Asthma is a chronic inflammatory disorder in which the bronchial tubes narrow and restrict the flow of air, making it difficult to breathe. Aside from avoiding known triggers, long-term control medications can help reduce the frequency and severity of attacks. In Ayurvedic medicine, ashwagandha is recommended to maintain homeostasis, or a state of balance. There is evidence that this herb may improve lung function by suppressing the release of chemicals involved in producing inflammation. Asthma changes over time, however, so have your status evaluated frequently and talk to your doctor about integrating complementary therapies like ashwagandha before self-treating symptoms.
Plant Profile
Withania somnifera, or ashwagandha, is also known as winter cherry and Indian ginseng. This member of the nightshade family of plants is classified as an adaptogen, which means that it helps the body cope with stress and resist disease. It is traditionally used in Ayurveda to address a wide range of ailments, including osteoporosis, chronic fatigue, anxiety, infertility, diabetes, arthritis, asthma, epilepsy and neurodegenerative disorders.
Composition
According to Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center, ashwagandha contains the saponins sitoindoside VII and sitoindoside VIII, the alkaloids isopelletierine and anaferine and several steroidal lactones collectively referred to as withanolides and withaferins. Steroidal lactones from ashwagandha root demonstrate anti-inflammatory properties, which is why the herb is used in Ayurveda to treat people with arthritis, asthma and other inflammatory conditions.
Anti-inflammatory Properties
According to a study published in the May 17, 2011 issue of the "Journal of Ethnopharmacology," ashwagandha stimulates the production of immunoglobulin, which enhances immune function. The herb also appears to play a role in regulating the production of antibodies by inhibiting the production of pro-inflammatory cytokines, namely tumor necrosis factor-alpha, or TNF-a. In a 2005 review published in "Clinical Science," authors Cristina Russo and Riccardo Polosa describe TNF-a as a potential therapeutic target in treating various chronic inflammatory disorders, including asthma. This theory is supported by the observation that people with asthma exhibit higher expression of TNF-a in their airways than non-asthmatic people do.
Safety Considerations
This herb should not be used during pregnancy because there is a risk of miscarriage. Ashwagandha may increase the effects of other medications, including barbiturates. Ask your physician if this herbal medicine fits into your asthma treatment plan. If you use ashwagandha, but your asthma symptoms continue uncontrolled or worsen, discontinue use and call your doctor right away.
References
- Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center: Ashwagandha
- World Health Organization: International Clinical Trial Registry Platform
- "Journal of Ethnopharmacology"; A Comparison of the Immunostimulatory Effects of the Medicinal Herbs Echinacea, Ashwagandha and Brahmi; K. Yamada, et al.; 2011
- "Clinical Science"; TNF-α as a Promising Therapeutic Target in Chronic Asthma: A Lesson from Rheumatoid Arthritis; Cristina Russo and Riccardo Polosa; 2005
