Evidence supporting the use of: Ashwagandha
For the health condition: Autoimmune Disorders

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Synopsis

Source of validity: Traditional
Rating (out of 5): 2

Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera) is an important herb in Ayurvedic medicine and has traditionally been used for its adaptogenic, anti-inflammatory, and immune-modulating properties. In Ayurveda, ashwagandha is believed to help balance the immune system, alleviate stress, and reduce inflammation, which are relevant factors in autoimmune disorders. However, while these traditional uses exist, direct references to ashwagandha specifically for autoimmune diseases are sparse in classical texts. The rationale in traditional medicine is based on its general immune-modulating effects rather than targeted autoimmune therapy.

From a scientific perspective, limited preclinical (animal and in vitro) studies suggest that ashwagandha and its withanolide constituents may modulate immune function and inflammation. Some research shows it can decrease pro-inflammatory cytokines and modulate immune cell activity. However, clinical trials directly assessing ashwagandha’s effects in patients with specific autoimmune disorders (such as rheumatoid arthritis, lupus, or multiple sclerosis) are extremely limited or absent. There is also a theoretical risk that ashwagandha could stimulate immune activity, which might worsen certain autoimmune conditions in some individuals.

In summary, while ashwagandha has a traditional reputation for supporting immune health and reducing inflammation, there is only weak scientific evidence (mainly from preclinical studies) supporting its use specifically for autoimmune disorders. It should not be considered a primary therapy, and anyone with an autoimmune condition should consult a healthcare provider before using ashwagandha.

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Other health conditions supported by ashwagandha

Addictions (drugs)
Addictions (general remedies for)
Adrenal Fatigue
Afterbirth Pain
Aging (prevention)
Alcoholism
Allergies (respiratory)
Alzheimer's Disease
Amenorrhea
Anemia
Angina
Anorexia
Anxiety
Anxiety Disorders
Appetite (deficient)
Anger (excessive)
Arthritis
Asthma
Athletic and Exercise Aids
Attention Deficit Disorder
Autoimmune Disorders
Backache
Bedwetting
Body Building
Cancer (natural therapy for)
Cancer (prevention)
Cancer Treatment (reducing side effects)
Cholesterol (high)
Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disorder
Circulation (poor)
Concentration (poor)
Depression
Diabetes
Digestion (poor)
Emotional Sensitivity
Endurance (lack of)
Energy (lack of)
Epilepsy
Erectile Dysfunction
Exercise
Fatigue
Fear (excessive)
Fibromyalgia Syndrome
Goiter
Grief and Sadness
Hair (graying)
Hair (loss or thinning)
Hair Care (general)
Headache (general)
Headache (tension)
Heart (weakness)
Hot Flashes
Hypertension
Hypothyroid
Hysteria
Infertility
Inflammation
Insomnia
Irritability
Leucorrhea
Lyme Disease
Memory and Brain Function
Menopause
Menorrhagia
Menstrual Irregularity
Menstruation (scant)
Mental Illness
Migraine
Miscarriage (prevention)
Mood Swings
Muscle Tone (lack of)
Nervous Exhaustion
Nervousness
Neurosis
Nightmares
Nocturnal Emission
Obsessive Compulsive Disorder
Osteoporosis
Pain (general remedies for)
Parkinson's Disease
Peripheral Neuropathy
Pets (supplements for)
PMS (general)
PMS Type C
PMS Type D
Post Partum Depression
Post Partum Weakness
Post Traumatic Stress Disorder
Premature Ejaculation
Prolapsed Uterus
Rheumatoid Arthritis
Sex Drive (low)
Sleep (restless and disturbed)
Stress
Syphilis
Tension
Testosterone (low)
Thinking (cloudy)
TMJ
Tremors
Triglycerides (high)
Tuberculosis
Vitiligo
Weight Gain
Weight Loss
Worry
Wounds and Sores