Adaptogenic and Anxiolytic Effects of Ashwagandha Root Extract in Healthy Adults: A Double-blind, Randomized, Placebo-controlled Clinical Study

Abstract

Background Stress, anxiety and impeded sleep are a frequent feature of life in modern societies. Across socioeconomic strata, stress, anxiety and ineffective sleep detract from healthful living and serve as precursors of various ailments. The use of herbs to offset these antecedents and outcomes has greatly increased in recent years. Ashwagandha, an adaptogenic Ayurvedic herb, has been often used to combat and reduce stress and thereby enhance general wellbeing. While there have been other studies documenting the use of Ashwagandha for stress resistance, this is the first study to use a high-concentration root extract while also varying the dosage substantially. Therefore, this is the first study to offer insight into dose-response of a high concentration root extract.

The 4R’s Framework of Nutritional Strategies for Post-Exercise Recovery: A Review with Emphasis on New Generation of Carbohydrates

“…A root extract that warrants special attention is Withania somnifera (most known as ashwagandha) given some research have found ergogenic effects in athletic [ 121 , 122 ] and physically active individuals [ 123 ]. Moreover, the adaptogenic, anti-inflammatory, and antioxidant properties of ashwagandha [ 124 , 125 , 126 ] turns this herbal extract into a potential strategy to optimize recovery and promote exercise-induced adaptations. Although more research is required, dosages are between 300 and 500 mg of aqueous root extract twice per day.…”

Withania somnifera (Ashwagandha) a plant of many possibilities

“…Tests on adult mice showed, that they achieve better results in swimming while they Ashagandha were supplemented. [3] At the beginning of the experiment, the animals withstood an average of 385 minutes while swimming, and after administering Ashwagandha, they withstood 740 minutes. A significant increase in swimming time indicates an increase in energy.…”

“…[4] In addition, Ashwagandha has been shown to reduce the levels of tribulin, a stress marker in the rat brain that was elevated by the administration of pentylenetetrozole. [3,4]…”

“…That contributes its possible usefulness in treatment variety of diseases including dyskinesia, infertility, memory disorders and Alzheimer disease. [2,3,4] Objective: Various studies have been conducted on Ashwagandha over the years. In this work, we presented the most important of them and their promising results, showing some of its usefulness properties.…”

Effect of Punarnavadi Kasahaya and Aswagandha Choorna in Premenstrual Syndrome

“…Tridoshara mainly Vatakaphahara, Sophahara, Balya, Vyadhinasana, Nidranasahara, Rasayana, Kasaswasahara. Researches proved that it has adaptogenic action, GABergic effect, serotogenric effect, phytoestrogenic effect, adrenal rejuvenating effect, Anxiolytic, cognitive enhancing effect, Cardiorespiratory endurant, mood stabilizer, sleep enhancing, memory booster, antiarthritic, antimicrobial, antiinflammatory effect [7] . Owing to these properties, Aswagandha choorna is highly beneficial in reducing physical, behavioural and psychological symptoms of PMS.…”