Ashwagandha Extract
Ashwagandha extract is a herbal treatment that people use for its medicinal properties. It is derived from the roots of the Ashwagandha plant and is classified as an adaptogen, meaning it’s purported to enhance the body’s resilience to stress.
Here are some benefits of Ashwagandha extract:
- Reducing stress and anxiety: Ashwagandha has been shown to reduce cortisol levels, which is a hormone that your adrenal glands produce in response to stress.
- Improving brain function: Ashwagandha has been shown to improve memory, attention, and information processing speed in people with mild cognitive impairment.
- Reducing inflammation: Ashwagandha has anti-inflammatory properties that may help reduce inflammation in the body.
- Lowering cholesterol and triglycerides: Some studies have shown that Ashwagandha can help lower cholesterol and triglyceride levels in the blood.
There are several case studies regarding the benefits of Ashwagandha extract. For example, a randomized double-blind placebo-controlled study found that high-concentration full-spectrum Ashwagandha root extract is safe and well-tolerated3. Another study found that the consumption of Ashwagandha root extract for 8 weeks was safe in both males and females volunteers.
The recommended dosage of Ashwagandha extract varies depending on the form it comes in. Capsule dosages often contain between 250 and 1,500 mg of ashwagandha1. Studies on ashwagandha have used daily dosages ranging from 120–5,000 mg of a root extract. The most common dosing protocol is 600 mg daily, divided into two doses, with one taken in the morning with breakfast and the other in the evening.
While Ashwagandha extract is generally considered safe, there are some potential side effects. Large doses of ashwagandha might cause stomach upset, diarrhea, and vomiting. Rarely, liver problems, including severe liver failure and a need for liver transplantation, have been reported in people who have used ashwagandha. Sedatives: Ashwagandha may cause sleepiness and slow breathing, so taking it in combination with sedatives may increase these effects. It is best to speak with a healthcare professional about safety and dosage before taking any new herbal supplements, including ashwagandha.
Sources:
- https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/ashwagandha
- https://examine.com/supplements/ashwagandha/
- https://www.forbes.com/health/body/ashwagandha-benefits/
- https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/318407
- https://health.clevelandclinic.org/what-is-ashwagandha/
- https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3573577/
