Ashwagandha

Ashwagandha root

Key Benefits

Stress Relief, Mood Enhancement, Neuroprotection, Energy, Muscle Strength and endurance.

What is Ashwagandha?

Ashwagandha, also known as Withania Somnifera, is a revered medicinal herb deeply rooted in Ayurveda, the traditional system of medicine practiced in India for thousands of years. The name “Ashwagandha” is derived from the word “ashwa”, meaning horse and “gandha” meaning fragrance. It is believed that after consuming the root, one gains powers similar to that of a horse. It's not just a tonic for stress and anxiety; it’s also highly regarded for its ability to promote overall health and strength.

Why We Use It In Our Nootropic Stack

Ashwagandha is included in our nootropic stack for its multifaceted benefits. It modulates the body’s response to stress by regulating cortisol, a key stress hormone. This regulation helps promote calmness, enhances mood, and potentially improves cognitive functions like learning and memory. Additionally, Ashwagandha’s neuroprotective properties help safeguard brain cells, supporting long-term brain health essential for adapting to new information and experiences.

Beyond its cognitive benefits, Ashwagandha is traditionally used to enhance vitality and strength. It's known to boost mitochondrial health, which is crucial for energy production at the cellular level. Furthermore, studies have shown that Ashwagandha can increase muscle size, strength, and endurance, making it a powerful ally for both mental and physical resilience.

Scientific Studies on Ashwagandha Health Benefits

  1. Study 1: Chandrasekhar, K., Kapoor, J., & Anishetty, S. (2012). "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."
    • Summary: This study assessed the effects of Ashwagandha root extract on stress. Participants received Ashwagandha or a placebo for 60 days. The study found a significant reduction in stress levels and cortisol in the Ashwagandha group.
    • Reference: ncbi.nlm.nih.gov
    • Citation: 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. 2012 Jul;34(3):255-62. doi: 10.4103/0253-7176.106022. PMID: 23439798; PMCID: PMC3573577.
  2. Study 2: Choudhary, D., Bhattacharyya, S., & Joshi, K. (2017). "Body weight management in adults under chronic stress through treatment with Ashwagandha root extract: A double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled trial."
    • Summary: The study aimed to evaluate the effect of Ashwagandha on weight management under stress. The findings suggested that Ashwagandha supplementation led to significant weight reduction and improved overall well-being.
    • Reference: ncbi.nlm.nih.gov
    • Citation: 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. 2017 Jan;22(1):96-106. doi: 10.1177/2156587216641830. Epub 2016 Apr 6. PMID: 27055824; PMCID: PMC5871210.
  3. Study 3: Lopresti, A. L., Smith, S. J., Malvi, H., & Kodgule, R. (2019). "An investigation into the stress-relieving and pharmacological actions of an ashwagandha (Withania somnifera) extract."
    • Summary: The study explored the pharmacological effects of Ashwagandha on stress and inflammation. Results showed that Ashwagandha extract could significantly reduce stress and anxiety while also demonstrating anti-inflammatory properties.
    • Reference: ncbi.nlm.nih.gov
    • Citation: Lopresti AL, Smith SJ, Malvi H, Kodgule R. An investigation into the stress-relieving and pharmacological actions of an ashwagandha (Withania somnifera) extract: A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study. Medicine (Baltimore). 2019 Sep;98(37):e17186. doi: 10.1097/MD.0000000000017186. PMID: 31517876; PMCID: PMC6750292.
  4. Study 4:
    • Summary: This study was conducted to examine the possible effects of ashwagandha root extract consumption on muscle mass and strength. Results revealed that the group treated with ashwagandha had significantly greater increases in muscle strength.
    • Reference: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/26609282/
    • Citation: Wankhede S, Langade D, Joshi K, Sinha SR, Bhattacharyya S. Examining the effect of Withania somnifera supplementation on muscle strength and recovery: a randomized controlled trial. J Int Soc Sports Nutr. 2015 Nov 25;12:43. doi: 10.1186/s12970-015-0104-9. PMID: 26609282; PMCID: PMC4658772.
  5. Study 5:
    • Summary: This study is a comprehensive review of a number of potential beneficial health-promoting activities inclusive of muscle strength, anxiolytic and anti-stress, anticancer, antidiabetic among many others. The findings suggest that Ashwagandha may have therapeutic potential, especially for a range of neurological disorders.
    • Reference: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC10147008/
    • Citation: Mikulska P, Malinowska M, Ignacyk M, Szustowski P, Nowak J, Pesta K, SzelÄ…g M, Szklanny D, Judasz E, Kaczmarek G, Ejiohuo OP, Paczkowska-Walendowska M, GoĹ›ciniak A, Cielecka-Piontek J. Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera)-Current Research on the Health-Promoting Activities: A Narrative Review. Pharmaceutics. 2023 Mar 24;15(4):1057. doi: 10.3390/pharmaceutics15041057. PMID: 37111543; PMCID: PMC10147008.

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