Ashwagandha Vs Gaba: Can You Take Them Together?

Ashwagandha Vs Gaba: Can You Take Them Together? The answer is yes. Ashwagandha and Gaba are popular supplements that support mental and physical health by reducing stress, improving sleep, and enhancing cognitive function. Combining these two compounds is considered safe, but understanding how they interact with your body and potential side effects is crucial. All details will be covered in this article.

Ashwagandha Overview

Ashwagandha Origin

Ashwagandha, or Withania, is an evergreen shrub from the nightshade family. It is native to India, Africa, and the Middle East. This herb is renowned in Indian Ayurvedic medicine as a tonic that aids in various ailments, particularly as a nerve tonic [1].

Ashwagandha Benefits for Health

Ashwagandha has been part of India's traditional medicine system for over 6000 BC. It is widely used today to enhance health and quality of life due to its remarkable benefits:

• Enhances emotional state: A study on mice found that an aqueous extract from Ashwagandha roots significantly increased corticosterone levels in serum, strengthening the body's ability to cope with stress [2].
• Anti-ulcer effects: Research by Singh found that Ashwagandha substantially protects the digestive system against aspirin-induced ulcers and reduces the average ulcer score in mice [3].
• Enhances cognitive function: Ashwagandha promotes memory and intellect and helps reduce neurological diseases like Parkinson's, Huntington's, and Alzheimer's.
• This function is attributed to compounds like Glycowithanolide withaferin-A and sitoindosides VII–X isolated from Ashwagandha roots that help mitigate cognitive impairments caused by neurological diseases [4].
• May reduce anxiety: Ashwagandha may reduce brain tribulin levels, an endogenous marker of clinical anxiety, potentially serving as a mood stabilizer in anxiety and clinical depression [5].
• Antioxidant properties: Ashwagandha isolates antioxidant compounds, showing antibacterial, anti-tumor, immunomodulatory, and promising antioxidant properties [6].
• Improves insomnia: Ashwagandha enhances sleep quality in users by addressing stress-related issues. A study comparing sleep quality between Ashwagandha users and placebo found significant improvements with Ashwagandha [10].

Ashwagandha Side Effects on Health

Ashwagandha is generally well-tolerated for up to 3 months without severe consequences. However, this herb may cause side effects such as stomach upset, diarrhea, nausea, and drowsiness [7].

More serious reports on Ashwagandha's side effects involve liver function. For instance, a 20-year-old male experienced liver dysfunction and elevated blood bilirubin levels after combining Ashwagandha with various anti-anxiety medications [8].

Another study indicated that Ashwagandha may affect thyroid function. Three adult males consuming 500 mg/day of Ashwagandha extract for eight weeks showed slightly increased blood thyroxine levels, suggesting interactions with other thyroid hormone replacement medications [9].

Note: Evidence on the long-term safety of Ashwagandha use beyond three months needs to be included.

Gaba Overview

The Origin of Gaba

Gaba (γ-aminobutyric acid) is a neurotransmitter derived from the breakdown of glutamate. It is responsible for the primary inhibition of the central nervous system. Gaba is naturally present in certain plants, such as lady's slipper orchids or green tea. Currently, Gaba is marketed as a health supplement in many countries worldwide.

The Benefits of Gaba for Health

Gaba is a chemical messenger that carries signals between nerve cells in the brain. It can reduce the ability of nerve cells to receive, generate, or send chemical messages, which may benefit health in the following ways:

• Improves sleep quality: Gaba helps the body and mind relax, facilitating easier and deeper sleep. Research indicates that individuals with low Gaba levels experience nearly 30% less sleep than those without sleep disorders. This low Gaba level corresponds to restless sleep and reduced alertness [11].
• May reduce stress: Many believe Gaba can alleviate anxiety by supplementing flow to the brain; alternatively, some suggest Gaba achieves this by impacting gut microbiota. Additionally, Gaba may enhance the immune system in individuals experiencing mental stress [11].
• Lowering hypertension: GABA naturally contributes to reducing hypertension. A study on fermented milk containing γ-aminobutyric acid (GABA) in individuals with mild hypertension showed a significant reduction after 2-4 weeks of use [12].

Side Effects of Gaba

Gaba in supplement form is considered safe when ingested orally. However, users may experience side effects such as nausea, upset stomach, decreased appetite, sore throat, drowsiness, fatigue, muscle weakness, or difficulty breathing when consumed in high doses.

Furthermore, Gaba found in lady's slipper orchids may interact with medications such as hypertension drugs or antidepressants; therefore, it is advisable to consult a doctor before incorporating Gaba into one's diet.

Ashwagandha Vs Gaba: Similarities and Differences

Similarities: Both Ashwagandha and Gaba (from lady's slipper orchids) are derived from herbal sources and aid in improving sleep quality and offering various health benefits.

Differences:

Ashwagandha Vs Gaba: Which is Better for You?

Suppose you seek a natural herbal remedy or extract to improve sleep quality, alleviate stress, or manage anxious feelings. In that case, Ashwagandha and Gaba (from lady's slipper orchids) are suitable options.

However, their mechanisms of action and primary effects may slightly differ:

• Ashwagandha: Acts as an adaptogen, potentially reducing stress. Its mechanism involves promoting adaptation and relaxation through normalizing physiological responses.
• Gaba (from lady's slipper orchids): Acts as a stress reliever, inducing relaxation and calmness in the nervous system by soothing and releasing pent-up tension in the body.

Based on these comparisons and corresponding mechanisms of action, choosing the most suitable dietary supplement depends on individual health conditions and professional medical advice.

Can You Take Ashwagandha and Gaba Together?

Currently, no scientific evidence indicates any danger in combining Ashwagandha and Gaba. They may synergistically benefit sleep quality, cognitive function, and stress levels in the body.

However, always consider the dosage and potential side effects this herbal duo may cause your health. It is advisable to consult a doctor before using or combining any dietary supplements.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the answer to "Ashwagandha Vs Gaba: Can You Take Them Together?" is affirmative. When used appropriately, they can significantly benefit sleep quality, cognitive function, and mental health. However, due to differing mechanisms of action, careful monitoring is necessary to avoid unwanted side effects. Seek expert advice before deciding to use or combine any dietary supplements.