Ashwagandha, an ancient herb used in Ayurvedic medicine as a Rasayana (rejuvenator), has sparked new interest because of its powerful adaptogenic properties and potential to advance health. Ashwagandha has long been valued for its ability to balance hormones, increase vitality, and reduce stress.
According to a recent social media trend, it might also help people with Chronic Fatigue Syndrome and MTHFR (methylene tetrahydrofolate reductase) gene mutations, conditions associated with fatigue, inflammation, and metabolic challenges.
This article will explore the science-backed benefits of Ashwagandha, particularly for those with Chronic Fatigue Syndrome or MTHFR mutations.
What Is Ashwagandha?
Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera) is an adaptogenic herb known for its restorative properties. It has long been utilized in Ayurvedic medicine and is recognized for its many health advantages, including (1):
- Stress reduction,
- Fatigue management,
- A healthy sexual and reproductive balance,
- Oxidative stress protection,
- Overall vitality promotion.
The plant contains various bioactive compounds, including:
- Withanolides,
- Glycowithanolides,
- Sitoindosides,
- Withaferin A and other medicinally active phytochemicals.
It can help for immune and metabolic issues because of its bioactive components, which have adaptogenic and anti-inflammatory properties (2). Read more about Ashwagandha's benefits here:
What is the MTHFR mutation?
The MTHFR gene encodes the enzyme methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase (MTHFR), which is a rate-limiting enzyme in folate metabolism and is vital for DNA methylation, synthesis, and repair. This step influences various other processes in the body, such as energy production, redox state regulation, and neurotransmitter synthesis (3).
Mutations in this gene can stop the body's ability to convert folic acid into its active form (5-MTHF). These variants can increase disease risks in general, resulting in (3–5):
- Cancer,
- Fatigue,
- Anxiety,
- Depression,
- and metabolic dysfunction.
Chronic Fatigue Syndrome and MTHFR Mutations
Chronic Fatigue Syndrome is a complex disorder characterized by unexplained fatigue lasting at least six months, and it often comes together with other symptoms like muscle pain and sleep disturbances (6).
While we don’t know the exact cause of Chronic Fatigue Syndrome, genetic factors, including mutations in the MTHFR gene, could be potential causes. These mutations may impair folate metabolism, leading to you being extremely fatigued. This is why B12 or folate supplements help with Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (6).
Ashwagandha’s Potential Role
Ashwagandha is a substance that helps improve focus, mental strength, and resilience during periods of tiredness (7), and it has traditionally been used to manage stress.
Adaptogens help the body maintain balance and reduce stress by modulating cortisol levels and improving mitochondrial function. This could theoretically benefit individuals with Chronic Fatigue Syndrome or MTHFR mutations (7).
Ashwagandha has been studied for stress and fatigue in general, but its specific effects in the context of CFS or MTHFR-related fatigue are not well-documented.
Scientific Evidence
There is not much data on the use of Ashwagandha for Chronic Fatigue Syndrome or MTHFR mutations. However, there are some related studies:
- Stress Reduction: A randomized study found significant cortisol reductions, enhanced resilience to stress, and improved self-perceived quality of life in participants using Ashwagandha (8).
- Antioxidant Activity: Ashwagandha's protects cells from oxidative damage, which is important for people with methylation cycle impairments (1).
- Cognitive Benefits: Ashwagandha can improve your memory and protect you against cognitive decline (1).
- Body Weight Management: Ashwagandha improves eating behaviors in patients experiencing chronic stress (2).
Research Gaps
Ashwagandha's properties make it an interesting candidate for managing symptoms of CFS or fatigue associated with MTHFR mutations, but we don’t have enough data to confirm its efficacy yet.
If you are considering Ashwagandha supplementation for CFS or MTHFR mutations, consult your healthcare provider, especially if you have underlying conditions or are taking other medications.
Important Considerations
Ashwagandha is a safe supplement that doesn’t cause many side effects (2,8). However, you should use Ashwagandha and all other supplements with caution.
Consult a healthcare professional, especially if you manage conditions like hypothyroidism. Ashwagandha dosages typically range from 300–600 mg/day, tailored to individual needs.
Read more about the correct dosage of Ashwagandha here:
Conclusion
Ashwagandha has the potential to improve the quality of life for individuals with MTHFR mutations and CFS. Its antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and adaptogenic properties provide support to your symptoms and health challenges. However, further research is needed to understand if and how much Ashwagandha supplements can help with Chronic Fatigue Syndrome and MTHFR mutations.
Reference Sources:
1. Singh N, Bhalla M, de Jager P, Gilca M. An Overview on Ashwagandha: A Rasayana (Rejuvenator) of Ayurveda. African Journal of Traditional, Complementary, and Alternative Medicines [Internet]. 2011 [cited 2024 Dec 2];8(5 Suppl):208. Available from: https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC3252722/
2. Choudhary D, Bhattacharyya S, Joshi K. Body Weight Management in Adults Under Chronic Stress Through Treatment With Ashwagandha Root Extract: A Double-Blind, Randomized, Placebo-Controlled Trial. J Evid Based Complementary Altern Med [Internet]. 2017 Jan 1 [cited 2024 Dec 2];22(1):96–106. Available from: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/27055824/
3. Abozeid F, Zaki M, Nagah W, Ragab A, Fathy A, Elhammady D, et al. Associations of methylene tetrahydrofolate reductase (MTHFR) polymorphism with hepatocellular carcinoma in Egyptian population. Egyptian Liver Journal [Internet]. 2024 Dec 1 [cited 2024 Dec 3];14(1):1–9. Available from: https://eglj.springeropen.com/articles/10.1186/s43066-024-00342-7
4. Bahadir A, Eroz R, Dikici S. Investigation of MTHFR C677T gene polymorphism, biochemical and clinical parameters in turkish migraine patients: Association with allodynia and fatigue. Cell Mol Neurobiol [Internet]. 2013 Nov 1 [cited 2024 Dec 3];33(8):1055–63. Available from: https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s10571-013-9972-1
5. Wan L, Li Y, Zhang Z, Sun Z, He Y, Li R. Methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase and psychiatric diseases. Transl Psychiatry [Internet]. 2018 Dec 1 [cited 2024 Dec 3];8(1):242. Available from: https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC6218441/
6. Regland B, Forsmark S, Halaouate L, Matousek M, Peilot B, Zachrisson O, et al. Response to Vitamin B12 and Folic Acid in Myalgic Encephalomyelitis and Fibromyalgia. PLoS One [Internet]. 2015 Apr 22 [cited 2024 Dec 5];10(4):e0124648. Available from: https://journals.plos.org/plosone/article?id=10.1371/journal.pone.0124648
7. Panossian A, Wikman G. Evidence-Based Efficacy of Adaptogens in Fatigue, and Molecular Mechanisms Related to their Stress-Protective Activity. Curr Clin Pharmacol [Internet]. 2010 Mar 10 [cited 2024 Dec 5];4(3):198–219. Available from: https://www.eurekaselect.com/article/14828
8. Chandrasekhar K, Kapoor J, Anishetty S. A Prospective, 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. Indian J Psychol Med [Internet]. 2012 Jul [cited 2024 Dec 2];34(3):255. Available from: https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC3573577/
