The roots of Withania somnifera consist primarily of compounds known as Withanolides, which are steroidal and bear a resemblance, both in their action and appearance, to the active constituents of Asian ginseng (Panax ginseng) known as ginsenosides. 

Subclinical Hypothyroidism: Subclinical hypothyroidism, a thyroid disorder without obvious symptoms, affects 3%–8% of the global population. Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera), a traditional Ayurvedic medicine, is often used for thyroid dysfunctions. This pilot study aimed to evaluate the efficacy and safety of ashwagandha root extract in subclinical hypothyroid patients.Conducted at Sudbhawana Hospital in Varanasi, India, from May to September 2016, the study was a prospective, randomized, double-blind, single-center placebo-controlled trial. Fifty subjects aged 18 to 50 with elevated serum thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH) levels (4.5–10 mIU/L) were randomized into treatment (n = 25) or placebo (n = 25) groups for 8 weeks. The treatment group received ashwagandha root extract (600 mg daily), while the placebo group received starch.Results showed that ashwagandha significantly improved serum TSH (p < 0.001), T3 (p = 0.0031), and T4 (p = 0.0096) levels compared to placebo. Four subjects (two from each group) withdrew before the second visit. Ashwagandha treatment normalized thyroid indices significantly over the 8-week period. Mild and temporary adverse effects were reported by four subjects (8%)—one from the ashwagandha group and three from the placebo group.The study concluded that ashwagandha may be beneficial for normalizing thyroid indices in subclinical hypothyroid patients.

https:// doi.org/10.1089/acm.2017.0183

Stress and anxiety reduction: A Randomized Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled Study of Safety and Efficacy of a High-Concentration Full-Spectrum Extract of Ashwagandha Root in Reducing Stress and Anxiety in Adults at Ashwins Health Care and Research Centre - Hyderabad, India, using a total of 64 subjects with a history of chronic stress, each enrolled into the study after performing relevant clinical examinations and laboratory tests. These included a measurement of serum cortisol, and assessing their scores on standard stress-assessment questionnaires. They were randomized to either the placebo control group or the study drug treatment group, and were asked to take one capsule twice a day for a period of 60 days. In the study drug treatment group, each capsule contained 300 mg of high-concentration full-spectrum extract from the root of the Ashwagandha plant. The treatment group that was given the high-concentration full-spectrum Ashwagandha root extract exhibited a significant reduction on all the stress-assessment scales on Day 60 than the placebo group. The serum cortisol levels were substantially reduced in the Ashwagandha group, than the placebo group. 

Spermatogenic Activity: A two-arm, double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled, parallel-group study with random allocation was conducted at five infertility centres in India under the guidelines of the Indian Council for Medical Research (ICMR-GCP), using 46 infertile men, all having a history of regular sexual intercourse over a one-year period with a gynecologically normal female partner with no apparent female infertility. The study subjects were randomized to either: (i) the placebo-treated group (25) or (ii) the Ashwagandha-treated group (21) that were administered one capsule (containing 225 mg of a high-concentration full-spectrum root extract of the Ashwagandha plant with a withanolide content of 5%) orally, thrice daily for a period of 12 weeks. The ashwagandha treated group testing with higher parameters of semen concentration and increased serum hormone levels than the placebo group. 

 https://www.hindawi.com/journals/ecam/2013/571420/ 

Male sexual health:There have been several studies on the effect of ashwagandha in male sexual health. The results have demonstrated that treatment of infertile men (with suboptimal levels of testosterone) with 5 grams per day of ashwagandha root extract significantly increased serum testosterone and luteinizing hormone levels and reduced the levels of follicle-stimulating hormone and prolactin compared to the control group. There was also a substantial increase in sperm count, concentration, and motility among infertile men. Another experimental study from 2016 also reported increased testosterone with M-A-T combo (Mucuna Pruriens, Ashwagandha and Tribulus Terrestris). M-A-T 1 group received 10 mg Mucuna, 10 mg Ashwagandha and 10 mg Tribulus, while M-A-T 2 received 20g of each. Both groups had considerable increased testosterone, follicle-stimulating hormone and luteinizing hormone levels.

Improved Gastric Emptying: In a randomized double-blind study involving eleven patients with functional dyspepsia, the effects of ginger on gastric function were investigated. Patients ingested ginger capsules or a placebo, followed by a low-nutrient soup. Gastric emptying was found to be faster after ginger consumption compared to placebo. Additionally, there was a trend for increased antral contractions with ginger. However, there were no significant differences in fundus dimensions, gastrointestinal symptoms, or gut peptide concentrations between the ginger and placebo groups. This suggests that while ginger stimulated gastric emptying and antral contractions in patients with functional dyspepsia, it did not affect gastrointestinal symptoms or gut peptides.

Antiflatulent: In a randomized controlled trial involving fourteen healthy young male volunteers, the effect of ginger on lower esophageal sphincter (LES) and esophageal peristalsis was investigated using manometry. Participants consumed either water or a ginger suspension and underwent esophageal manometry measurements over 180 minutes. Results indicated that while LES resting pressures remained unchanged after ginger consumption, percent relaxation during swallowing increased significantly at various time points. Esophageal contraction amplitude and duration were unaffected, but contraction velocity decreased at certain intervals after ginger intake. These findings suggest that ginger may enhance LES relaxation and reduce esophageal contraction velocity, potentially facilitating gastric gas expulsion or exerting an antiflatulent effect.

Antimotion sickness effect: In a study involving twenty-eight human volunteers, the antimotion sickness activity of ginger root (Zingiber officinale) was evaluated alongside its effects on gastric function. Participants were subjected to timed head movements in a rotating chair until they reached a motion sickness endpoint. Each subject received either ginger, scopolamine, or a placebo. While scopolamine significantly reduced motion sickness symptoms compared to placebo, ginger provided no protection. Gastric emptying rates were slowed immediately after motion sickness symptoms but less so after 15 minutes. However, powdered ginger had no effect on gastric emptying. Additionally, gastric motility was altered during motion sickness, with an increase in electrogastrogram frequency. While powdered ginger partially inhibited this frequency increase, it did not enhance electrogastrogram amplitude in motion sick subjects. These findings suggest that ginger lacks antimotion sickness activity and has minimal effects on gastric function during motion sickness.

Improved breast milk production: A randomized, double-blind controlled trial compared breast milk volume between lactating mothers taking 500 mg dried ginger capsules twice daily and those receiving a placebo for 7 days postpartum. The study involved 63 women (30 in the ginger group and 33 in the placebo group) and measured breast milk volume on the third day using the test weight method over 24 hours, and on the seventh day using a 1-hour milk production measurement. On the third day, the ginger group had significantly higher milk volume (191.0 ± 71.2 mL/day) compared to the placebo group (135.0 ± 61.5 mL/day, p < 0.01). By the seventh day, there was no significant difference between the groups (ginger group: 80.0 ± 58.5 mL, placebo group: 112.1 ± 91.6 mL, p = 0.24). Serum prolactin levels were similar in both groups, and no side effects were reported. The study concluded that ginger could be an effective natural galactagogue in the early postpartum period without notable side effects.

https:// 10.1089/bfm.2016.0073

Erectile Dysfunction:

• Korea Food Research Institute, Sungnam, South Korea, conducted a systematic review to  evaluate the evidence for the effectiveness of red ginseng for treating erectile dysfunction, searching 20 electronic databases without language restrictions. All randomized clinical studies (RCT) of red ginseng as a treatment of erectile dysfunction were considered for inclusion. Collectively these RCTs provide evidence for the effectiveness of red ginseng in the treatment of erectile dysfunction. 
• A double-blind crossover study evaluating the efficacy of Korean red ginseng in patients with erectile dysfunction was conducted by the Department of Urology, University of Ulsan College of Medicine, Korea. Using a total of 45 patients with clinically diagnosed erectile dysfunction in a double-blind, placebo controlled, crossover study, over 8 weeks on treatment, 2 weeks of washout followed by another 8 weeks on treatment.  900mg of Ginseng was administered 3 times a day to the treatment group and a placebo was given to the control group. The Mean International Index of Erectile Function scores were significantly higher in patients treated with the ginseng than in those who received placebo. The trial concluded that ginseng can be an effective alternative for treating male erectile dysfunction.

Cognitive Function: The Korean Longitudinal Study on Cognitive Aging and Dementia conducted an observational study on the effects of lifetime cumulative ginseng intake on the cognitive function in an elder population.3918 participants completed the 2-year and 4-year follow-up evaluations. Subjects were categorized according to cumulative ginseng intake in no use group, low use group, and high use group. The high use group showed higher CERAD total scores compared to the no use group. The trial concluded in confirming that a prolonged use of ginseng for longer than 5 years may be beneficial to cognitive function in late life.

Diabetes:

• Risk Factor Modification Centre, St. Michael's Hospital, Canada and the Department of Nutritional Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, University of Toronto, Canada, conducted a research review to study the effect of ginseng on glycemic control through data analysis of randomized controlled trials in people with and without diabetes. The result of the review showed that Ginseng significantly improved fasting blood glucose in people with and without diabetes. 
• The Human Cognitive Neuroscience Unit, Division of Psychology, Northumbria University, UK, conducted a study to assess the glycaemic effects of single doses of Panax ginseng in young healthy volunteers, using 30 participants through a placebo-controlled, double-blind cross-over. The thirty participants received three treatments: placebo; 200mg Ginseng; 400mg Ginseng. The study demonstrated that ginseng alone significantly lowers fasting blood glucose levels. 

Menopausal: Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Institute of Women's Life Medical Science, Korea, conducted a double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled clinical trial to investigate the effects of Red Ginseng on surgical menopause symptoms in premenopausal women with gynaecologic cancer, using 55 premenopausal women diagnosed with gynaecologic cancer. The study was performed at Severance Hospital in Seoul, Korea. Patients were randomly assigned to two groups Treatment group of 29 patients, receiving 3g red ginseng per day or a placebo control group of  26 patients, for a period of 12 weeks. Through the study, Red ginseng did not show absolute relief of surgical menopause symptoms in premenopausal women after gynecologic cancer surgery. However, the study did demonstrate that KRG may be effective in reducing sexual complaints. 

Sexual Function in women: The Psychiatric Research Center, Roozbeh Hospital, Iran conducted a 6-week, double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled clinical trial, using 31 participants in each group – controlled and treatment, to evaluate the effects of a combined vitamin E and ginseng supplement on enhancement of female sexual function. The volunteers were randomly allocated to receive the supplement (100 IU vitamin E, 67 mg Korean ginseng, and 40 mg Siberian ginseng) or placebo daily. The treatment group found significantly heighted levels of sexual desire and satisfaction compared to the placebo group. However, the study could not find additional benefits for the vitamin E and ginseng supplement over placebo in enhancing the overall sexual function.

Antioxidant: Liver and Immunology Research Center, Daejeon Oriental Hospital, South Korea conducted a double-blind randomized controlled design, using 82 healthy participants (21 men and 61 women). They were divided into three groups, the control group received a placebo and the other two groups received the ginseng extract (1g and 2g/day respectively) for 4 weeks. The findings indicate that ginseng enhanced the antioxidant defence mechanism in the treatment groups and the results reinforce the use of Panax ginseng as a potential antioxidant supplement.

Improving minor ailments in pregnant women: The study aimed to evaluate the effects of Madhuyasti (Glycyrrhiza glabra) and Gokshura (Tribulus terrestris) on minor ailments during pregnancy. 60 pregnant women were divided into two groups - group A received Madhuyasti and Gokshura, while group B received only standard antenatal care. The study found that the trial drugs were effective in reducing common pregnancy-related issues like anorexia, nausea, vomiting, heartburn, and constipation compared to the control group. The drugs also showed beneficial effects on maternal health and pregnancy outcomes. The authors conclude that Madhuyasti and Gokshura can be helpful in managing minor ailments and maintaining the health of pregnant women.

https://www.phytojournal.com/archives/2018/vol7issue3/PartAK/7-3-495-702.pdf

Heart Health: The Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, International Medical University, Malaysia, conducted a study to compile the preclinical and clinical studies that had been done on EGCG (compound Epigallocatechin-3-gallate which is a major polyphenolic compound present in green tea) to investigate its protective effect on cardiovascular diseases. 

Research papers related to EGCG were obtained from the major scientific databases, resulting in the understanding that EGCG held a wide range of therapeutic properties including cardiovascular protection, anti-diabetes, anti-inflammatory and antioxidant. 

Burning of Fat – 

• The Department of Physiology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Geneva; Geneva University Hospital; and Laboratoires Arkopharma, Nice, France conducted an investigation on the fat oxidation effects of green tea, using 10 healthy men that were randomly assigned among 3 treatments: green tea extract (50 mg caffeine and 90 mg epigallocatechin gallate), caffeine (50 mg), and placebo, which they ingested at breakfast, lunch, and dinner. It was concluded that Green tea has heat producing properties and promotes fat oxidation.
• The Human Performance Laboratory, The University of Birmingham, UK, conducted 2 studies to investigate the effects of green tea extract (GTE) on glucose tolerance and fat oxidation during moderate-intensity exercise. Both studies were a counter-balanced crossover. In study A, 12 healthy men performed a 30-min cycling exercise at 60% of oxygen consumption before and after supplementation. In study B, 11 healthy men took an oral-glucose-tolerance test before and after supplementation. In the 24-h period before the experimental trials, participants ingested 3 capsules containing either GTE or a corn-flour placebo. Average fat oxidation rates were 17% higher and there was a simultaneous increase of 13% in insulin sensitivity after ingestion of GTE than after ingestion of placebo. It was concluded that GTE ingestion can increase fat oxidation during moderate-intensity exercise and can improve insulin sensitivity and glucose tolerance in healthy young men.

Blood Pressure – The Department of Primary Care Health Sciences, University of Oxford, UK conducted a systematic review to evaluate the effectiveness of green tea on blood pressure and lipid parameters. Electronic searches were conducted in Medline, Embase, Amed, Cinahl and the Cochrane Library to identify relevant human randomized clinical trials (RCTs). As many as 474 citations were identified and 20 RCTs comprising 1536 participants were included. It was concluded that Green tea intake results in significant reductions in systolic blood pressure, total cholesterol, and LDL cholesterol. The effect size on systolic blood pressure is small, but the effects on total and LDL cholesterol appear moderate. Longer-term independent clinical trials evaluating the effects of green tea are warranted.

Green Teas effect on skin – A Double-blind, placebo-controlled trial of green tea extracts was done to evaluate the effects of a combination of topical and oral green tea supplementation to treat aging resulting from UV damaged skin, by the Department of Dermatology, Emory University, USA. A total of 40 women with moderate photoaging (aging resulting from UV exposure) were randomized to either a combination of 10% green tea cream and 300 mg twice-daily green tea oral supplementation or a placebo regimen for a period of 8 weeks. Participants that were administered the combination of topical and oral green tea showed an improvement in the elastic tissue content.

Cancer preventive: The Department of Epidemiology, Saitama Cancer Center Research Institute, Japan, conducted a study to understand the association of green tea consumption and cancer. They surveyed 8,552 individuals over 40 years of age living in a town in Saitama prefecture on their living habits, including daily consumption of green tea, over a period of 9 years. The study showed that green tea has a potentially preventive effect against cancer among humans.

Type 2 diabetes:The Public Health, Department of Social and Environmental Health, Osaka University, Japan conducted a Retrospective cohort study across 25 communities in Japan, using a total of 17,413 persons (6727 men and 10,686 women) to evaluate the effect of green, black, and oolong teas as associated with a lowering the risk for type 2 diabetes. The participants were between the ages of 40 to 65 years with no history of type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular disease, or cancer at the baseline lifestyle survey. During the 5-year follow-up, it was concluded that consumption of green tea, coffee, and total caffeine was associated with a reduced risk for type 2 diabetes.

Male Health: 

1. Department of Biochemistry, C.S.M. Medical University, Lucknow, India, conducted a prospective study to understand the effects of Mucuna pruriens in the treatment of male infertility. 75 normal healthy fertile men (control group) and 75 men undergoing infertility screening (treatment group) were used in this clinical study. It was observed that treatment with Mucuna significantly improved Testosterone, Luteinizing Hormones, dopamine, adrenaline, and noradrenaline levels in infertile men and reduced levels of Follicle stimulating hormones and Prolactin levels. Sperm count and mobility were significantly increased in infertile men after treatment. It was concluded that the treatment with Mucuna regulates improves semen quality in infertile men.

• Department of Biochemistry, Department of Obstetrics & Gynaecology, Department of Urology and Department of Psychiatry, King George's Medical University, Lucknow India, undertook a study using 120 men between the ages of 30-38 years - 60 of them were undergoing infertility screening and were found to be suffering from psychological stress. The other 60 were healthy men having normal semen parameters and who had previously initiated at least one pregnancy. It was observed that oral administration of Mucuna (5g day) to infertile men for 3 months not only resulted in general improvement in sperm count and mobility but it also led to significant reduction in the level of psychological stress. On the basis of results, it was be concluded that Mucuna not only reactivates the anti-oxidant defence system of infertile men but it also helps in the management of stress and improves semen quality.

• As an aphrodisiac and fertility enhancer: Male infertility and reduced sexual vitality are growing concerns worldwide, with oxidative stress and declining testosterone being major contributors. In Ayurvedic medicine, Kokilaksha has been traditionally used as a vrishya dravya (aphrodisiac). A preclinical study evaluated the effect of ethanolic extract of Asteracantha longifolia on the reproductive performance of male rats over 28 days. Results showed a significant increase in sperm count, sperm motility, and testicular weight, along with elevated serum testosterone levels. These effects are attributed to the plant’s phytosterols and alkaloids, confirming its efficacy as a natural fertility enhancer and aphrodisiac. (Ancient Science of Life, Vol. 26, Issue 2, 2006).
• As a hepatoprotective agent: Liver disorders caused by toxins or poor lifestyle choices are becoming increasingly prevalent. In a controlled animal study, Asteracantha longifolia was evaluated for its hepatoprotective potential against carbon tetrachloride-induced liver toxicity. The extract demonstrated normalization of elevated liver enzymes such as SGOT, SGPT, and ALP, and showed significant histological restoration of liver tissues. These effects were comparable to silymarin, the standard liver-protective drug, suggesting strong hepatoprotective activity. (Indian Journal of Pharmacology, 2010).
• As a diuretic and anti-inflammatory: Edema, water retention, and inflammatory disorders are often managed with pharmacological diuretics and steroids, which may have long-term side effects. A study evaluating the aqueous extract of Asteracantha longifolia in rat models showed a marked increase in urine output and electrolyte excretion. The extract also significantly reduced paw edema in a carrageenan-induced inflammation model, supporting its traditional application as a safe, plant-based diuretic and anti-inflammatory agent. (Journal of Ethnopharmacology, 2004).
  
  

Adaptogen: A prospective, randomized, placebo-controlled, double-blind comparative pilot study was conducted by the Department of Pharmacology and Therapeutics, Seth G S Medical College and KEM Hospital, Mumbai, India, to evaluate the adaptogenic effect of Chlorophytum borivilianum (CB) on physical performance when exposed to accustomed activity (AA) and unaccustomed activity (UA) and the effect of CB on heart rate (HR) and blood pressure (BP) in the presence of UA and the effect on muscle strength in comparison with placebo. 60 volunteers were assigned randomly into two groups - study drug that were 3 g of CB per day or placebo (3 g/day) for 2 months. It was concluded that the study group has a substantial increase in physical performance when exposed to accustomed activity even within one month and in case of unaccustomed activity the increase in performance was seen after two months thus validating its adaptogenic (anti-stress) potential.

Sexual health in Men: Department of Dravyaguna, National Institute of Ayurveda, Jaipur, Rajasthan, India A randomized, double blind, placebo-controlled trial. To assess the effect of the water extract of Chlorophytum borivilianum (CB) root tubers on semen and testosterone in healthy adult males. Water extracts of CB (group A) and placebo (group B) was administered for 12 weeks, in two divided doses of 500 mg. Assessment was done based upon Semen (Volume, Liquefaction Time, Sperm Count, Sperm motility) and Serum Testosterone levels parameters, which showed a significant improvement in the study group A in comparison to the Placebo group. It was concluded that the trial drug was effective in improving male sexual health.

• Depression: A retrospective, 12-month, open-label, observational, controlled trial was conducted by Francesco Di Pierro of the Department of Scientific Research and Development, Velleja Research, Italy to study the antidepressant clinical activity of a Hypericum Perforatum. The study administered that hypericum extract gave better clinical outcomes in volunteers with depression without determining an increased risk of toxicity or reduced tolerability.
• Depression and menopausal symptoms: Randomized controlled study was conducted on 80 postmenopausal women aged 45-60 in Izeh, Iran by Alieh Eatemadnia of Midwifery Department, Menopause & Andropause Research Centre. Two groups received 270-330 μg of Hypericum perforatum(n = 40) or placebo (n = 40) tablets three times a day for two months. Seventy women completed the study and the results show that the treatment with Hypericum perforatum is an efficient way of reducing hot flashes, menopausal symptoms, and depression in postmenopausal women.
• Depression and tiredness: A randomized, placebo-controlled, double-blind study was conducted by W D Hübner , S Lande, H Podzuweit from Lichtwer Pharma GmbH, Berlin, Germany. The study was done on 39 patients with depression with somatic symptoms who were treated with Hypericum perforatum extract LI 160. The volunteers were administered with hypericum extract 300 mg dose thrice a day for 4 weeks. Seventy percent of the patients treated with LI 160 were free of symptoms after 4 weeks. Typical symptoms of depression such as lack of activity, tiredness, fatigue, and disturbed sleep, were especially responsive. In no case were any undesirable side effects observed.
• Fatigue: A randomized, double-blind, parallel-group comparison was done among 240 subjects with mild-moderate depression was done by E Schrader from Praxis Klinische Arzneimittelforschung, Pohlheim, Germany. The patients were treated with hypericum and fluoxetine. After 6 weeks' treatment, it was concluded that hypericum and fluoxetine are equipotent with respect to all main parameters used to investigate antidepressants in this population, although hypericum may be superior in improving the responder rate.
• Sleep Inducing: A study was conducted by A.L. Sharpley, C.L. McGavin, R. Whale P.J. Cowen of the University Department of Psychiatry, Warneford Hospital, UK using healthy volunteers having no history of psychiatric or sleep disorders. They were administered with two doses (0.9 mg and 1.8 mg) of Hypericum perforatum (St John's wort) on the sleep polysomnogram using a placebo-controlled, cross-over design. Both doses of hypericum significantly increased the latency to rapid eye movement (REM) sleep without producing any other effect on sleep architecture.
  
  

• As galactagogue: Low milk supply (stanyakshaya) is a common issue among new mothers, with incidence rates ranging from 10% to 25%. In Ayurveda, breast milk, termed PIYUSH or amrit, is vital for enhancing life, and its deficiency can lead to low immunity, poor growth, and dehydration in infants. Formula feeding, while an alternative, has adverse effects on babies. A case study of a 28-year-old woman with low milk supply for one month demonstrated significant improvement through oral medications (1. Shatavari churn 3gm + vidarikand churn 3 gm bid with milk for 21 days, 2. Magadhi(pimpli) 2gm + nagar(sounth)2gm + gud (jaggery)+ ghrut (butter) + doogdh (milk) ) with galactagogue properties, dietary modifications, and proper breastfeeding techniques, resulting in adequate breast milk supply.
• Improved Foetal growth: In modern medicine, the treatment of intrauterine growth restriction (IUGR) focuses on maternal and fetal weight gain through rest, oxygen therapy, glucocorticoids, high-protein diets, hydration, and pharmacological therapies like low-dose aspirin and various forms of hyperalimentation. However, these treatments are costly, time-consuming, and can have severe side effects on pregnant women, with no proven method to reverse growth restriction. This has led to increased interest in Ayurveda, where IUGR, known as Upavishtak, is treated based on the principles of rasa, vipak, guna, and veerya of drugs like vidarikand. The goal is to achieve a healthier mother and, consequently, a healthier child. Total no. of 60 patients with upavishtaka were selected and divided into 2 groups. Group A patients were treated with Vidarikanda Siddha Ghrita along with the standard protein supplement and group B patients were treated with standard protein supplement. Group A patients showed better Ponderal index, Growth rate, abdominal circumference, weight of mother, fundal height, ponderal index and birth weight.