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Study on ashwagandha for stress management in type 2 diabetes.

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Journal name: Ayushdhara
Original article title: A clinical study on management of stress in type -2 diabetes mellitus (madhumeha) with ashwagandha (withania somnifera)
AYUSHDHARA is an international peer-reviewed journal. It focuses on research in Ayurveda, Yoga, Unani, Siddha, Homeopathy, Allopathy, and Pharmaceutical Sciences.
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Original source:

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Author(s):

*Shobha Nayak
P.G.Scholar, PG Dept. of Kayachikitsa, Gopabandhu Ayurveda Mahavidyalaya, Puri, Odisha
Saurabha Nayak
P.G.Scholar, PG Dept. of Kayachikitsa, Gopabandhu Ayurveda Mahavidyalaya, Puri, Odisha
Binod Kumar Panda
Reader & Head, PG Department of Kayachikitsa, Gopabandhu Ayurveda Mahavidyalaya, Puri, Odisha
Sambit Das
Senior Consultant, Endocrinologist & Diabetologist, Apollo Hospitals, Bhubaneswar, Odisha


Ayushdhara:

(A peer-reviewed, bi-monthly open-access journal)

Full text available for: A clinical study on management of stress in type -2 diabetes mellitus (madhumeha) with ashwagandha (withania somnifera)

Year: 2015

Copyright (license): CC BY-NC-SA 4.0


Download the PDF file of the original publication


Summary of article contents:

Introduction

The relationship between stress and diabetes, particularly Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus (Madhumeha), is complex and significant. Stress has been shown to negatively impact glycemic control, thereby influencing the quality of life for individuals living with diabetes. This study focuses on the management of stress in Type 2 diabetes patients using Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera), an herbal remedy known for its adaptogenic and stress-relief properties. The research aims to evaluate the effects of Ashwagandha capsules on stress levels among diabetics and its influence on overall diabetes management.

The Role of Stress in Diabetes Management

Stress can manifest in various forms among diabetic patients, such as emotional burden, regimen-related distress, physician-related stress, and interpersonal distress. These stressors can exacerbate diabetes, leading to ineffective self-care, increased insulin resistance, and elevated blood sugar levels. The study utilized the Diabetes Distress Scale (DDS) to assess the stress levels of participants, with patients demonstrating considerable stress receiving treatment with Ashwagandha capsules over a six-week period. Results indicated a significant reduction in stress levels for those treated with Ashwagandha compared to those who received a placebo, highlighting the potential role of stress management in improving diabetes care.

Efficacy of Ashwagandha on Glycemic Control

In addition to alleviating stress, the study also evaluated the effects of Ashwagandha on glycemic parameters. Participants given Ashwagandha experienced significant improvements in fasting blood sugar (FBS), post-prandial blood sugar (PPBS), and glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c) levels compared to the control group. These findings suggest that Ashwagandha not only helps in reducing stress but may also enhance blood sugar regulation, thereby providing additional benefits for Type 2 diabetic patients. Moreover, the study found that the positive outcomes persisted even after discontinuing the medication, indicating the lasting impact of Ashwagandha on both stress and glucose control.

Conclusion

This research underscores the importance of managing stress as an integral part of diabetes treatment. Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera) demonstrates significant potential as a natural therapeutic agent for improving stress levels and glycemic control among Type 2 diabetes patients, thus enhancing their overall quality of life. The study reinforces the concept that effective diabetes management involves not only glycemic control but also addressing the psychosocial factors that can complicate the condition. Further exploration into the multi-faceted roles of Ashwagandha in diabetes care could lead to broader applications in holistic diabetes management strategies, offering a safe and economical adjunct to conventional therapies.

FAQ section (important questions/answers):

What is the connection between stress and Type 2 diabetes?

Stress can exacerbate Type 2 diabetes by affecting glycemic control and quality of life. It contributes to complications like weight gain and increased insulin resistance, highlighting the need for effective stress management in diabetes care.

How did Ashwagandha affect stress levels in the study?

In the clinical study, Ashwagandha significantly reduced stress levels in patients with Type 2 diabetes, leading to better overall glycemic control. The positive effects continued during the follow-up phase, even after stopping the medication.

What were the criteria for including patients in the study?

Patients diagnosed with Type 2 diabetes, aged 21-70 years, with a Diabetes Distress Scale score of 3 or higher were included. Exclusions involved insulin-dependent diabetes and those with major complications.

Glossary definitions and references:

Scientific and Ayurvedic Glossary list for “Study on ashwagandha for stress management in type 2 diabetes.�. This list explains important keywords that occur in this article and links it to the glossary for a better understanding of that concept in the context of Ayurveda and other topics.

1) Drug:
The term 'drug' in the study refers to the soft gelatin capsules of Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera) used to manage stress in Type-2 diabetes mellitus patients. It is mentioned throughout the clinical trials to indicate the therapeutic intervention provided to participants to assess its efficacy.

2) Withania somnifera:
Withania somnifera, commonly known as Ashwagandha, is a key element in the study. It is an adaptogenic herb used for stress management and was administered in capsule form to Type-2 diabetes patients to evaluate its impact on stress and glycemic control.

3) Nayak:
Nayak refers to Dr. Shobha Nayak, one of the authors of the study assessing the impact of Ashwagandha on Type-2 diabetes patients. The name appears several times in association with the research article and its findings.

4) Blood:
Blood refers to the blood glucose levels measured in the study. Parameters like Fasting Blood Sugar (FBS) and Post Prandial Blood Sugar (PPBS) were key metrics to evaluate the efficacy of Ashwagandha in managing diabetes and stress in patients.

5) Ayurveda (Ayus-veda):
Ayurveda is the ancient Indian system of medicine that emphasizes a holistic approach to health, including the use of herbs like Ashwagandha. The study leverages Ayurvedic principles to manage stress in Type-2 diabetes patients, aligning with traditional beliefs about health and wellness.

6) Sugar:
Within the context of the study, 'sugar' primarily refers to blood sugar levels. The effectiveness of Ashwagandha was evaluated in terms of its impact on these levels, such as FBS and PPBS, crucial indicators of diabetes management.

7) Rasayana (Rasa-ayana):
Rasayana is a concept in Ayurveda focusing on rejuvenation and longevity. Ashwagandha, used in the study, is considered a Rasayana drug for its potential to combat stress, enhance health, and improve the quality of life in Type-2 diabetes patients.

8) Disease:
Disease in the study refers to Type-2 diabetes mellitus, characterized by chronic high blood sugar levels. The research explores how managing stress with Ashwagandha can alleviate symptoms and enhance the overall management of this disease.

9) Doubt:
The study concludes that the efficacy of Ashwagandha in managing stress in Type-2 diabetes patients is 'beyond doubt.' This term underscores the definitive positive outcomes observed with Ashwagandha in reducing stress and aiding glycemic control.

10) Fight:
In the context of the study, 'fight' pertains to Ashwagandha’s role in combating stress and its related complications in Type-2 diabetes patients. Ayurveda acknowledges Ashwagandha as a Rasayana Dravya capable of fighting disease and enhancing health.

11) Puri:
Puri is a location in Odisha, India, where the Gopabandhu Ayurveda Mahavidyalaya is situated. The study was conducted by the institution’s Department of Kayachikitsa, highlighting the regional aspect of the research.

12) Pharmacological:
Pharmacological in the study refers to the evidence-based actions of Ashwagandha, such as its antistress, adaptogenic, and hypolipidaemic effects. These pharmacological properties were crucial in assessing the herb’s efficacy in managing stress and Type-2 diabetes.

13) India:
India is the country where the study was conducted, specifically within the context of Ayurvedic medicine practices. The research study involved patients from regions in Odisha, India, and adhered to Good Clinical Practice guidelines of the nation.

14) Milk:
Milk is mentioned as a vehicle for administering the Ashwagandha capsules to patients. In the trial, patients were instructed to take the capsules with a cup of lukewarm milk, aligning with traditional Ayurvedic practices.

15) Bhubaneswar (Bhubaneshvar, Bhubanesvar):
Bhubaneswar is a location in Odisha, India, where one of the study’s senior consultants, Dr. Sambit Das, is based at Apollo Hospitals. It indicates the involvement of professionals from this region in the research.

16) Discussion:
Discussion in the study refers to the section where results of the trial are interpreted. It highlights the impact of Ashwagandha on stress and glycemic control, establishing correlations and validating the findings against established data.

17) Depression:
Depression is mentioned in the context of emotional stress, highlighting its role in the onset and exacerbation of Type-2 diabetes. The study investigates how Ashwagandha, with its antidepressant properties, can alleviate such stress in diabetic patients.

18) Saurabha:
Saurabha refers to Saurabha Nayak, one of the study’s co-authors. The involvement of this scholar, alongside Shobha Nayak and others, underscores the collaborative effort behind the research on Ashwagandha and stress management in diabetes.

19) Medicine:
In the study, medicine refers to both conventional anti-diabetic drugs (like Metformin and Glimepride) and the trial drug Ashwagandha. The research aims to integrate Ayurvedic medicine with standard treatments to evaluate holistic approaches in diabetes care.

20) Language:
Language is referenced in consideration of the information booklet provided to patients, which was in the regional language. This ensures that patients clearly understood dietary and exercise regimens as part of the study protocol.

21) Dravya:
Dravya refers to a substance or drug in Ayurveda, specifically Rasayana Dravya in the context of Ashwagandha. These are herbs or compounds that rejuvenate and restore health, integral to managing stress and diabetes in the study.

22) Repair:
Repair is discussed in terms of the body’s response to stress. The fight-or-flight response involves release of chemicals that speed tissue repair while potentially depressing immune functions. Ashwagandha’s properties include facilitating these repair processes.

23) Nature:
Nature refers to the inherent characteristics of stress, emphasizing its dual potential to be both harmful and beneficial. The study explores how Ashwagandha naturally helps mitigate harmful stress levels in diabetes management.

24) Psyche:
Psyche is discussed from the Ayurvedic perspective, emphasizing the psychosomatic nature of diseases. Managing the mind or psyche (‘Mana�) is crucial in treating physical ailments like diabetes, aligning with Ayurveda's holistic approach.

25) Acara:
Achara refers to behavioral conduct in Ayurveda. The study emphasizes Achara Rasayana, incorporating right sociopersonal behaviors as part of the holistic approach to manage stress and improve the quality of life in diabetic patients.

26) Matha:
Matha in the study refers to the address of Dr. Shobha Nayak, who resides at Krishnananda Matha Lane in Puri, Odisha. It highlights the researcher’s credentials and point of contact for correspondence related to the study.

27) Panda (Pamda):
Panda refers to Binod Kumar Panda, a co-author of the study. As the Head of the PG Department of Kayachikitsa at Gopabandhu Ayurveda Mahavidyalaya, Panda played a significant role in the research on Ashwagandha and stress management.

28) Kumar:
Kumar is part of the name of Binod Kumar Panda, one of the study’s authors. His association provides credibility and reflects the collaboration of experienced professionals in the research on managing stress in Type-2 diabetes.

29) Ayus (Ayush):
Ayush represents the domains of traditional Indian medicine, including Ayurveda, Yoga, Unani, Siddha, and Homeopathy. The journal Ayushdhara publishes research like this study, focusing on incorporating holistic approaches to healthcare.

30) Ulcer:
Ulcer is listed under exclusion criteria for the study. Patients with diabetic complications like ulcers were excluded to maintain uniformity and ensure the study focused on managing stress in less complex diabetic cases.

31) Death:
Death is mentioned in describing the severe consequences of unchecked stress. Prolonged stress can lead to exhaustion and a range of illnesses, eventually resulting in death, underscoring the importance of effective stress management.

32) Deha:
Deha refers to the physical body in the psychosomatic context of Ayurveda. Managing stress (which impacts both mind and body) is crucial to treat diseases like diabetes, aligning with the study’s holistic approach using Ashwagandha.

33) Yoga:
Yoga is referenced as part of the Ayurvedic stress management regimen. Incorporating Yoga practices can significantly aid in reducing stress, enhancing the overall efficacy of treatments like those using Ashwagandha for diabetic patients.

34) Soma:
Soma refers to the body as considered in Ayurvedic medicine, forming half of the psychosomatic (Mana & Soma) basis. Managing stress impacting the 'Soma' is crucial for holistic treatment of diseases, as indicated in the study.

35) Mana:
Mana is the mind in Ayurveda’s psychosomatic approach (Psyche - Mana & Soma - Deha). The study emphasizes that managing mental stress is essential to treating physical conditions like diabetes, highlighting the holistic principles of Ayurveda.

36) Diet:
Diet is a significant component of the study, as patients were advised to follow specific dietary restrictions. Proper diet, along with Ashwagandha, was essential to manage stress and enhance the overall health of Type-2 diabetes patients.

Other Science Concepts:

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Discover the significance of concepts within the article: �Study on ashwagandha for stress management in type 2 diabetes.�. Further sources in the context of Science might help you critically compare this page with similair documents:

Lifestyle modification, Emotional burden, Quality of life, Panchakarma therapies, Clinical assessment, Stress Management, Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus, Glycemic control, Ashwagandha Withania somnifera, Pharmacological action, Adjuvant therapy, Experimental trial, Fight or flight response, Diabetic Complication, Physician-related distress, Diabetes Distress Scale.

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