Medindia LOGIN REGISTER
Medindia
Advertisement

A Combo of Ancient Herb, Ashwagandha, Cows' Milk Boosts Immunity

by VR Sreeraman on August 15, 2008 at 11:21 AM
A Combo of Ancient Herb, Ashwagandha, Cows' Milk Boosts Immunity

Ashwagandha, an herb used in the 5,000-year old practice of Ayurvedic medicine, along with whole cows' milk can help boost immunity, says a group of US researchers.

The first-of-its-kind study was led by Heather Zwickey of the National College of Natural Medicine's Helfgott Research Institute, Portland, OR, and her colleagues Jeremy Mikolai, Andrew Erlandsen, Andrew Murison, Will Gregory, Padma Raman-Caplan and Kimberly Brown. Mikolai, Erlandsen and Murison will be presenting the team's findings during the 23rd annual meeting of the American Association of Naturopathic Physicians, which is being held August 13-16, 2008 in Phoenix.

Advertisement

According to Zwickey, investigations into herbal remedies rarely take into account how the herb has been administered throughout the tradition of the medicine's life cycle, such as coupled or mixed with water, tea, or oil.

While many consumers today may consume the herb with water or no liquid at all, researchers know that Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera (WS)) has typically been taken with an anupana substance.
Advertisement

Anupana may be derived from many different substances, from olive oil, to beer, to ghee.

To determine if an anupana substance would help enhance Ashwagandha's immune properties, the research team used milk in a co-administered intervention along with the herb extract.

Cows' milk was chosen over goats' milk and other potential substances because Ayurvedic medicine considers it to be a strengthening, nutritive driver for medicines. This made it an appropriate choice for an immunological study.

To measure the effects of the herb in humans, the researchers examined the impact the herb had on cell activation in lymphocytes. Lymphocytes are a type of white blood cell and come in four forms: (1) Natural Killer cells, which are a major component of the immune system and best known for their ability to respond to virally-infected cells and tumors; (2) B-cells, which make antibodies that bind to a virus or microorganism and then destroy it; (3) CD4+ T cells (also known as helper cells), which coordinate the immune system's response; and (4) CD8+ T cells, which kill cells that become infected.

The research team took blood samples from five healthy volunteers (three female; two male; average age 27) to set a baseline for immune cell levels. They administered an alcohol and water extract of Ashwagandha totaling approximately two teaspoons (6mL) in eight ounces of cows' milk.

The liquids were consumed twice a day for four days.

lood work was drawn again at 24 and 96 hours post-baseline to look for differences in the cells.

Consuming Ashwagandha with cows' milk had the following effects on the human immune system - there was a statistically significant overall increase in the level of white blood cell activation. Cell activation was most pronounced in the CD56+ Natural Killer cells. This is important, since these cells play a critical role in the body's response to the flu, the mumps or tumors.

Also, there was a statistically significant increase in the number of CD4+ T helper cells. While both CD8+ T helper cells and B cells also increased, the amount was not significant.

Source: ANI
SRM
Font : A-A+

Advertisement

Advertisement
Advertisement

Recommended Readings

Latest Alternative Medicine News

Ramdev Defends Against Supreme Court Rebuke: Alleges Conspiracy by Doctors
Baba Ramdev challenges Supreme Court accusations, and claims a conspiracy against yoga and Ayurveda. Press conference details and legal implications.
Depression's Hot Seat: How Heated Yoga Melts Symptoms Away
Even with half the prescribed dose, weekly heated yoga reduced depressive symptoms, suggesting its potential benefits.
Rheumatism Relief: Amritadi Churna Shines as an Ayurvedic Healing Option
Amrutadi Churna is a traditional Ayurvedic herbal remedy used to treat arthritis, reveals study.
Traditional Medicine a Priority for Indian Government
Commending India's efforts to advocate for traditional medicines, WHO Director-General expressed optimism on traditional medicines.
Nature's Healing Touch: Harnessing Aloe Vera's Potential
Often overlooked as a simple houseplant, aloe vera holds the key to ancient wisdom, acting as a wonder plant rich in nutrients.
View All
This site uses cookies to deliver our services.By using our site, you acknowledge that you have read and understand our Cookie Policy, Privacy Policy, and our Terms of Use  Ok, Got it. Close
×

A Combo of Ancient Herb, Ashwagandha, Cows' Milk Boosts Immunity Personalised Printable Document (PDF)

Please complete this form and we'll send you a personalised information that is requested

You may use this for your own reference or forward it to your friends.

Please use the information prudently. If you are not a medical doctor please remember to consult your healthcare provider as this information is not a substitute for professional advice.

Name *

Email Address *

Country *

Areas of Interests