Withania somnifera

Ashwagandha/Nutrient Depletion:

  • 5-Hydroxytryptophan (5-HTP)5-Hydroxytryptophan (5-HTP): Reduced 5-HTP levels were associated with 12 weeks of ashwagandha therapy in patients with anxiety (41).
  • GlucoseGlucose: Ashwagandha may lower blood sugar levels, according to limited human research (in patients with type 2 diabetes), although the mechanism is unknown (38; 12; 60).
  • LipidsLipids: In a case series, ashwagandha significantly decreased serum total cholesterol levels, triglycerides, low-density lipoprotein (LDL), and very-low-density lipoproteins (VLDL) (38). In humans, serum cholesterol decreased in a statistically significant manner after ashwagandha use (31).
  • PotassiumPotassium: In humans, ashwagandha decreased serum sodium and potassium while urine sodium and volume increased (38).
  • SodiumSodium: In humans, ashwagandha decreased serum sodium and potassium while urine sodium and volume increased (38).