Ayurvedic science updates

Townsend Letter for Doctors and Patients, Feb-March, 2005 by Virender Sodhi

Immunomodulatory effects of Ashwagandha have also been studied in three myelosuppression models: cyclophosphamide, azathioprin and prednisolone. Significant increases in hemoglobin, red blood cell count, white cell count, and platelet count and body weight were observed in Ashwgandha treated mice.

Doses: A typical dose of the Ashwagandha root powder is 3-6 grams per day and 300-500 mg of standardized extract two to three times per day.

Side effects: Ashwagandha is generally considered safe even in higher doses.

Looking at the full profile of Ashwagandha; its negligible toxicity, along with its antioxidant, anti-stress, anti-inflammatory, immunomodulatory and rejuvenative properties, it makes perfect sense to utilize this herb in inflammatory conditions like osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, psoriatic arthritis, fibromyalgia, chronic fatigue syndrome, and other rheumatic conditions. I have chosen to give Ashwgandha wherever there is a need for steroids (like hydrocortisone or Prednisolone) or to people who already use these steroids and need to reduce the dosage. Ashwagandha has always come to the rescue with flying colors.

Ginger as powerful anti-inflammatory

Ginger is widely used as a spice in Asian cooking. It is commonly used in baked goods, beverages, candies, liqueurs and even perfumes. Ginger has been described as a medicinal plant in India and China for centuries. Charka (father of medicine) and Sushruta (father of surgery) have referred to its efficacy in many diseases. To the Arabic physician, ginger was known as "Zanjabil." The Greeks and Romans used it as a spice. In folk medicine it is considered a digestive and carminative, and an aid for stomach pain, diarrhea, nausea, rheumatism and toothache. Back in India, this spice was always Grandma's favorite for stomachaches, toothaches, headaches and joint pains. Pharmacologically, ginger is an antioxidant. It stops inflammation, inhibits prostaglandin, thromboxane, and leukotrienes synthesis, and is a potent blood thinner. It is also known to be choleretic, cardiotonic, digestive, carminative, antibiotic, thermogenic and it lowers cholesterol.

Ginger is an antioxidant: Ginger is a strong antioxidant, which is why it is used in preventing rancidity of meat products. It has been shown to prolong the shelf life of fresh, frozen and precooked meat. As an antioxidant, it helps prevent free radical damage and helps inflammation.

Ginger as an anti-inflammatory: Numerous ingredients in ginger have been shown to be potent inhibitors of inflammatory prostaglandin and leukotrienes. This may explain its use in inflammatory diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis, headaches and body aches. Ginger is also a powerful antioxidant and contains an enzyme "protease," which contains a powerful action towards inflammation as bromelain (from pineapple) and papain (from papaya). In an animal model study, ginger extract reduced the carrageenan-induced inflammation in rat's paw. Ginger also contains antihistaminic and anti-toxicity activities. Allergies and toxicity can many times trigger inflammation. In a study on seven patients with Rheumatoid arthritis, all the patients that were given ginger reported substantial improvement in pain relief, increased joint mobility, decreased swelling and morning stiffness. In another study with 28 patients with rheumatoid arthritis, 18 patients with osteoarthritis and 10 patients with muscular discomfort; powdered ginger was given in doses of 500-1000 mg per day for three months to two and a half years. Based on clinical observation, 75% of patients with rheumatoid arthritis, and osteoarthritis experienced relief in pain and swelling; 100% of the patients with muscular discomfort experienced relief in pain and swelling. Patients taking higher doses experienced faster results.