What is the scientific name of ashwagandha?
- Withania somnifera
- Withania ashvagandha
- Ashwagandha somnifera
- Somnifera ashwagandha
Correct Answer: Withania somnifera
Correct Answer Explanation: Ashwagandha’s scientific name is Withania somnifera. It is often referred to by its common names, ashwagandha and Indian ginseng.
Which of these countries is NOT a native origin of ashwagandha?
- India
- China
- Africa
- Middle East
Correct Answer: China
Correct Answer Explanation: Ashwagandha is native to India, Africa, and the Middle East. It is not native to China.
What is the name of the group of substances found in ashwagandha that are associated with anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects?
- Withanolides
- Ashwagandhins
- Somniferins
- Ginsenosides
Correct Answer: Withanolides
Correct Answer Explanation: Withanolides are a group of substances found in ashwagandha that are thought to have anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects.
Which traditional medicine system has used ashwagandha for thousands of years?
- Ayurveda
- Traditional Chinese Medicine
- Unani medicine
- Siddha medicine
Correct Answer: Ayurveda
Correct Answer Explanation: Ayurveda, an ancient Indian system of medicine, has used ashwagandha for centuries.
What is NOT a health condition that ashwagandha supplements are often promoted for?
- Stress and anxiety
- Sleep
- Male infertility
- Athletic performance
- Weight loss
Correct Answer: Weight loss
Correct Answer Explanation: Ashwagandha supplements are commonly promoted for stress and anxiety, sleep, male infertility, and athletic performance. Weight loss is not a common claim for ashwagandha.
What is a major limitation in the current research on ashwagandha?
- Most studies have been done on animals, not humans.
- Studies have used a variety of ashwagandha preparations.
- There have been no studies done on ashwagandha.
- Most studies have been done in the United States, which may not be generalizable to other populations.
Correct Answer: Studies have used a variety of ashwagandha preparations.
Correct Answer Explanation: Many clinical trials have been done on ashwagandha, but they have used a variety of ashwagandha preparations, making it difficult to compare results across studies.
Which of these health conditions is ashwagandha supported by research for?
- Stress
- Anxiety
- Insomnia
- All of the above
- None of the above
Correct Answer: All of the above
Correct Answer Explanation: Research shows that some ashwagandha preparations may be effective for stress, anxiety, and insomnia.
What is the typical duration of ashwagandha use in research studies that show positive results for increasing testosterone levels and sperm quality?
- 1 to 2 months
- 2 to 4 months
- 4 to 6 months
- 6 to 8 months
Correct Answer: 2 to 4 months
Correct Answer Explanation: Limited evidence suggests that taking ashwagandha for 2 to 4 months may increase testosterone levels and sperm quality.
Which of these health conditions is there NOT enough evidence to determine if ashwagandha is helpful for?
- Asthma
- Athletic performance
- Cognitive function
- Diabetes
- All of the above
Correct Answer: All of the above
Correct Answer Explanation: There isn’t enough evidence to determine if ashwagandha is helpful for asthma, athletic performance, cognitive function, diabetes, or other health conditions.
What is the current consensus on the use of ashwagandha for COVID-19?
- It is proven to be effective for treating COVID-19.
- There is some limited evidence suggesting it is helpful.
- There is not enough high-quality evidence to support its use.
- It is harmful for people with COVID-19.
Correct Answer: There is not enough high-quality evidence to support its use.
Correct Answer Explanation: There is not enough high-quality evidence to suggest that ashwagandha is helpful in treating COVID-19.
How long is ashwagandha generally considered safe to take?
- Up to 1 month
- Up to 3 months
- Up to 6 months
- Up to 1 year
Correct Answer: Up to 3 months
Correct Answer Explanation: Ashwagandha may be safe when taken in the short term (up to 3 months).
Which of these is NOT a potential side effect of ashwagandha?
- Drowsiness
- Stomach upset
- Diarrhea
- Vomiting
- Hair loss
Correct Answer: Hair loss
Correct Answer Explanation: Potential side effects of ashwagandha include drowsiness, stomach upset, diarrhea, and vomiting. Hair loss is not a known side effect.
What is a rare but serious potential side effect associated with ashwagandha?
- Liver injury
- Kidney injury
- Heart problems
- Stroke
Correct Answer: Liver injury
Correct Answer Explanation: Although rare, there have been a number of cases that link liver injury to ashwagandha supplements.
Who should avoid taking ashwagandha?
- Pregnant women
- Breastfeeding women
- People who are about to have surgery
- People with autoimmune or thyroid disorders
- All of the above
Correct Answer: All of the above
Correct Answer Explanation: Ashwagandha should be avoided during pregnancy and breastfeeding. It is also not recommended for people who are about to have surgery, or for those who have autoimmune or thyroid disorders.
Which of these medications could potentially interact with ashwagandha?
- Diabetes medications
- High blood pressure medications
- Immunosuppressants
- Sedatives
- All of the above
Correct Answer: All of the above
Correct Answer Explanation: Ashwagandha might interact with some medications, including those for diabetes and high blood pressure, medicines that decrease the immune system response (immunosuppressants), sedatives, anti-seizure medications (anticonvulsants), and thyroid hormone medications.
Why should people with hormone-sensitive prostate cancer avoid ashwagandha?
- Ashwagandha may increase estrogen levels.
- Ashwagandha may increase testosterone levels.
- Ashwagandha may decrease testosterone levels.
- Ashwagandha may interfere with prostate cancer treatments.
Correct Answer: Ashwagandha may increase testosterone levels.
Correct Answer Explanation: Because ashwagandha may increase testosterone levels, people with hormone-sensitive prostate cancer should avoid its use.
How are herbal products like ashwagandha regulated in the United States?
- Herbal products are subject to the same strict regulations as prescription drugs.
- Herbal products are regulated by the FDA before they are sold.
- Herbal products are marketed as dietary supplements, which have less strict regulations than drugs.
- Herbal products are not regulated.
Correct Answer: Herbal products are marketed as dietary supplements, which have less strict regulations than drugs.
Correct Answer Explanation: Many herbal products are marketed as dietary supplements. Unlike drugs, dietary supplements are not approved by the FDA before they are sold.
What is the role of the FDA in regulating dietary supplements?
- The FDA approves dietary supplements before they are sold.
- The FDA can take action to protect the public if safety concerns arise about dietary supplements.
- The FDA is not involved in the regulation of dietary supplements.
- The FDA only regulates dietary supplements that contain herbs.
Correct Answer: The FDA can take action to protect the public if safety concerns arise about dietary supplements.
Correct Answer Explanation: The FDA does not approve dietary supplements before they are sold. However, they can take action to protect the public if public health concerns arise about the safety of a dietary supplement or an ingredient, including an herb.
Who is ultimately responsible for the safety and labeling of dietary supplements?
- The FDA
- The manufacturer
- The retailer
- The consumer
Correct Answer: The manufacturer
Correct Answer Explanation: Manufacturers and distributors of supplements are responsible for evaluating the safety and labeling of their products before marketing to ensure that they meet all regulatory requirements.
What is the best course of action if you are interested in taking ashwagandha for a health condition?
- Start taking ashwagandha immediately.
- Buy ashwagandha from a reputable source.
- Talk to your healthcare provider first.
- Ask friends and family for their recommendations.
Correct Answer: Talk to your healthcare provider first.
Correct Answer Explanation: It is important to talk to your healthcare provider before taking ashwagandha, especially if you have any health conditions or are taking any medications.
How does taking charge of your health relate to using ashwagandha?
- You should never take supplements without talking to your doctor.
- You should always get a second opinion before starting a new supplement.
- You should be in charge of all your health decisions, including supplements.
- You should be skeptical of any supplement that claims to have benefits.
Correct Answer: You should never take supplements without talking to your doctor.
Correct Answer Explanation: Taking charge of your health includes making informed decisions about supplements. This means talking to your healthcare provider about any complementary health approaches, including herbal supplements like ashwagandha, and making shared, well-informed decisions.