Nikhil Prasad Fact checked by:Thailand Medical News Team Sep 12, 2025 3 hours, 8 minutes ago
Thailand Medical News: Ancient remedy under modern spotlight
Ashwagandha, also known as Withania somnifera, has been used in Indian Ayurvedic medicine for over 3,000 years as a Rasayana, or rejuvenating herb. Today, scientists are giving it serious attention as a potential natural solution for extending healthspan—the years we live free of disease. Researchers from Liverpool John Moores University in the United Kingdom and the Medical University in Varna, Bulgaria, reviewed the evidence and found that this ancient herb holds promise in protecting the body and brain from the effects of aging. In this
Thailand Medical News report, we explore how it may become a modern tool in the fight against age-related decline.
Ashwagandha Emerges as A Natural Key to Healthy Aging
Combating the root causes of aging
Unlike single-purpose drugs, Ashwagandha works on several fronts. Its active compounds, called withanolides, target the very processes that drive aging. These include cellular stress, oxidative damage, mitochondrial decline, and the build-up of harmful proteins linked to conditions like Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s. By boosting telomerase—the enzyme that maintains the protective caps at the ends of our DNA—Ashwagandha may even help cells live longer and stay healthier.
Building strength and vitality
One of the most striking findings is its effect on physical health. Clinical trials show that people taking Ashwagandha while engaging in exercise gain more muscle strength and size compared to those on placebo. In one study, participants increased their bench-press capacity by nearly twice as much as the control group. It also improves cardiovascular endurance, with some trials showing a boost of over 13% in VO2 max, a key marker of fitness. Even skin health benefits, such as improved hydration and reduced wrinkles, have been documented after topical use.
Balancing hormones and improving sleep
The herb also helps regulate hormones. Studies have shown that men taking Ashwagandha experienced higher testosterone and improved sperm quality, while women reported reduced menopausal symptoms and enhanced sexual wellbeing. Stress and poor sleep, both of which speed up aging, are also improved. Trials found that Ashwagandha lowered levels of cortisol, the stress hormone, by almost 28%, while also improving sleep quality and alertness in older adults.
Supporting the brain and nervous system
Cognitive decline is one of the biggest fears of aging, and here too Ashwagandha shows potential. Trials in people with mild cognitive impairment revealed significant improvements in memory, attention, and processing speed. Preclinical studies suggest it may even help protect the brain from toxic proteins linked to Alzheimer’s and support dopamine-producing neurons that degenerate in Parkinson’s disease. Animal studies show it can repair damaged nerve connections and stimulate the growth of new ones, a key factor in maintaining brain health.
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Fighting inflammation and boosting immunity
Aging is often accompanied by “inflammaging”—chronic low-level inflammation that fuels diseases like heart disease, cancer, and arthritis. Ashwagandha reduces inflammation by lowering levels of C-reactive protein and inflammatory cytokines such as IL-6 and TNF-α. At the same time, it strengthens the immune system by boosting the activity of natural killer cells and T-cells, helping the body fight infections and even cancers more effectively.
Possible role in long COVID and future therapies
The herb has also been investigated in relation to COVID-19 and long COVID. Early studies suggest that its compounds may block the virus from entering human cells and calm the damaging inflammation seen in severe infections. A large clinical trial is currently underway in the UK to test its role in helping long COVID patients recover. While results are pending, early case reports show encouraging improvements in fatigue and brain fog.
A natural ally for the future
The review concludes that Ashwagandha offers one of the most promising natural strategies for extending healthy years of life. Its ability to enhance physical performance, sharpen memory, improve sleep, balance hormones, reduce stress, and strengthen immunity makes it a uniquely powerful botanical. However, researchers caution that more large-scale, long-term trials are needed to confirm its benefits and ensure safety when combined with other medications.
The study review findings were published in the peer reviewed journal: Biogerontology.
https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s10522-025-10320-0
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