Withanolides are steroidal lactones found in plants that can have a wide spectrum of action and a versatile effect on the human body. These are compounds characteristic of ashwagandha, which can be found both in the root and in the leaves of Withania somnifera.
Summary
Withanolides - what is it?
Withanolides are organic chemical compounds found in plants. These are steroidal lactones that have high biological activity. These are substances characteristic of Withania somnifera, commonly known as ashwagandha, which can be found in the roots and green parts of the subtropical plant.
To date, about 360 different withanolides have been identified in nature, and the most popular compounds belonging to this group include substances such as withaferin A and withanolide D.
Withanolides - action and properties
The results of scientific research suggest that the withanolides are distinguished by a wide spectrum of action and can have a comprehensive effect on the human body. The component present in the ashwagandha is considered, among others, an adaptogen that can neutralize free radicals and reactive oxygen species. However, further research is still needed, focusing on the effect of the withanolides on the human body.
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Ashwagandha withanolides - supplementation
The withanolides are compounds that can have a positive effect on people who perform intense physical and mental efforts. In addition, the substances can support athletes and people exposed to high stress.
The withanolides are most often delivered to the human body along with the Withania somnifera, usually in the form of dietary supplements rich in the ashwagandha. When looking for a preparation containing valuable ingredients, it is worth paying attention to the composition of available dietary supplements and choose a product that contains the ashwagandha root extract standardized for the content of the withanolides - then you can be sure, that the desired substances are present in the preparation and with it delivered to the human body. It is widely recognized that the concentration of the withanolides in the ashwagandha root extract should be at least 1.5%.
Withanolides - dosage
It is difficult to clearly determine what is the recommended daily dose of the withanolides, but when taking preparations containing the compound, you should always follow the manufacturer's recommendations and use the product in accordance with the guidelines.
Withanolides - when to use?
Dietary supplements containing the withanolides can be used in the morning, which can be helpful in particular among mentally working people who are exposed to high stress. It may also be a good solution to take the substance in the evening, before falling asleep, which results from the fact that the Withania somnifera and the compounds present in the plant may have a calming and relaxing effect, which can help you fall asleep and improve the quality of your sleep.
Dietary supplements rich in the withanolides, standardized for the content of valuable compounds, should always be used in accordance with the manufacturer's recommendation or doctor's instructions.
Withanolides - safety and contraindications
The withanolides are substances naturally occurring in nature that do not have toxic properties and are considered safe for the human body.
The scientific studies carried out so far do not contain information about the negative effect of the withanolides on the human body, however, caution when using preparations containing the compounds should be mind by people taking anti-anxiety drugs, as the withanolides may interact undesirablely with the pharmaceuticals. In addition, due to reports suggesting that the withanolides may increase levels of thyroxine (thyroid hormone T4), dietary supplements rich in the substances should not be used by people struggling with hyperthyroidism.
Bibliography:
- https://link.springer.com/chapter/10.1007/978-3-7091-0748-5_3
- https://pubs.rsc.org/en/content/articlelanding/2011/np/c0np00045k/unauth
- https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0031942207006425
- https://nopr.niscpr.res.in/handle/123456789/26628
- https://cejsh.icm.edu.pl/cejsh/element/bwmeta1.element.ojs-doi-10_57591_LEK_202209_03
