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ASHWAGANDHA

Ashwagandha Withania somnifera nootropics australia

Ashwagandha + natural nootropics Australia

Ashwagandha (withania somnifera) is popularly known as the king of Ayurvedic medicine herbs. Ayurveda is a form of alternative medicine based on Indian principles of natural healing. Ashwagandha has been used for over 3000 years to boost the brain and help reduce the effects of stress and anxiety, increase energy, sharpen focus, boost cognitive function and even combat depression.
 

Ashwagandha is an incredibly healthy botanical, often referred to as Indian Ginseng. It is a small evergreen shrub that is short and squat with velvety leaves and bell flowers that contain orange berries that is native to India and North Africa.

 Ashwagandha Fast Facts

  • Also called Withania Somnifera and Indian Ginseng
  • Herbal adaptogen and natural nootropic
  • Majority of the beneficial active ingredients come from the root of the herb
  • An extract of the roots of the plant is the best as it is heavily concentrated
  • A strong extract means more benefits with less herb. Savvy use 20:1 , 5% withanolides
  • Ashwagandha can take 2-6 weeks to maximise effects, but many people notice benefits day 1
  • Ashwagandha should be paired with other adaptogens to maximise synergistic benefit

Ashwagandha can help you to do more, feel better, and stress less!  


Ashwagandha adaptogen australia 

Its name literally means “smell of a horse” since it was said to bestow the strength and stamina of a horse on anyone who used it. 
 
“One obtains longevity, regains youth, gets a sharp memory and intellect and freedom from diseases, gets a lustrous complexion, and strength of a horse.”
Charaka - Ayurvedic scholar from 100BC

Ashwagandha is an adaptogen

Adaptogens work to counteract the effects of stress in the body. They can be considered herbal pharmaceuticals - except they're better and don't come with the side effects!  
 
Adaptogens were extensively studied during World War II as scientists were looking for a way to help healthy pilots fly better, faster, and for longer periods of time. And they thought they found the "superhero supplement" in the form of adaptogens.
 
Adaptogens are herbs that meet three specific criteria developed by Russian scientist N.V. Lazarez (who is very well known for discovering the best three adaptogens being Ashwagandha, Panax Ginseng and Rhodiola Rosea).

To be considered an adaptogen, the herb must:
  • Reduce and regulate stress
  • Benefit overall wellbeing
  • Be non-toxic
Ashwagandha exceeds these expectations with flying colours. 
 
And while all adaptogens reduce stress (cortisol), ashwagandha’s ability to do so is superior to the rest. Ashwagandha is nature's antidote to modern stress! Chronically elevated stress levels suppress immunity, create fat deposits on the belly, face and neck, reduces libido, causes bone loss, causes insulin resistance, and brain fog. So having a supplement that annihilates stress is a must. 
 
As an adaptogen, ashwagandha creates a sense of relaxation, increasing its potential use as a supplement to support healthy stress levels. This may also be beneficial to those in need of a mood boost. Ashwagandha may produce calming effects. Even to those with relatively healthy minds, ashwagandha has shown a generally soothing effect.
 

How do adaptogens work

Adaptogens work by “hacking” the stress response in the body. They modify and regulate a stable balance in your body's hypothalamic, pituitary, and adrenal glands which are responsible for the production of your stress hormone, cortisol.
 
Typically, when our bodies are stressed, we go through three stages of stress:

  1. alarm phase
  2. phase of resistance
  3. phase of exhaustion

 As we encounter a stressor (something that stresses us) for example, we start lifting weights — our body responds by kicking out hormones like adrenaline that improve muscle performance and increase our ability to concentrate and pay attention to the task at hand in the phase of resistance. Our body is literally resisting the stressor, so we feel energised and clearer, thanks to our body giving us a boost to fight the stressor. It's pretty damn cool right?

 

And as we begin to fatigue, we then enter in the exhaustion phase. Adaptogens basically stretch out that “sweet spot” at phase 2 (the phase of resistance) which allows us to hang out in the powerful part longer. 

 
Scientifically proven benefits on the body and mind: 
  • powerful stress reducer 
  • anti-fatigue
  • antidepressive 
  • anti-anxiety 
  • stimulant for central nervous system
  • neuroprotective

And as the scientists in World War II found, they also increase mental work capacity, enhance attention, and prevent stress and fatigue.

 

Benefits of Ashwagandha 

 As one of the best adaptogens, Ashwagandha withania somnifera has a broad range of health benefits. Our Ashwagandha root extract has 5% withanolides and is a powerful full-spectrum extract. 

The reason we love it in our Savvy products is because Ashwagandha has been proven to:

  1. Reduce stress, anxiety, and mental fatigue; and
  2. Increase mood, enhance brain function and improve memory; and
  3. Boost performance, libido, energy, immunity while being a potent anti-inflammatory and antioxidant; and
  4. Support healthy brains and hearts.

We use it to upgrade our coffee to take the edge off caffeine, and help you feel calm and energised... naturally.

 

Ashwagandha root nootropics Australia

WHAT PART OF ASHWAGANDHA IS BEST?

The root of the ashwagandha plant has the majority of the benefits.

HOW MUCH ASHWAGANDHA DO I NEED FOR A BENEFIT?

Without getting too into the science, usually between 4mg to 8mg of the active ingredient, withanolides, is going to provide benefits according to scientific studies. 

It's important to look for a full-spectrum organic extract like what we use at Savvy. The reason why is that all of the active ingredients in ashwagandha (there's over 100) are needed for the full benefits! 

An extract of a herb us usually explained as a ratio, so 4:1 means that they have concentrated the herb so it's 4 times as strong. And 1 gram of the 4:1 extract is the same as 4 grams of the usual herb. 

Savvy's 20:1 extract means that they concentrated 20 grams of roots into 1 gram of extract. And we use that concentrated beneficial herb in our products for maximum positive impact! 

Ashwagandha root extracts on the market are usually 1.5% withanolides, so having 300mg of those is equivalent to 4.5mg of the active ingredient! Because the extract Savvy uses is better and more concentrated, we can use less to achieve the same benefit.

Savvy Brain Boost uses 110mg of Ashwagandha with 5% withanolides which is equivalent to 5.5mg of withanolides in every beverage! 

How Does Ashwagandha Work

If you’re feeling all the negative effects of modern life – stress and anxiety,  fatigue, brain fog, overthinking, insomnia, poor digestion and low energy – this adaptogen powerhouse is for you.

The part of the herb we use is the root. And in the root, the potent medicinal power is attributed to its high concentration of withanolides, naturally occurring steroidal lactones found in the root that offer incredible anti inflammatory effects and many other benefits.

Alongside these valuable compounds are many other beneficial elements, including flavonoids and antioxidants such as catalase, superoxide dismutase and glutathione, which is known as the “mother of all antioxidants.” It also contains alkaloids, amino acids (including tryptophan), neurotransmitters, sterols, tannins, lignans and triterpenes. It is these valuable compounds together that allow for ashwagandha’s hugely beneficial pharmacological activities.

Due to the combined benefits of the herb’s valuable compounds, we used a 20:1 full-spectrum concentrated extract, which is made up of at least 5% withanolides. This means that each 110mg serve in a Savvy product is equivalent to 2.2 grams of this superherb! This is a significant dose and will provide a lot of benefits. 

Is Ashwagandha a smart drug or nootropic

Because nootropics are substances that enhance cognition and support healthy brain function, people often call them "smart drugs". Ashwagandha would be considered a natural nootropic or smart drug due to its many benefits to the brain without side effects. 

As a nootropic, ashwagandha has been shown to promote mental focus. Scientific research shows that the herb can help to support memory formation and may potentially be used as an alternative to support healthy brain function. 

It also promotes healthy energy from inside every single cell in your body! Studies suggest that its soothing properties promote energy and support healthy stress levels.

This means that ashwagandha should be in your range of supplements if you are serious about improving your physical or mental game! 

 

Health benefits of ashwagandha

The science and the evidence proving the health benefits of Ashwagandha

 We will now delve into the scientific evidence behind the benefits of this amazing herb. For each scientific resource, at Savvy, we have referenced the study, linked to it and also provided an interesting quote from the study. Occasionally, we will also provide further commentary on the study. 

To make it easy to identify all the different studies - we will highlight them for you!  

We really hope you enjoy our many years of research when formulating Savvy...

Benefit 1 - Ashwagandha can reduce stress, anxiety, and mental fatigue

Ashwagandha’s chief benefit is that it actually annihilates stress in the body. Ashwagandha improves our resistance to stress and studies show that it thereby improves people’s self-assessed quality of life. Ashwagandha is extremely dynamic in how it combats stress and fatigue!

Scientific studies:

Chandrasekhar, K. et al. ‘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.’ in Indian Journal of psychological medicineVolume 34, issue 3, July 2012, pp 255-262. [Link]

The study, above, found ashwagandha lowered stress and anxiety by over 60% from consistent use. After the findings in this study, the authors concluded:

“The findings of this study suggest that a high-concentration full-spectrum Ashwagandha root extract safely and effectively improves an individual's resistance towards stress and thereby improves self-assessed quality of life.”

The above study found that Ashwagandha helps with multiple levels of stress, these being cortisol levels, anxiety and insomnia. In the study, 64 healthy participants were enrolled, between the ages of 18 and 54. Half were given Ashwagandha daily for 60 days, and the other half got a placebo.

The Ashwagandha group saw improvements to their stress baseline by 69.7%, 64.2%, and 75.6%. These improvements were across all three measures including cortisol, anxiety, and insomnia.

The below graph from this trial clearly shows the power of this herb as it influences the body over 60 days from baseline!

Health benefits of adaptogens

PSS is the Perceived Stress Score (which dropped by 44% over 60 days)

GHQ-28 measures levels of anxiety, nervousness, social dysfunction, depression. (Levels of which dropped by 72.3% over 60 days)

DASS (Depression Anxiety Stress Scale) (Levels of which dropped by 71.6% over 60 days)

Serum Cortisol levels - (useful to assess the effect of the treatment on cortisol (the stress hormone in your body) level) (Which dropped by 27.9% over 60 days)

The above graph is actually incredible! The results of ashwagandha is why it is considered one of the strongest natural adaptogens in nootropics Australia. 

 

Auddy, B. et al. ‘A Standardized withania somnifera extract significantly reduces stress-related parameters in chronically stressed humans: A double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled study‘ in JANA, Volume 11, Issue 1, 2008, pp 50-56 [Link
 
This study determined that daily consumption of standardised withania somnifera extract...reduced experimental feelings of stress and anxiety.”

 

Andrade, C. et al. ‘A double-blind, placebo-controlled evaluation of the anxiolytic efficacy of an ethanolic extract of withania somnifera.’ in Indian journal of psychiatry. Volume 42, Issue 3, July 2000, pp 295-301 [Link]

In the above study, over 6 weeks, 88.2% of the people who took ashwagandha reported a reduction in anxiety.

“It is concluded that this ethanolic extract of Withania somnifera has useful anxiolytic potential.”

 

Bhattacharya, SK. et al. ‘Anxiolytic-antidepressant activity of Withania somnifera glycowithanolides: an experimental study.’ in Phytomedicine: international journal of phytotherapy and phytopharmacology.  Volume 7, Issue 6, December 2000, pp 463-469. [Link]
 
“The investigations support the use of WS as a mood stabilizer in clinical conditions of anxiety and depression in Ayurveda.”

 

Head, K and Kelly, G. ‘Nutrients and Botanicals for Treatment of Stress: Adrenal Fatigue, Neurotransmitter Imbalance, Anxiety, and Restless Sleep’ in Alternative Medicine Review, Volume 14, Issue 2, 2009, pp 114-140. [Link]

“...[Ashwaganda] has shown anti-stress and anabolic activity”

 

Lopresti, Adrian L., et al. ‘An investigation into the stress-relieving and pharmacological actions of an ashwagandha (Withania somnifera) extract: A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study.’ Medicine. Volume 98. Issue 37. 2019. Pp. e17186. [Link]

 

This research study was conducted on healthy adults with mild stress for a 60-day duration. A standard dose of 240 mg daily had a strong positive effect on stress and anxiety with a reduction in cortisol, DHEA-S and increase in Testosterone levels. This is due to effects on the Hypothalamic Pituitary Adrenal (HPA) axis with no adverse effects on the body.

 

Salve, J. et al. ‘Adaptogenic and anxiolytic effects of ashwagandha root extract in healthy adults: a double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled clinical study.’ Cureus. Volume 11. Issue 12. 2019. e6466.[Link]

                                                                

In the eight-week study, the stress-relieving effect of Ashwagandha root extract was investigated in stressed healthy individuals. ...seemed to reduce serum cortisol levels, thereby reducing stress levels and improved sleep quality.

 

Dar, Nawab John. ‘Neurodegenerative diseases and Withania somnifera (L.): An update.’ Journal of ethnopharmacology. Volume 256. 2020. Pp. 112769. [Link]

 

This review paper summarises the anti-stress effects of W. somnifera through many studies. The mechanisms of action were alteration of neuronal cells and prevention in the degradation of neuronal cells of the hippocampus, changes in the activity of oxidative enzymes, alteration of cytokines and regulation of cerebral monoamine level. One important study was the dosage of W. somnifera at 500 mg/kg that alleviated stress, improved amnesia and regulated corticosterone concentration without side effects.

 

Zahiruddin, S., et al. ‘Ashwagandha in brain disorders: A review of recent developments.’ Journal of ethnopharmacology. Volume 257. 2020. Pp. 112876. [Link]

 

This review paper summarises the anti-stress ability of Ashwagantha along with the optimum doses that conferred this ability.

 

Mandlik, D. S., and Ajay G. N. ‘Pharmacological evaluation of Ashwagandha highlighting its healthcare claims, safety, and toxicity aspects.’ Journal of dietary supplements. 2020. Pp. 1-44. [Link]

 

"It comprises a broad spectrum of phytochemicals having wide range of biological effects. W. somnifera has demonstrated various biological actions such as anti-cancer, anti-inflammatory, anti-diabetic, anti-microbial, anti-arthritic, anti-stress/adaptogenic, neuro-protective, cardio-protective, hepato-protective, immunomodulatory properties."

 

Cooley, K. et al. ‘Naturopathic Care for Anxiety: A Randomized Controlled Trial ISRCTN78958974’ in PLOS one, 2009.[Link]
  
In the above study, when anxiety levels were measured after the 12-week period, the group who received ashwagandha had anxiety scores that decreased by 55 percent and the psychotherapy group’s scores decreased by 30.5 percent. Showing that Ashwagandha can even outperform psychotherapy.
  
 “Seventy-five participants (93%) were followed for 8 or more weeks on the trial. Final BAI scores decreased by 56.5% (p<0.0001) in the NC group… Significant differences between groups were also observed in mental health, concentration, fatigue, social functioning, vitality, and overall quality of life with the NC group exhibiting greater clinical benefit. No serious adverse reactions were observed in either group.”

 

Lopresti, Adrian L., et al. ‘An investigation into the stress-relieving and pharmacological actions of an ashwagandha (Withania somnifera) extract: A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study.’ Medicine. Volume 98. Issue 37. 2019. Pp. e17186. [Link]

 

This research study was conducted on healthy adults with mild stress for a 60-day duration. A standard dose of 240 mg daily had a strong positive effect on stress and anxiety with a reduction in cortisol, DHEA-S and increase in Testosterone levels. This is due to effects on the Hypothalamic Pituitary Adrenal (HPA) axis with no adverse effects on the body.

 

Salve, J. et al. ‘Adaptogenic and anxiolytic effects of ashwagandha root extract in healthy adults: a double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled clinical study.’ Cureus. Volume 11. Issue 12. 2019. e6466 [Link]

                                                             

In the eight-week, prospective, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study, the stress-relieving effect of Ashwagandha root extract was investigated in stressed healthy individuals. Dosages of 250mg/day and 600 mg/day seemed to reduce serum cortisol levels, thereby reducing stress levels and improved sleep quality.

 

Dar, Nawab John. ‘Neurodegenerative diseases and Withania somnifera (L.): An update.’ Journal of ethnopharmacology. Volume 256. 2020. Pp. 112769 [Link]

 

This review paper summarises the anti-stress effects of W. somnifera through many studies. The mechanisms of action were alteration of neuronal cells and prevention in the degradation of neuronal cells of the hippocampus, changes in the activity of oxidative enzymes, alteration of cytokines and regulation of cerebral monoamine level. One important study was the dosage of W. somnifera at 500 mg/kg that alleviated stress, improved amnesia and regulated corticosterone concentration without side effects.

 

Zahiruddin, S., et al. ‘Ashwagandha in brain disorders: A review of recent developments.’ Journal of ethnopharmacology. Volume 257. 2020. Pp. 112876 [Link]

 

This review paper summarises the anti-stress ability of Ashwagantha along with the optimum doses that conferred this ability.

 

Mandlik, D. S., and Ajay G. N. ‘Pharmacological evaluation of Ashwagandha highlighting its healthcare claims, safety, and toxicity aspects.’ Journal of dietary supplements. 2020. Pp. 1-44 [Link]

 

“...anti-stress/adaptogenic...”  

Benefit 2 - Ashwagandha can increase mood, sharpen focus and enhance memory

Ashwagandha root extract can improve mood, brain function, memory, reaction times and the ability to perform tasks.

Scientific Studies:

Alzoubi, Karem et al. ‘Withania somnifera root powder protects against post-traumatic stress disorder-induced memory impairment.’ Molecular biology reports. Volume 46. Issue 5. 2019. Pp. 4709-4715.  [Link]

 

The results showed that W. somnifera root powder extract at a dose of 500 mg/kg/day prevented memory impairment. Also, it reduced oxidative stress due to PTSD by altering antioxidant mechanism in the hypothalamus.

  

Ng, Qin Xiang, et al. ‘A systematic review of the clinical use of Withania somnifera (Ashwagandha) to ameliorate cognitive dysfunction.’ Phytotherapy Research. Volume 34. Issue 3. 2020. Pp. 583-590. [Link]

 

This review supports the ability of W. somnifera to help in memory and cognition, including studies done in adults suffering from mild cognitive impairments to adults with schizophrenia. The noted effects were improvement in memory, attention, reaction time and cognitive function.

 

Zahiruddin, S., et al. ‘Ashwagandha in brain disorders: A review of recent developments.’ Journal of ethnopharmacology. Volume 257. 2020. 112876 [Link]

 

“...memory enhancement…”;  “recovered memory defects”

 

Lopresti, A. L., and Stephen J. S. ‘Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera) for the treatment and enhancement of mental and physical conditions: A systematic review of human trials.’ Journal of Herbal Medicine. 2021. 100434. Inpress.  [Link]

 

This review paper summarised the memory-enhancing abilities of Ashwagandha for 8 weeks. Other effects included increased attention, executive function and information processing speed.

 

Basani, M. ‘Electroencephalogram Correlates the Role of Ashwagandha in Sleep and Memory Promoting Effect.’ Indian Journal of Pharmaceutical Education and Research. Volume 55. Issue 1. 2021. [Link]

 

This research study demonstrates that 25mg/Kg of Ashwagandha extract enhanced the slow wave of sleep activity and memory.

 

Pingali, U. et al. ‘Effect of standardized aqueous extract of Withania somnifera on tests of cognitive and psychomotor performance in healthy human participants.’ in Pharmacognosy research. Volume 6, Issue 1, pp 12-18.
 
 “These results suggest that Withania somnifera extract can improve cognitive and psychomotor performance”

 

Kurapati, KR. et al. ‘Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera) reverses β-amyloid1-42 induced toxicity in human neuronal cells: implications in HIV-associated neurocognitive disorders (HAND).’ in PLos One, Volume 8, Issue 10, October 2013. [Link]

“Withania somnifera (WS) also known as 'ashwagandha' is used widely in Ayurvedic medicine as a nerve tonic and memory enhancer.”

 

Chandrasekhar, K. et al. ‘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.’ in Indian Journal of psychological medicine. Volume 34, issue 3, July 2012, pp 255-262. [Link]

In the above 60-day study in stressed adults, those who took ashwagandha every day day reported a 79% reduction in severe depression. Interestingly, at the same time, the placebo group reported a 10% increase.

“Ayurvedic classical texts…and clinical studies describe Ashwagandha as a safe and effective adaptogen.”

 

Bhattacharya, SK. et al. ‘Anxiolytic-antidepressant activity of Withania somnifera glycowithanolides: an experimental study.’ in Phytomedicine: international journal of phytotherapy and phytopharmacology.  Volume 7, Issue 6, December 2000, pp 463-469. [Link]
“The investigations support the use of WS as a mood stabilizer in clinical conditions of anxiety and depression in Ayurveda.”

 

Sehgal, N. et al. ‘Withania somnifera reverses Alzheimer's disease pathology by enhancing low-density lipoprotein receptor-related protein in liver’ in Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences of the United Stated of America. Volume 109, Issue 9, February 2012, pp 3510-3515[Link]

“Withaferin A and withanolide D are the two main withanolides in ashwagandha that are used to improve cognitive function. The above study aimed to test their cognitive-improving abilities, researchers found that they helped to promote cell outgrowth, reverse behavioral deficits and plaque buildup, and reduce amyloid beta burden, which is crucially involved in the development of Alzheimer’s disease.”

Choudhary, D. et al. ‘Efficacy and Safety of Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera (L.) Dunal) Root Extract in Improving Memory and Cognitive Functions.’ in Journal of dietary Supplements. Volume 14, Issue 6, November 2017, pp 599-612[Link]
  
“After eight weeks of study, the ashwagandha treatment group demonstrated significant improvements compared with the placebo group in both immediate and general memory. The treatment group also demonstrated significantly greater improvement in executive function, sustained attention, and information-processing speed.
 
Ashwagandha may be effective in enhancing both immediate and general memory in people with MCI as well as improving executive function, attention, and information processing speed.”

Alzoubi, Karem et al. ‘Withania somnifera root powder protects against post-traumatic stress disorder-induced memory impairment.’ Molecular biology reports. Volume 46. Issue 5. 2019. Pp. 4709-4715 [Link]

 

This research study was conducted to study the effects of W. somnifera on symptoms of Post-traumatic stress disorder in animal models. The results showed that W. somnifera root powder extract at a dose of 500 mg/kg/day prevented memory impairment. Also, it reduced oxidative stress due to PTSD by altering antioxidant mechanism in the hypothalamus.

 

Konar, Arpita, et al. ‘M1 muscarinic receptor is a key target of neuroprotection, neuroregeneration and memory recovery by i-Extract from Withania somnifera.’ Scientific reports. Volume 9. Issue 1. 2019. Pp. 1-15 [Link]

 

The clinical study indicates that the desiccated alcoholic extract at 200mg/Kg administered for 7 days in mice induced an increase in dendrite cell growth in the cerebral cortex and hippocampus, thereby restoring memory.

 

Ng, Qin Xiang, et al. ‘A systematic review of the clinical use of Withania somnifera (Ashwagandha) to ameliorate cognitive dysfunction.’ Phytotherapy Research. Volume 34. Issue 3. 2020. Pp. 583-590 [Link]

 

This review supports the ability of W. somnifera to help in memory and cognition, including studies done in adults suffering from mild cognitive impairments to adults with schizophrenia. The noted effects were improvement in memory, attention, reaction time and cognitive function.

 

Zahiruddin, S., et al. ‘Ashwagandha in brain disorders: A review of recent developments.’ Journal of ethnopharmacology. Volume 257. 2020. 112876 [Link]

 

“...memory enhancement…”;  “recovered memory defects”

 

Lopresti, A. L., and Stephen J. S. ‘Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera) for the treatment and enhancement of mental and physical conditions: A systematic review of human trials.’ Journal of Herbal Medicine. 2021. 100434. Inpress [Link]

 

This review paper summarised the memory-enhancing abilities of Ashwagandha at doses like 600 mg/day, 500 mg/day for 8 weeks. Other effects included increased attention, executive function and information processing speed.

 

Basani, M. ‘Electroencephalogram Correlates the Role of Ashwagandha in Sleep and Memory Promoting Effect.’ Indian Journal of Pharmaceutical Education and Research. Volume 55. Issue 1. 2021 [Link]

 

This research study demonstrates that 25mg/Kg of Ashwagandha extract enhanced the slow wave of sleep activity and memory.

 

Benefit 3 - Ashwagandha can boost performance + energy while being a potent anti-inflammatory and antioxidant

Because ashwagandha works as an adaptogen that can reduce the body’s stress hormones, it can help to boost your immune system and reduce inflammation within the body. Due to its positive, calming-yet-energising effects on the brain, and its ability to lower stress hormones, ashwagandha showed improvements in concentration, motivation and stamina in conducted studies. 

Scientific studies:

Sandhu, JS. et al. ‘Effects of Withania somnifera (Ashwagandha) and Terminalia arjuna (Arjuna) on physical performance and cardiorespiratory endurance in healthy young adults.’ in International journal of Ayurveda research. Volume 1, Issue 3, July 2010, pp 144-14[Link]

“Withania somnifera may therefore be useful for generalized weakness and to improve speed and lower limb muscular strength and neuro-muscular co-ordination.” 

Wankhede, S. et al. ‘Examining the effect of Withania somnifera supplementation on muscle strength and recovery: a randomized controlled trial.’ in Journal of the International Society of Sports Nutrition. Volume 43, Issue 12, November 2015. [Link]
 
“This study reports that ashwagandha supplementation is associated with significant increases in muscle mass and strength”

  

Yamada, K. et al. ‘A comparison of the immunostimulatory effects of the medicinal herbs Echinacea, Ashwagandha and Brahmi. In Journal of ethnopharmacology. Volume 137, Issue 1, September 2011, pp 231-23[Link]
 
“Ashwagandha can enhance immune function by increasing immunoglobulin production.”

 

Choudhary, B. et al. ‘Efficacy of Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera [L.] Dunal) in improving cardiorespiratory endurance in healthy athletic adults.’ in AYU: An international quarterly journal of research in Ayurveda. Volume 31, Issue 1, March 2015 pp 63-68. [Link]
 
“The findings suggest that Ashwagandha root extract enhances the cardiorespiratory endurance and improves QOL [quality of life] in healthy athletic adults.”

 

Benefit 4 - Ashwagandha can support healthy brains and hearts 

Ashwagandha has also been considered a healthy supplement for the nervous and cardiovascular systems.

Heart and brain health is one of the most-asked-about wellness concerns of the 21st century and many people are looking for more natural ways to support their heart. Ashwagandha is one of which help a lot with cholesterol problems, as well as improving blood flow. 

Scientific studies:

 

Konar, Arpita, et al. ‘M1 muscarinic receptor is a key target of neuroprotection, neuroregeneration and memory recovery by i-Extract from Withania somnifera.’ Scientific reports. Volume 9. Issue 1. 2019. Pp. 1-15.[Link]

 

...[Ashwagandha] is both neuroprotective and neurotrophic...

 

Pandey, Anjali, et al. ‘Multifunctional neuroprotective effect of Withanone, a compound from Withania somnifera roots in alleviating cognitive dysfunction.’ Cytokine. Volume 102. 2018. Pp. 211-221. [Link]

 

Withanone, isolated from roots of W. somnifera can inhibit the formation of amyloid plaques after being administered orally every day for 21 days. The result was the improvement in cognitive skills through protection against oxidative stress and inflammatory responses.

 

Gupta, Muskan, and Gurcharan Kaur. ‘Withania somnifera (L.) Dunal ameliorates neurodegeneration and cognitive impairments associated with systemic inflammation.’ BMC complementary and alternative medicine. Volume 19. Issue 1. 2019. Pp. 1-18. [Link]

 

The water extract of W. somnifera may be a potential candidate to attenuate neuroinflammation and neurodegeneration induced by systemic inflammation, cognitive decline, impairment in synaptic plasticity, improves working memory, learning and locomotive coordination.

 

Zahiruddin, S., et al. ‘Ashwagandha in brain disorders: A review of recent developments.’ Journal of ethnopharmacology. Volume 257. 2020. Pp. 112876. [Link]

 

Ashwagandha has neuroprotective ability against many brain disorders, supported through many preclinical studies, clinical trials and patents. But the exact mechanism of neuroprotective ability is not known and needs further study.

 

Auddy, B. et al. ‘A Standardized withania somnifera extract significantly reduces stress-related parameters in chronically stressed humans: A double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled study‘ in JANA, Volume 11, Issue 1, 2008, pp 50-56. [Link]
 
In the above study, the group who took 250 mg of ashwagandha daily had a 36% average decrease in CRP, compared to a 6% decrease in the placebo group.

 

Singh, N. et al. ‘An Overview on Ashwagandha: A Rasayana (Rejuvenator) of Ayurveda’ in African Journal of Traditional, Complementary and Alternative Medicines. Volume 8, Issue 5, pp 208-213 [Link]

“The available scientific data support the conclusion that Ashwagandha is a real potent regenerative tonic (Rasayana of Ayurveda), due to its multiple pharmacological actions like anti-stress, neuroprotective, antitumor, anti-arthritic, analgesic and anti-inflammatory” 

Sandhu, J. et al. ‘Effects of Withania somnifera (Ashwagandha) and Terminalia arjuna (Arjuna) on physical performance and cardiorespiratory endurance in healthy young adults’ in International Journal of Ayurveda Research, Volume 1, Issue 3, July 2010, pp 144-149 [Link]

“Withania somnifera may therefore be useful for generalized weakness and to improve speed and lower limb muscular strength and neuro-muscular co-ordination.”

 

Ghosh, T. Sanvidhan G. S., Chandrashe "Ashwagandha reverses the dieldrin-induced cognitive impairment by modulation of oxidative stress in rat brain." Pharmacognosy Research. Volume 11. Issue 1. 2019. pp. 92 [Link]

 

Administration of 100mg/Kg on male Wistar rats reduced oxidative stress and cognitive dysfunction, induced by Dieldrin, a pesticide found in agricultural products.

 

Elhadidy, M. E. et al. ‘Protective effect of ashwagandha (Withania somnifera) against neurotoxicity induced by aluminum chloride in rats.’ Asian Pacific Journal of Tropical Biomedicine. Volume 8. Issue 1. 2018. Pp. 59 [Link]

 

200 mg/kg of Ashwagandha extract for 30 days rendered antioxidant activity against aluminium neurotoxicity by reducing Cholinergic activity and maintaining normal acetylcholinesterase activity.

 

Birla, Hareram, et al. ‘Neuroprotective effects of Withania somnifera in BPA induced-cognitive dysfunction and oxidative stress in mice.’ Behavioral and Brain Functions. Volume 15. Issue 1. 2019. Pp. 9 [Link]

                                                                                   

The research study demonstrates the ability of Ashwagandha to act against cognitive impairment induced by Bisphenol A, a major endocrine disruptor. The study was done on 30 albino mice where treatment with Ashwagandha alleviated the behavioral deficits induced by the chemical by restoration of receptors in the hippocampus region. The anti-oxidant property was also evident from the study that was seen from anti-oxidants level in the brain.

 

Konar, Arpita, et al. ‘M1 muscarinic receptor is a key target of neuroprotection, neuroregeneration and memory recovery by i-Extract from Withania somnifera.’ Scientific reports. Volume 9. Issue 1. 2019. Pp. 1-15 [Link]

 

...is both neuroprotective and neurotrophic...

 

Pandey, Anjali, et al. ‘Multifunctional neuroprotective effect of Withanone, a compound from Withania somnifera roots in alleviating cognitive dysfunction.’ Cytokine. Volume 102. 2018. Pp. 211-221 [Link]

 

Withanone, isolated from roots of W. somnifera can inhibit the formation of amyloid plaques after being administered orally every day for 21 days. The result was the improvement in cognitive skills through protection against oxidative stress and inflammatory responses.

 

Gupta, Muskan, and Gurcharan Kaur. ‘Withania somnifera (L.) Dunal ameliorates neurodegeneration and cognitive impairments associated with systemic inflammation.’ BMC complementary and alternative medicine. Volume 19. Issue 1. 2019. Pp. 1-18 [Link]

 

The water extract of W. somnifera may be a potential candidate to attenuate neuroinflammation and neurodegeneration induced by systemic inflammation, cognitive decline, impairment in synaptic plasticity, improves working memory, learning and locomotive coordination.

 

Zahiruddin, S., et al. ‘Ashwagandha in brain disorders: A review of recent developments.’ Journal of ethnopharmacology. Volume 257. 2020. Pp. 112876 [Link]

 

Ashwagantha has neuroprotective ability against many brain disorders, supported through many preclinical studies, clinical trials and patents. But the exact mechanism of neuroprotective ability is not known and needs further study.

 

How to take Ashwagandha

I am sure you can now see the amazing benefits of Ashwagandha and why we use it in Savvy to make our products SO MUCH BETTER. 

You can take Ashwagandha by itself, but most health practitioners and nutritionists recommend combining it with other similar substances to maximise the benefit of the combination. This is called a synergistic approach.  “Synergistic” refers to the interaction or cooperation of two or more substances to produce a combined effect that is greater than the sum of their separate parts.

And while you might experience benefits from Ashwagandha alone, the synergistic approach offers even more benefits when you take several herbs together. but we have made it easy for you and that is why our products contain herbs that work as an amazing team such as Panax Ginseng and Rhodiola Rosea. 

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