Ashwagandha Dosage Benefits and Side Effects

Ashwagandha is a dietary supplement known by the botanical name withania somnifera. Also known as Indian ginseng, this powerful herb used in Ayurvedic medicine as a way similar to the use of ginseng in traditional Chinese medicine. Alkaloids, saponins, steroidal lactones and withanolides are thought to be the biologically active components of ashwagandha. Ashwagandha is often compared to Asian ginseng which contain molecules like withanoloids called ginsenosides.

Ashwagandha Benefits

Ashwagandha has good impressive adaptogenic properties. Adaptogens support the ability of an organism to cope with stress and thereby conserve energy. According to a large of research, components in ashwagandha possess tonic, anti-inflammatory, immune enhancing aphrodisiac anxiety relieving and nerve sedative properties. Ashwagandha is rich in antioxidants, such as catalase, glutathione and superoxide dismutase. This antioxidant effect partly explains its other effects like anti-aging, anti-stress, anti-inflammatory and cognition facilitation. Ashwagandha is known to have a positive effect on hormones and it helps the thyroid gland to increase the secretion of the hormone. The studies do not reveal selectively its effect on T3 or T4, but the levels of both T3 and T4 go up with high quality supplementation of ashwagandha.

Immune System

Ashwagandha increases the count of white blood cells and prepares the body to produce antigens against various infections and allergies. A number of studies have shown significant increases in white blood cell counts and other measures of strengthened immunity in rodents given ashwagandha or certain chemicals extracted from the herb. Animal studies published in 1994 confirmed that ashwagandha’s withanolides stimulate lymphocytes, which are immune system cells. In a randomized, placebo-controlled, double-blind study in healthy men aged 50-59 years, red blood cell counts and hemoglobin level were significantly increased.

Cancer

Ashwagandha is reported to have anti-carcinogenic effects in animal and cell cultures by decreasing the expression of nuclear factor-kappaB, suppressing intercellular tumor necrosis factor and potentiating apoptotic signalling in cancerous cell lines. Published in 2007, another study on human cells shows that ashwagandha may inhibit tumor growth without harming normal cells. In another study, orally administered ashwagandha extract significantly inhibited experimentally induced stomach cancer in laboratory animals. A recent analysis showed that ashwagandha extract inhibit the growth of human breast, lung, and colon cancer cell lines in the laboratory. Other studies on mice have found that administering an alcohol extract of Ashwagandha caused the total tumor remission in 25% of animals and more than 50% reversal of tumor growth in 63% of the animals.

Inflammation

An application of the leaves when applied on an inflammation acts as anti inflammatory. Several withanolides exert selective COX-2 enzyme inhibition and withania has been found to decrease alpha-2-macroglobulin, a liver-synthesised plasma protein that increases during inflammation. Findings of a more up-to-date study published in the October 2004 issue of the ‘Journal of Clinical Rheumatology‘ show that ashwagandha reduces knee pain in patients with rheumatoid arthritis. Animal studies have found that naturally occurring steroids in ashwaganda are more potent than treatment with the synthetic steroid hydrocortisone for controlling inflammation.

Anxiety

Latest researches reveal that Ashwagandha, if given in proper dose, can restore the neurotransmitters and hence can be useful in various mental disorders. A 2009 randomized controlled clinical trial found that ashwagandha helps to treat anxiety. In a trial, 30 patients suffering from anxiety neurosis were administered a dose of 40 ml per day for a month. The research concluded that most of anxiety symptoms, panic attacks and phobia were significantly relieved. Oral administration of ashwagandha for 5 days suggested anxiety-relieving effects similar to those achieved by the anti-anxiety drug lorazepam (Ativan), and antidepressant effects similar to those of the prescription antidepressant drug imipramine (Tofranil). A study done at the Department of Pharmacology, University of Texas Health Science Center indicated that extracts of Ashwagandha produce GABA-like activity, which may account for the herb’s anti-anxiety effects.

Nerves and Memory

Ashwagandha has been shown to support the regeneration and reconstruction of nerve cells and synapses. In one human clinical study, ashwagandha improves overall mental aptitude and reaction time. Ashwagandha could prevent memory deficit and cognitive impairment by inhibiting degeneration of neurons and repairing the damaged neurons. Experimental studies suggest that Ashwagandha root extract might help to reconstruct the damaged neuronal network. Several animal studies indicate the potential for protection of neurons, including protection from neuronal injury in Parkinson’s disease  and promotion of dendrite formation.

Sexual Performance

Research shows that ashwagandha has an aphrodisiac effect and improves sexual performance. The root extract is used in impairment in libido, sexual performance, vigor, and penile erectile dysfunction. Its most active compounds, alkaloids and withanoloids enhance longevity and possess sexually stimulating properties. One double-blind clinical trial found that a dose of 3 g taken daily for 1 year improved the sexual performance of 71.4% of healthy aging males.

Ashwagandha Dosage

Take 1-2 capsules of Ashwagandha twice a day, after meals. Ayurvedic practitioners may recommend 500 to 2000 milligrams of ashwagandha root powder daily.

Side Effects

Side effects large doses of Ashwagandha can cause abdominal discomfort and diarrhea. May potentiate the sedative effect of barbiturates. In extremely large doses, ashwagandha has been reported to induce abortions in animals. Taking ashwagandha with thyroid hormone pills might cause too much thyroid hormone in the body, and increase the effects and side effects of thyroid hormone. No one with an autoimmune disease should use the product without express consent from their doctor.

Pineapple Benefits and Facts

Pineapple (Ananas comosus) is one of the world’s most unique and exotic tropical fruits. The tough, waxy rind is green, brown, and yellow in color with a scale-like appearance. Pineapple juice contains calcium, potassium, manganese, vitamin C. It is also a rich source of vitamin, B1, vitamin B6, copper and dietary fiber.

Pineapple Benefits

Pineapple juice is a great source to find a daily requirement of Vitamin C. Vitamin C strengthens the immune system and prevents the development of illnesses and infections by stimulating the production and function of white blood cells. Mononuclear phagocytes, neutrophils, and lymphocytes accumulate vitamin C to high concentrations, which can protect these cell types from oxidative damage. Collagen is the main structural protein in the body required for maintaining the integrity of blood vessels, skin, organs and bones. The synthesis of collagen, for which vitamin C is essential, proceeds in the body as one of its major manufacturing enterprises Also, pineapple juice  reduces periodontal disease and gingivitis. A cup of pineapple contains approximately 80 mg of vitamin C.

Pineapple juice good is an source the trace mineral manganese, which  includes an essential cofactor in a number of enzymes important in energy production and antioxidant protection. Manganese is responsible for bone formation, healing wounds, and keeping skin healthy. One cup of pineapple juice provides 70% of the daily recommended amount of manganese.

Bromelain are a family of sulfhydryl proteolytic enzymes derived from the stem and juice of the pineapple plant. The proteolytic enzyme, bromelain, was formerly derived from pineapple juice. Now it is gained from the mature plant stems salvaged when fields are being cleared.  Helps in reducing the swelling in the inflammatory conditions like gout, arthritis and acute sinusitis. Bromelain is an enzyme capable of enhancing digestion,  reducing or eliminating nausea, gastric reflux, and other symptoms that accompany non-digestion of foods. Fresh pineapple juice, has three times the amount of bromelain as canned pineapple.

Anti-Inflammatory

Bromelain is considered  strong anti-inflammatory. Laboratory evidence suggests that bromelain may be helpful in treating ulcerative colitis. Bromelain enzyme inhibits formation of prostaglandin E2, a chemical leading to inflammation, and it helps to stimulate the production of prostaglandin E1, an antiinflammatory chemical. Research reported in 2002 issue of Phytomedicine found that doses of both 200 and 400 mg of bromelain daily helped reduce knee pain in adults. Participants reported their results via questionnaires that included indicators of joint health as well as psychological well-being. The results of a clinical study published in 2004 in Clinical Rheumatology also found that bromelain enzyme, when combined with rutosid and trypsin,  was as effective as dicolfenac in alleviating symptoms of osteoarthritis of the knee.

Sinusitis, Bronchitis and Asthma

Bromelain enzyme has a mucus-thinning action and helps to reduce phlegm in respiratory conditions such as sinusitis, bronchitis and asthma. The German Commission E recommends the use of bromelain as a digestive aid, a treatment for traumatic injuries and joint inflammation and a treatment for sinusitis and bronchitis. In a double-blind study, 48 patients to  sinusitis received bromelain or placebo for 6 days.  All patients were placed on standard  therapy for sinusitis, which included antihistamines, analgesics, and antibiotics. At the end of study, inflammation was reduced in 83% of those taking bromelain compared to 52% of the placebo group. When 124 hospital patients with chronic bronchitis or pneumonia were given bromelain enzyme, there was a significant reduction in the volume and purulence of their sputum, enabling it to be more easily expelled by the respiratory tract.

Colitis

Colitis refers to the inflammation or swelling of the colon or large intestine. It’s a painful condition that causes abdominal bloating and cramping, diarrhea and nausea. Other forms of colitis may also come with fever, chills and other kinds of associated infections. The results of an animal study, published in 2010 issue of Inflammatory Bowel Diseases show that  long-term nourishment with bromelain-containing pineapple juice, reduces the severity of inflammation in the colon of mice with colitis.

Immune System

Bromelain enzyme has the ability to activate different immune cells and their cytokines. Cytokines are signaling molecules secreted by immune cells that act as messengers to alert other immune cells. Bromelain enzyme has been shown to remove T-cell CD44 molecules from lymphocytes and to affect T-cell activation. A study in Germany involving 6 breast cancer patients showed the patients to have improved immune function when taking bromelain by mouth.

Cardiovascular Disease

The positive reports in a few clinical trials of bromelain to decrease thrombophlebitis and pain from angina and thrombophlebitis. In one study, the use of bromelain resulted in the disappearance of all symptoms of angina within 4 to 90 days of commencement of daily bromelain treatment. Angina , is chest pain or discomfort that occurs if an area of your heart muscle doesn’t get enough oxygen-rich blood. It is not a disease itself, but rather a symptom of coronary artery disease, the most common type of heart disease. Those at an increased risk of coronary artery disease are also at an increased risk of angina.

Magnesium and Migraines Prevention

Magnesium is referred to as the “anti stress” mineral. It is responsible for over 300 essential metabolic reactions in the body. Magnesium is essential as a cofactor in the synthesis of RNA from DNA. Is a dietary mineral that helps regulate blood vessel size, serotonin function, and nerve activity in the brain, among other effects. Allows nerves to send messages in the brain and nervous system. Helps keep blood pressure normal, bones strong, and the heartrhythm steady. This mineral, is your key to insulin sensitivity and blood pressure regulation, and magnesium deficiency is common in people with diabetes. Also can help prevent leg cramps, migraines and fatigue.

The  human body contains about 25 grams of magnesium. Roughly 50% of total body magnesium is stored in our bones. The remaining quantity is predominantly found in the cells of body tissues and organs. Only 1 percent is available in blood. Symptoms of magnesium deficiency; loss of appetite, insomnia, weakness, anxiety, irregular heartbeats, dizziness, shortness of breath, PMS, and poor coordination. Adults require about 310-420 mg of magnesium daily.

What is Migraine?

Migraine are primarily caused by excessive dilation of blood vessels in the head. Migraine pain occurs when the blood vessels and muscles lining the brain and scalp becomes stretched or tensed. Scientists  believe that migraine is the result of fundamental neurological abnormalities caused by genetic mutations at work in the brain. About one in seven adults have migraine, so it is very common. Migraine is three times more common in women than in men.

A migraine headache can cause intense throbbing or pulsing in one area of the head. In addition to headache, migraine attacks are often associated with increased sensitivity to environmental stimuli, nausea or vomiting. Many patient experience migraines with auras just before or during the head pain, but most do not.

Migraine attacks last from 4 to 72 hours and are usually felt on one side of the head. During this time you may need to lie down in a quiet and darkened room since the throbbing headache is often made worse by movement, noise and light. Several factors can trigger migraines, including tiredness, stress, hormonal changes, missed or delayed meals, and certain food and drinks, such as cheese, chocolate, coffee, tea and alcohol.

Magnesium and Migraines

Epidemiological findings show that people’s magnesium status is associated with the severity and frequency of migraine headaches, sleep disorders and mood disturbances. Some studies have shown that magnesium depletion plays important role in blood vessel size. Magnesium mineral, relaxes the blood vessels and allows them to dilate, reducing the spasms and constrictions that can cause migraines. Researchers for migraine recommends 200 to 600 mg of magnesium per day.

Some studies show that about half of migraine headache sufferers have a low amount of ionized magnesium in the blood, which suggests a low magnesium status. It seems magnesium concentration affects serotonin receptors, nitric oxide synthesis and release, as well as other migraine-related receptors and neurotransmitters. The available evidence suggests that up to 50% of patients during an acute migraine attack have lowered levels of ionized magnesium. In a study in France, migraine patients were been shown to have significantly lower erythrocyte magnesium levels than controls. Results of a research conducted by the” New York Headache Center” indicate that chronic migraine sufferers have lower magnesium levels in their white and red  blood cells than those who do not have migraines.

A few clinical trials suggest that magnesium supplements may shorten the duration of a migraine and reduce the amount of medication needed. In one study, oral magnesium or a placebo were given to 81 people with migraines. At the end of the study, the frequency of migraines was reduced by 41.6 % in the group taking magnesium, compared to 15.8 % in the group taking the placebo. A 2002 study demonstrated that intravenous magnesium helps relieve migraines in patients with or without an aura.

The results of a clinical experiment in 30  people with migraine without aura, published in the June 2008 of Magnesium Research, found that taking 600 milligrams magnesium daily for 12 weeks reduces migraine attack frequency. In a study, a placebo-controlled trial in 86 children with frequent migraine headaches found that oral magnesium reduced headache frequency over the 16-week intervention. Some doctors, suggest combining magnesium with the feverfew along with vitamin B2 may be helpful when you have a headache. Two symptoms of B2 deficiency include eye fatigue and light sensitivity, which are also triggers for and symptoms of migraine headaches.

For those patients with low magnesium levels, acute migraine pain can likely be stopped with a single intravenous magnesium treatment. In a study found that intravenous administration of magnesium sulfate was just as effective in reducing migraine head pain as IV infusion of metoclopramide. The researchers recruited 40 people (29 women and 11 men ) who suffered from any type of moderate or severe headaches. When subjects had an acute headache, researchers measured their ionized magnesium, then gave them a 1 g intravenous infusion of magnesium. Only eight patients had no response to the magnesium, while 32 of the 40 patients had complete elimination of their headache pain within 15 minutes.

Bromelain Benefits and Dosage

Bromelain is an enzyme found in pineapple juice and in the pineapple stem. Bromelain is naturally found in both the juice and stems of the pineapple plant, but the stem contains more bromelain than the pineapple does. The first isolation of bromelain was recorded by the Venezuelan chemist Vicente Marcano in 1891 from the fruit of pineapple. Bromelain is most often used to help digestion and help reduce inflammation.

Bromelain Benefits

Bromelain enzyme is strongly anti-inflammatory substance, it decreases pain and edemas.also reduces the redness, tenderness and swelling as a result of tissue injuries and muscle pains. Bromelain has shown good results in treating inflammation after the surgery and injury. When used in combination with other digestive enzymes, bromelain relieves an upset stomach or heartburn. In Europe, a patented tape has been developed containing bromelain that is used clinically for debriding wound eschar. Thanks to its anti-inflammatory effects is helpful in decreasing pain and burns.

Digestion

Bromelain is a protein-digesting enzyme that is active at a broad range of pHs, and thus can promote digestion of protein in both the stomach and small intestine. As a proteolytic enzyme it assists the body’s own digestive mechanisms in reducing very large, complex protein molecules into smaller peptide units or individual amino acids. Bromelain can digest proteins and may help relieve stomach upset or heartburn, particularly when used in conjunction with other enzymes such as amylase and lipase. A study in 2008 issue of “Clinical Immunology” found bromelain enzyme decreases inflammation in ulcerative colitis and reduces the secretion of cytokines in IBS.

Anti-Inflammatory

Bromelain enzyme inhibits formation of prostaglandin E-2, a chemical that causes inflammation, and it also helps to stimulate the production of prostaglandin E-1, an anti-inflammatory chemical. In a clinical study of adults who experienced mild acute knee pain for three months or less, bromelain enzyme  demonstrated anti-inflammatory and analgesic effect, reducing the symptoms of osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis. Administration of bromelain presurgically can reduce the average number of days for complete disappearance of pain and inflammation. A study conducted by an orthopedic surgeon showed that giving bromelain to 59 of his patients resulted in a clear reduction in both swelling and discomfort. A  study published in  2002 issue of Phytomedicine also show that bromelain enzyme reduces knee joint pain in a dose dependent manner. Bromelain enzyme works by blocking selected proinflammatory metabolites that accelerate the inflammatory process. In animal studies, bromelain was the most powerful of nine substances examined, on a par with the drug prednisone.

Sinusitus

Some studies suggest that it may help reduce congestion, improve breathing and suppress coughing.  In a double blind study comparing the use of bromelain with placebo, 87 % of those patients who took bromelain reported good to excellent results compared with 68% of the placebo group. A study 2006 issue of Alternative Medicine Review, bromelain enzyme in doses of 500 mg to 1,000 mg per day is effective in sinusitis as an anti-inflammatory and mucolytic. Commission E approved bromelain to treat swelling and inflammation after surgery, particularly sinus surgery.

Immune System

Some scientific evidence from test tubes and animals suggests that bromelain can fight against infectious agents such as viruses and bacteria. A 2005 study done in Germany showed that bromelain activated immune cells that fight infection. Other studies suggest that it may also boost the amount of certain immune system hormones, called cytokines. Bromelain has also been shown to remove T-cell CD44 molecules from lymphocytes and to affect T-cell activation.

Antibiotics and Bromelain

Some studies have shown it to be as effective as antibiotics for treatment of , bronchitis, sinusitis, pneumonia and dental and kidney infection. In a double-blind study, 100 % of people who received bromelain enzyme/trypsin in combination with antibiotics had a resolution of their infection, compared to only 46 % of those who received antibiotics alone. Combined bromelain and antibiotic therapy has been shown to be more effective than antibiotics alone in a variety of conditions including pneumonia, bronchitis, pyelonephritis and sinusitis.

Cardiovascular

The protease enzyme is beneficial in reducing the clumping of platelets, the formation of plaques in the arteries and the formation of blood clots. Clumping or aggregation may contribute to arterial blockage, heart attack or stroke. Studies have shown that bromelain can also be useful in the reduction of platelet clumping and blood clots in the bloodstream, especially in the arteries. A drastic reduction in the incidence of coronary infarct after administration of potassium and magnesium orotate along with 120-400 mg bromelain enzyme per day has been reported.

Burn

When applied to the burned skin it can be rather effective in case of very severe burns. One study using a debridement agent that is derived from bromelain to treat people with second- and third degree burns showed a benefit. When applied to the skin, bromelain removes dead cells in a process known as debridement.

Bromelain Dosage

Bromelain is available in tablets or capsules and as a topical to treat burns. Dosages for bromelain vary, depending on the reason that you’re taking it. The German Commission E recommends 80-320 mg two to three times per day. As  digestive aid, the recommended dosage is generally 500 mg three times per day. Studies on heart patients indicates that increasing the dosage of bromelain to 400 mg  – 1,000 mg per day may reduce the symptoms of angina pectoris. Inflammation; 500-mg to 2,000-mg per day. For best results, the total daily dosage should be divided into 4 doses and taken an hour before or after food. Bromelain has to be enteric-coated so that it will not be used as a digestive enzyme if activated in the stomach. When taken on an empty stomach approximately 40 percent of the bromelain is absorbed into the bloodstream intact.

Bromelain Side Effects

Bromelain is generally safe and free of side effects when taken in moderate amounts. Occasionally individuals may develop an allergic rash from bromelain. If you are allergic to pineapple, do not take bromelain. Bromelain enzyme may increase bleeding risk when taken together with drugs that are known to increase bleeding. You should stop taking bromelain at least 2 weeks before surgery.