Cognitive Functions of Ashwagandha

Editor’s note: This article is a reprint. It was originally published on May 11, 2017.

Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera) is an herb that has been an important part of Ayurvedic medicine since ancient times. Ashwagandha literally means “smells like horse,” which may be more suggestive of its nature than its actual smell. Some Ayurvedic health practitioners believe that this herb is so named because it provides horses with strength and stamina. Meanwhile, its species name “somnifera” is a nod to its sedative properties.¹

Although ashwagandha is sometimes called Ayurvedic or Indian ginseng,² It does not belong to the ginseng family. The Ashwagandha plant is a shrub with yellow-green flowers and orange-red berries that is native to Pakistan, India, and Sri Lanka.

The leaves and roots are most commonly used for medicinal purposes. According to Ayurvedic tradition, ashwagandha is considered a rasayana herb, meaning it promotes youthfulness and longevity while relieving pain. This is a broad but appropriate description, as this herb has a wide range of beneficial properties, including adaptogenic properties, meaning it can help you manage stress.

“[I]It is also thought to provide energy and relieve pain, inflammation and neurasthenia, making it very helpful for older adults,” according to the American Botanical Council.³ Research shows it’s good for the brain, too.

Ashwagandha may improve memory and cognitive function

Enhancing memory is one of the traditional uses of ashwagandha, especially its root. This was supported by a 2017 study published in the Journal of Dietary Supplements that looked at the use of ashwagandha root extract to improve memory and cognitive function in 50 patients with mild cognitive impairment (MCI) .⁴

MCI is a mild decline in cognitive ability that is associated with an increased risk of more severe dementia, including Alzheimer’s disease. Participants received ashwagandha root extract or a placebo for eight weeks. Patients taking ashwagandha showed significant improvements in many areas compared to the placebo group. This includes larger improvements in:

• short term and long term memory
• executive function
• stay tuned
• information processing speed

The researchers pointed to the sedative properties of ashwagandha as a potential mechanism behind the memory benefits, noting that they “may be indirectly involved in improving memory and cognition in human subjects, as stress, anxiety, and sleep disturbances can affect normal cognitive function.” .⁵

Ashwagandha may also help slow the deterioration of brain cells in people with dementia. It has been found to repair brain cell damage and rebuild neuronal networks and synapses. This herb may also help treat depression because of its ability to combat mental and emotional stress. Another study found it reduced obesity-induced cognitive impairment in rats.⁶

Researchers even wrote in PLOS One: “Ashwagandha leaf-derived bioactive compounds have neuroprotective potential and may serve as supplements for brain health.”⁷

Ashwagandha may buffer some effects of sleep deprivation and stress

Ashwagandha has been traditionally used in Ayurveda as a sleep aid, and research suggests it has anxiolytic and anti-inflammatory properties that may help manage stress and related dysfunction caused by sleep deprivation.⁸

Its stress-reducing properties are well known, as ashwagandha can help your body reduce the production of cortisol (the stress hormone) by up to 28%. In fact, when study participants with a history of chronic stress were studied, their cortisol levels were significantly lower and scores on all stress assessment scales tested decreased. The researchers concluded:⁹

“The results of this study demonstrate that high concentrations of full-spectrum ashwagandha root extract can safely and effectively improve an individual’s immune system. [toward] stress, thereby improving self-assessed quality of life.

Among other things, in a study of people with moderate to severe anxiety, those who took ashwagandha extract experienced reduced anxiety and stress, as well as improvements in energy, motivation, and overall well-being.¹⁰

Ashwagandha: A complete health supplement

Ashwagandha is known for its calming, stress-relieving properties, but its uses go way beyond that. In the journal Medicinal Chemistry Central Nervous System Drugs, Ashwagandha is described as a “miracle drug” that is used globally not only to extend lifespan but also to “correct neuroendocrine imbalances in patients affected by chronic stress.” normalization of physiological functions.” and immune system. “¹¹

Researchers from the African Journal of Traditional, Complementary and Alternative Medicine note: “Ashwagandha is considered a tonic, aphrodisiac, narcotic, diuretic, anthelmintic, astringent, thermogenic and stimulant.” They go on. Listed are its many beneficial processes for different health conditions and diseases:¹²

“Ashwagandha is usually available in the form of churna, a fine, sifted powder that can be mixed with water, ghee (clarified butter) or honey. It enhances the function of the brain and nervous system and improves memory.

It improves the function of the reproductive system and promotes healthy sexual and reproductive balance. As a powerful adaptogen, it increases the body’s ability to adapt to stress. Ashwagandha improves the body’s defenses against disease by increasing cell-mediated immunity. It also has potent antioxidant properties that help prevent cell damage caused by free radicals.

In areas where Ayurvedic medicine is widely accepted, such as India, Nepal, and Malaysia, ashwagandha root is used to treat inflammatory diseases, male impotence, and conditions related to weight loss or weakness.¹³ Some even say it can be used to treat “almost every disease affecting…human health.”¹⁴ Additionally, ashwagandha may help:

Improve physical strength	gastric ulcer
Neurodegenerative diseases such as Parkinson’s disease, Huntington’s disease, and Alzheimer’s disease	energy level
mitochondrial health	inflammation
Rheumatoid Arthritis	Osteoarthritis
Increase muscle mass and strength	lower blood sugar levels

Beyond that, the American Botanical Council has compiled more uses for ashwagandha (in this case, the root), stating:¹⁵

“Some recorded uses of ashwagandha root include as a hypnotic (along with the leaves) in the treatment of alcoholism; treatment of brain fog, colds and chills, weight loss in children, emphysematous dysphonia (difficulty speaking due to emphysema, along with leaves), fever, swollen glands, impotence or weak semen.

… [T]o Combats loss of memory and muscle energy, neurasthenia, rheumatic fever, rheumatic swelling, old age and general weakness, spermatorrhea, syphilis and ulcers. In Tanzania, the root is used as a sexual stimulant and to promote uterine contractions.

How to use ashwagandha

If you are considering using ashwagandha, talk to your holistic health practitioner first, as even natural remedies such as herbs can sometimes interact with other medications or supplements you may be taking.

Avoid ashwagandha if you’re pregnant or breastfeeding, as research shows that overdose can cause uterine cramps, which can lead to premature labor. However, in general, ashwagandha causes only minor side effects (if any) and appears to be safe for most people.

Doses are typically 125 to 1,250 milligrams (mg) per day, with higher doses showing more significant effects in clinical studies.¹⁶ Ashwagandha can also be used topically in essential oil form (diluted with a carrier oil), especially to relieve pain or combat stress. If you prefer, dried ashwagandha roots can also be made into a tea that you can drink at your leisure. Here’s a recipe from Cure Joy:^{number 17}

Finally, while ashwagandha is not a typical “herb garden” plant like thyme or basil, it is relatively easy to grow (can be grown as an annual if you live in an area with cold winters) and can provide you with ready-made teas and beverages supply. To grow your own ashwagandha, you should know the following:¹⁸

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