS.

> Everyone who really wants to know Ayurveda should take note of

> this, and prevent themselves from getting misleaded.

 

now, now - insult certainly must be last line of defense in any argument

a such, i will take such comments as your accession and leave it at

that ;-)

 

best wishes... Todd

[Guest guest]

On 3-Jul-08, at 4:57 AM, ayurveda wrote:

 

> Re: Is ashwagandha a sedative?

> Posted by: " muzumdar " dahpc dbm2110

> Wed Jul 2, 2008 10:41 pm (PDT)

>

>

> Secondly, the adverse effect generated by Ashwagandha itself

> denotes it's improper use, according to dictums of Ayurveda. Such

> worsening of patient symptoms is due to improper application and

> usage of medicines/herbs based on ametuer understanding or half-

> baked knowledge.

> Thirdly, the group of disorders like ADD/HD, anxiety, restlessness,

> nervousness and inattentiveness have their disease-base in Apaspara

> and Unmada, and not Vata-vyadhi.

 

you see dr. muzumdar, it really isn't important that you didn't spell

apasmara correctly

i will give you the benefit of the doubt, because it is far more

useful to look for solutions instead of problems

likewise, i think you know EXACTLY what i have been talking about,

but you have choose to argue instead

 

in fact, i don't think i have ever seen you present anything on this

list that doesn't begin with you disagreeing with somebody

i get the feeling that you don't even like other people THINKING

about ayurveda without the " benefit " of your opinion

 

todd