Ashwagandha and Its Usage in Dietary Supplements

Dietary supplements have a distinct market and demand chiefly because they offer a wide range of benefits to consumers. What makes nutritional supplements effective is the blend of ingredients present in them. With robust immunity becoming more critical than ever before, we are looking at the emergence of the most significant immunity-boosting ingredients in the market.

On that note, one such ingredient that supplement brand owners must know about is Ashwagandha.

Understanding Ashwagandha and Its Historical Relevance

Ashwagandha or Withania somnifera (sometimes also referred to as “Winter Cherry” or Indian Ginseng) [i] [ii] is an ancient Indian herb. Known primarily for its medicinal properties, it is believed that this Ayurvedic herb has been in use for over 3,000 years.[iii] The Ashwagandha shrub bears yellow flowers and is native to India, Sri Lanka, and parts of Northern Africa.

In Sanskrit, “Ashwa” means horse, while “gandha” means aroma.[iv] Put together, the herb’s name refers to not only the unique fragrance of a horse but also the immense strength that horses are known for. The name was possibly coined because of the herb’s ability to support a healthy sex drive.[v]

Ashwagandha Infographic

Key Ashwagandha Trends Supplement Brand Owners Should Know About

A combination of the consumers’ stressful lifestyles and the want to deal with moderate-to-severe health problems using natural substances has led to Ashwagandha being acknowledged as a multifunctional herb that can help support a healthy immune system. The market is booming, as is evident from the facts below, and presents a great opportunity for supplement companies to give consumers what they want.

Here’s looking at some of the most interesting trends and statistics that supplement brand owners should be aware of:

The global market for Ayurvedic products or Ayurveda-based supplements is expected to reach a staggering US$14.9 billion by the year 2026.[vi]
Dietary supplements, sports nutrition, hot drinks, and soft drinks with Ashwagandha as a key ingredient are among the top F&B launch categories.[vii]
The sales of Ashwagandha in the United States' natural channel grew to US$13.3 million at 8.7% in the year 2019.[viii]

Known Benefits of Ashwagandha as a Supplement Ingredient

For eons, the roots, seeds, flowers, and leaves of the Ashwagandha plant have been used to help address a wide range of ailments. Usually available in a fine, filtered powder, Ashwagandha extracts can be consumed by mixing it with honey or water. As an ingredient, Ashwagandha can do wonders for the body and is gaining prominence in the supplements market because of its manifold advantages.

Let’s take a look at the vast array of benefits [ix] this ingredient offers:

Supports a Healthy Immune System

Ashwagandha can do wonders for the body and the immune system is no exception. It has properties that can help increase the body's defense against diseases by enhancing cell-mediated immunity. The cellular damage caused by free radicals can also be minimized through its antioxidant properties. Studies [x] also suggest that Ashwagandha can increase the natural killer cells activity, which assist in keeping infections at bay.

Complete fortification

Ashwagandha is essentially an adaptogen, meaning it can promote well-being and balance, ensuring that the different systems in the human body operate like clockwork.

Enhances Mood and Reduces Anxiety

It is an anti-inflammatory and anti-stress agent. Ashwagandha helps the body become resilient to high levels of stress and anxiety. Studies [xi] show that it offers a high level of protection against gastric ulcers caused due to stress.

Improve Cognitive Function

This herb is known to aid memory function, improve the brain’s capacity, and also enhance focus and concentration in the long run.

Protects Against Cellular Damage

Ashwagandha’s natural antioxidant properties are known to help improve mitochondrial health by offering effective resistance against cellular damage induced by free radicals.

Regulates the Nervous System

The goodness of Ashwagandha translates into improved energy levels and an active cardiovascular and nervous system when consumed regularly.

Promotes Athletic Performance

Studies [xii] suggest that Ashwagandha can have a significant effect on athletic performance. It can help improve stamina and endurance while increasing heart and lung capacity.[xiii]

Addresses Bone and Joint Health

It is also useful for people who have rheumatoid arthritis, osteoarthritis, or other joint disorders.

Apart from the wide-ranging advantages of Ashwagandha mentioned above, one of the biggest virtues of this medicinal herb is its inherent ability to nutritionally support and promote male reproductive health.

Conclusion

As more scientific research goes into determining the effects of Ashwagandha on health, we are likely to see companies leveraging the power of this herb to create and offer diverse supplement products in the market.

NutraScience Labs specializes in helping brands create just the perfect blend for their supplement offerings. As an experienced full-service dietary supplement manufacturer, we can help you seize the right market opportunities and deliver groundbreaking supplement blends to your customers.

If you are looking for a partner who can help you create a winning dietary supplement formula with Ashwagandha as a key immunity-boosting ingredient, call 855-492-7388 to speak to one of our knowledgeable representatives or request a quote today.

References:

[i] https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/12-proven-ashwagandha-benefits#2

[ii] https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3252722/

[iii] https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/19633611/

[iv] https://www.msn.com/en-in/health/diet/from-reducing-stress-to-managing-blood-sugar-ashwagandha-and-its-health-benefits/ar-AAGuQ1l?li=AAggbRN&ocid=mailsignout

[v] https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/19789214/

[vi] https://www.nutritioninsight.com/news/ashwagandha-takes-center-stage-mood-boosting-herb-spotlighted-among-holistic-trends.html

[vii] https://www.nutritioninsight.com/news/ashwagandha-takes-center-stage-mood-boosting-herb-spotlighted-among-holistic-trends.html

[viii] https://www.nutritionaloutlook.com/herbs-botanicals/ashwagandha-going-mainstream-2020-ingredient-trends-watch-foods-drinks-and-dietary-supplements

[ix] https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3252722/

[x] https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/19504465/

[xi] https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/full/10.1080/10942912.2018.1473876