Impact of Ashwagandha in Stress, Depression, and Sports; A Systematic Review

Abstract

Ashwagandha is a well-known traditional medicine and is a part of many formulations in the Ayurveda medicine system. Besides its many medicinal and nutritional uses, the drug has been prescribed to treat stress and depression. The objective of the study is to comprehensively review the use of Ashwagandha in stress, depression, and sports. Due to the presence of multiple nutrients, it has been employed by sportsmen for stamina and strength. The literature was searched by electronic databases including PubMed, Scopus, Google Scholar, and Web of Science. The published data from 1987 till date was included. Based on needs, traditional reports were also reported beside scientific literature. This review included many scientific studies focusing on the use of Ashwagandha in stress, depression, and sports. It was found in the studies that Ashwagandha has proved its logical use in conditions related to stress, anxiety, depression, stamina, and fatigue. In many cases, Ashwagandha was equipotent to the conventional anxiolytic agents. The most important compounds isolated from Ashwagandha for use in stress and depression were withanolides. In sports-related activities, it was found that Ashwagandha increases the oxygen consumption. It is well established from the scientific literature that Ashwagandha has potent regenerative tonic properties, it has anti-stress, and anxiolytic properties. It increases the stamina of sportsmen and improves their physical performance. Thus, the mentioned results clearly showed that the traditional use of Ashwagandha has a logical and scientific basis.