METABOLIC THERAPY

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Ashwagandha

Ashwagandha is a plant-derived compound that primarily acts as an adaptogen, influencing stress response pathways and modulating various cellular processes.
Pricing

The average market price for Ashwagandha in the UK varies depending on brand, concentration, and form. Specifically, prices typically range from £10 to £30 for a month’s supply.

Ashwagandha

Cancer Impact Summary

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Full Supplement Details

Ashwagandha’s primary bioactive components, withanolides, interact with cellular pathways involved in stress response, inflammation, and cell growth. Preclinical studies suggest potential anti-cancer properties, including:

Induction of Apoptosis: Some studies indicate withaferin A, a withanolide, may induce apoptosis (programmed cell death) in specific cancer cell lines. The exact mechanism remains under investigation but may involve mitochondrial pathways and caspase activation.

Cell Cycle Arrest: Research suggests withanolides might inhibit cell cycle progression in certain cancer cells, potentially limiting uncontrolled growth. However, this effect requires further validation in clinical settings.

Angiogenesis Inhibition: Preliminary evidence suggests Ashwagandha might interfere with angiogenesis (formation of new blood vessels), a crucial process for tumour growth and metastasis. However, clinical evidence supporting this effect is limited.

Metabolic Theory of Cancer: While some studies suggest Ashwagandha might influence metabolic pathways related to cancer cell growth, direct links to the metabolic theory of cancer require further investigation.

Dosage

General Dosages: Ashwagandha is typically taken in doses ranging from 250 mg to 1,250 mg per day. The form of Ashwagandha (e.g., root extract, powder) and the specific health condition being targeted can influence the dosage.

Clinical Trials: In clinical trials, dosages have varied. For example, a systematic review identified studies using doses from 240 mg to 1,250 mg per day of extract or up to 12,000 mg per day of whole root granules. These studies have shown benefits in reducing stress, anxiety, and improving sleep quality.
Ashwagandha: Is it helpful for stress, anxiety, or sleep? – Health Professional Fact Sheet

Cancer Studies: While there is promising preclinical evidence for Ashwagandha’s anti-cancer properties, clinical evidence is limited. Some studies have used doses around 600 mg per day for their trials. The herb has shown potential in inducing apoptosis (programmed cell death) in cancer cells, reducing inflammation, and modulating the immune system.
Ashwagandha: A Review of Clinical Use and Efficacy | Nutritional Medicine Institute

Safety: Ashwagandha is generally considered safe for most people when taken in recommended doses. However, it can cause mild to moderate side effects such as drowsiness, stomachaches, and diarrhea. It’s crucial to consult with a healthcare provider before starting any new supplement, especially for individuals with underlying health conditions or those undergoing cancer treatment.
The Truth about Ashwagandha and Cancer: Answers from an MSK Expert | Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center

Cancer Types Tested Against

Breast Cancer, Colorectal Cancer, Leukemia, Lung Cancer, Prostate Cancer

Side Effects

Ashwagandha is generally well-tolerated in recommended doses. However, potential side effects may include gastrointestinal discomfort, drowsiness, and allergic reactions.

Combination Therapies

Research on Ashwagandha’s combination potential in cancer treatment is limited. Some preclinical studies suggest possible synergistic effects with specific chemotherapy drugs. However, clinical evidence supporting these combinations is lacking.

Quality of Life Effects

Stress Reduction: Ashwagandha is known for its adaptogenic properties, which help the body manage stress. Studies have shown that it can reduce cortisol levels, leading to decreased stress and anxiety.

Improved Sleep: Ashwagandha has been found to improve sleep quality and duration. It can help individuals fall asleep faster and experience deeper, more restful sleep.

Enhanced Cognitive Function: Research suggests that Ashwagandha can improve cognitive function, including memory, attention, and information processing speed. It may be beneficial for individuals experiencing cognitive decline or those seeking to boost mental performance.

Physical Performance: Ashwagandha has been shown to enhance physical performance, including strength, endurance, and recovery. It can also help reduce muscle fatigue and improve overall physical health.

Mood and Mental Health: Ashwagandha has been found to alleviate symptoms of depression and anxiety. It can improve overall mood and well-being by modulating neurotransmitters such as serotonin, dopamine, and GABA.

Metabolic Health: Ashwagandha may have positive effects on metabolic health, including improving insulin sensitivity and reducing blood sugar levels. It can also help manage metabolic disorders such as dyslipidaemia and diabetes.

 

Withania somnifera (Ashwagandha) supplementation: a review of its mechanisms, health benefits, and role in sports performance | Nutrition & Metabolism | Full Text

The Adaptogenic Abilities of Ashwagandha for Human Health

Answers to all your questions

We’ve done our best to include as much information as possible for this supplement. 

If you have any other questions, please send us a message or join our Skool Group and ask our knowledgeable and friendly community.

Ashwagandha is widely available in the UK as a dietary supplement, accessible through health food stores, pharmacies, and online retailers.

No specific patient response rates found in peer-reviewed literature.

The understanding of potential resistance mechanisms to Ashwagandha in cancer cells is currently limited due to the lack of extensive research in this area.

Information on active clinical trials investigating Ashwagandha specifically for cancer treatment is limited. Active trials can be found at clinicaltrials.gov.

Research exploring the influence of genetic markers on Ashwagandha’s efficacy in cancer treatment is currently limited.

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Inducing Apoptosis

Apoptosis, or programmed cell death, is a natural process where cells self-destruct when they are damaged or no longer needed. This is crucial for maintaining healthy tissues and preventing diseases like cancer. 

Drugs and supplements that induce apoptosis help eliminate cancerous cells by triggering this self-destruct mechanism, ensuring that harmful cells are removed without damaging surrounding healthy tissue. 

Understanding and harnessing apoptosis is vital in the fight against cancer, as it targets the root cause of the disease at the cellular level.

Inhibiting Cell Proliferation

Cell proliferation is the process by which cells grow and divide to produce more cells. While this is essential for growth and healing, uncontrolled cell proliferation can lead to cancer.

Drugs and supplements that inhibit cell proliferation help prevent the rapid multiplication of cancerous cells, slowing down or stopping the progression of the disease.

By targeting the mechanisms that drive cell division, these treatments play a vital role in controlling and potentially eradicating cancer.

Targeting Specific Pathways

Cancer cells often hijack specific biological pathways to grow and spread. Drugs and supplements that target these pathways can disrupt the cancer cell’s ability to survive and multiply.

By focusing on the unique mechanisms that cancer cells use, these treatments can be more effective and cause fewer side effects compared to traditional therapies.

Targeting specific pathways is a key strategy in precision medicine, offering a tailored approach to combat cancer at its core.

Angiogenesis Inhibition

Angiogenesis is the process by which new blood vessels form, supplying nutrients and oxygen to tissues. Cancer cells exploit this process to fuel their growth and spread.

Drugs and supplements that inhibit angiogenesis can effectively starve cancer cells by blocking the formation of these new blood vessels.

By cutting off the supply lines that tumors rely on, angiogenesis inhibitors play a crucial role in controlling and potentially shrinking cancerous growths.

Role in Immunotherapy

Immunotherapy harnesses the power of the body’s immune system to combat cancer. By boosting or restoring the immune system’s natural ability to detect and destroy cancer cells, immunotherapy offers a targeted and effective approach to treatment.

Drugs and supplements that support immunotherapy can enhance the immune response, making it more efficient at identifying and attacking cancer cells.

This innovative approach not only helps in treating cancer but also reduces the risk of recurrence, providing a powerful tool in the fight against this disease.

Anti-Inflammatory Properties

Inflammation is the body’s natural response to injury or infection, but chronic inflammation can contribute to the development and progression of cancer.

Drugs and supplements with anti-inflammatory properties help reduce inflammation, thereby lowering the risk of cancer and other chronic diseases.

By targeting the inflammatory processes, these treatments can help maintain a healthier cellular environment and prevent the conditions that allow cancer to thrive.