Ashwagandha, The King of Herbal Supplements

 

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nootropics to help anxiety

Overview

Ashwagandha is an adaptogen (herbs which reduce stress, fatigue, and promote homeostasis) and is often referred to as Indian Ginseng for its use in Ayurvedic medicine. Ashwagandha appears to be most effective for alleviating anxiety, reducing stress, and promoting restful sleep. It is also under investigation for its ability to reduce fatigue and improve physical performance.

First and foremost, there is strong evidence that ashwagandha can alleviate anxiety, and is effective at alleviating social anxiety in particular.19https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/2140796020https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/1971825521https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/23439798

Second, ashwagandha appears to alleviate stress and lower cortisol21https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/2343979822https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/19789214. In a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study  64 subjects with chronic stress had their cortisol and stress levels tested. Subjects were given 300mg capsules of the root extract twice daily. After 60 days, the treatment group showed a significant reduction in their stress based on stress-assessment scales, and their cortisol levels were substantially reduced as well.21https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/23439798

Ashwagandha also appears to have antidepressant19https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/21407960 effects, though they are mild in comparison to the anxiolytic effects. It also has anti-fatigue effects20https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/1971825523https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/23142798, improves social functioning and general well-being21https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/2343979823https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/23142798, and may even improve motivation.20https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/19718255

The full extent of ashwagandha’s mechanism of action, at least in regards to the above effects, is not totally understood at this time. However, it is likely that its anxiolytic effects primarily come from its GABAergic effects, specifically by enhancing signaling at the the GABAA receptor.24https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/2136944925https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/166003426https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/18697606

As far as the nootropic effects go, Ashwagandha has also been noted to provide neuroprotection by inducing antioxidant enzymes in the brain.27https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/1113734328https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/10816336 Additionally it has been shown to cause neurogenesis, demonstrating regeneration activity in axons and synapses as well as neurite extension in normal and damaged cortical neurons.29https://www.ancbi.nlm.nih.gaov/pubmed/15956813

Additionally, ashwadangdha was show to upregulate the expression of BDNF levels by 130% over the course of a week in mice.30https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/22096544

Ashwagandha appears to be a very well-rounded substance that provides some real benefit, with nootropic effects being the most promising. Among adaptogens, it may be the most potent of them all, and may be one of the best nootropics for social anxiety.

 

 

Ashwagandha Dosage Information

Aswagandha comes in its basic extract form, and in two patented forms, the Sensoril and KSM-66 extracts. People tend to have different results with each, but in general the Sensoril extract is better for relaxation while the KSM-66 extract is better for energy, although both appear to be effective for stress reduction.

These extracts are high-potency and thus the recommended doses should be used.

 

 

Where to Buy Ashwagandha

Ashwagandha Capsules | Sensoril Extract | 125mg

 

 

ksm-66 ashwagandha

Ashwagandha Capsules | KSM-66 Extract | 300mg

 

 

References

19. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/21407960

20. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/19718255

21. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/23439798

22. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/19789214

23. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/23142798

24. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/21369449

25. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/1660034

26. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/18697606

27. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/11137343

28. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/10816336

29. https://www.ancbi.nlm.nih.gaov/pubmed/15956813

30. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/22096544