Study: Effect of Ashwagandha on tests of cognitive and psychomotor performance

reference

Pingali U, Pilli R, Fatima N. Effect of a standardized aqueous extract ofWithania somniferato test cognitive and psychomotor performance in healthy human participants.Pharmacognosy Res. 2014;6(1):12-18.

design

A prospective, double-blind, placebo-controlled, multiple-dose, crossover study in which participants were randomly assigned to receive eitherWithania somniferaor placebo in run I. A washout period of 14 days was observed between run I and run II. All testing procedures were repeated before and after treatment for Run I and Run II. After two weeks of intervention, compliance was assessed by questioning the subjects and counting all remaining capsules.

Participant

26 healthy men aged 20-35 years were examined. Subjects were excluded if there was evidence of physical illness, drug abuse, or abnormal laboratory findings during screening. Twenty participants completed the study.

Study medications and dosage

Randomized to 2 capsules twice daily, morning and eveningWithaniaor placebo.

250 mg capsules of standardized aqueous extract from the roots and leaves ofWithania somnifera(SENSORIL®, Natreon Inc, USA), contains not less than 10% withanolide glycosides, not more than 0.5% withaferin-A.

Placebo capsules contained cellulose, lactose and magnesium stearate.

Target parameters

Assessment was measured by psychomotor performance tests, including the following 6 tests. Each test was performed three times and then averaged.

• Fingertipptest (FTT): Informationen zur Leistung des motorischen Systems
• Einfacher Reaktionstest (SRT): Aufmerksamkeit und sensomotorische Leistungsfähigkeit des Gehirns
• Choice Discrimination Test (CDT): Aufmerksamkeit und sensomotorische Leistungsfähigkeit des Gehirns sowie Einschätzung der psychomotorischen Reaktionsgeschwindigkeit
• Digit Symbol Substitution Test (DSST): Aufmerksamkeit, Reaktionsgeschwindigkeit, zentrale Integration und visuell-motorische Koordination
• Digit Vigilance Task (DVT): Wachsamkeit und Wachsamkeit
• Kartensortiertest (CST): sensorische, motorische, zentrale integrative und exekutive Funktionen

Key findings

This study was specifically conducted to evaluate the effects ofWithania somniferaon cognitive and psychomotor performance in healthy human participants. After 14 days of treatment withWithania somniferaThe results showed a significantly improved reaction time in 5 of the 6 psychomotor performance tests without sedating effects compared to placebo and baseline tests. There was no effect on the finger tapping test (FTT), which measures general information about motor system performance.

The mechanism of action in humans is not clear, but animal studies have shown that it is associated with the sitoindosides VII-X and withaferin A (glycowithanolides), which cause an increase in cortical muscarinic acetylcholine capacity with modulation of cholinergic neurotransmission. The note here is that the use ofWithania somniferacan cause significant changes in basic neurological functions, with the suggestion that it may be used clinically to prevent and possibly repair central nervous system disorders.

Effects on practice

In Ayurvedic medicine, Rasayana herbs promote a youthful state of physical and mental health and increase feelings of happiness.¹The herbs considered Medhya Rasayana are said to work with higher brain function or rejuvenate the mind. They generate and invoke intelligence, memory and mental perception²and have a regenerating effect on the nerves and nervous system. Brahmi (Bacopa monniera), to improve memory in dementia; and Vacha (Acorus calamus), Sweet Flag, which is believed to improve blood circulation in the brain, are two important plants in this group. Other herbs in the Medhya Rasayana group include Mandukparni (Centella asiatica), Gotu Kola, is described in spiritual practices as opening the crown chakra; Shankhapushpi (Convolvulus pluricaulis), the simple weed said to improve memory and prevent memory loss; Jyotishmati (Celastrus paniculatus), a tree native to India, is called the intellect tree and is said to stimulate the intellect and sharpen memory; and Jatamansi (Nardostachys jatamansi), a highly aromaticvalerianFamily plant known to have a biphasic effect on the nervous system, stimulating and sedating as needed.^3.4

Withania somniferaAnightshade familyThe family plant occupies the most prominent place among Ayurvedic Rasayana herbs as it acts as an adaptogen, rejuvenates the nervous system and strengthens the body's resistance to stress.⁵

The range of tests in this study is narrow, the number of participants is small and the demographic situation is limited. However, the results point to what has been observed in Ayurvedic medicine for thousands of years: thatWithania somniferapromotes physical and mental health. Traditionally, Ashwagandha is considered the best tonic for old people and children, as well as an aphrodisiac for young people. Many recent studies and clinical observations demonstrate that this humble Rasayana herb serves this goal of promoting physical and mental well-being in a variety of ways.

Improves cognitive function

Ashwagandha has been shown in many studies to improve all aspects of cognitive function related to focus, concentration and memory. A double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical trial compared the effects ofWithania somnifera,Panax ginsengand placebo on psychomotor performance in 30 healthy participants. Sensorimotor function, auditory reaction time and mental arithmetic ability were improvedWithania somniferaPoor compared toPanax ginsengand placebo.⁶

Adaptogenic effect, stress management

The glycowithanolides mimic the body's own stress-reducing relaxation hormones, thereby reducing cortisol. Overall energy levels can be increased by optimizing mitochondrial function.Withania somniferaHelps maintain homeostasis, a sense of presence and focus, even during stressful times. Ashwagandha is a calming adaptogen – one of the few adaptogens that can be taken later in the day or even before bed.

Anxiolytic

Used effectively in people struggling with anxiety, insomnia, nervous exhaustion and mild obsessive-compulsive disorder.Withania somniferahas GABA-like effects. In an Indian study on rats, a bioactive glycowithanolide isolate made from the plant's roots showed comparable results to the benzodiazepine lorazepam for anxiety and the tricyclic antidepressant imipramine for depression.⁷

Neurodegenerative diseases

This appears to be the case through antioxidant and inflammatory modulating mechanismsWithania somniferacan have both a preventive and repairive effect on neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer's.⁸Parkinson's disease,⁹and Huntington's disease. All neurodegenerative diseases are accelerated by stress, and as stress increases in the general population, we are seeing increasing numbers of people, particularly those of younger ages, showing signs of dementia and early-onset Alzheimer's disease. Ashwagandha's adaptogenic effects and stress management support may slow the development of these brain and nervous system disorders.

Hematopoietic

Ashwagandha is reported to increase the production of all stem cells. A study was conducted to evaluate the potential toxicity ofWithania somniferaAndPanax ginsengWhen administered together, it was found that not only did no toxicity occur, but hematopoiesis was also improved.¹⁰I have found Ashwagandha's ability to build blood cells to be repeatedly effective in my clinical practice. It has been used when red blood cell counts are low in iron deficiency anemia, when white blood cell counts are low in chronic viral illness or as a result of chemotherapy, and when red blood cell counts are low and platelets.

Treatment of opiate addiction

As a tonic for the nervous system,Withania somniferamay be given to support the severe response to opiate withdrawal. Ashwagandha can provide protection and regeneration of neurons and, when given before heroin withdrawal, can relieve withdrawal symptoms. When taken long-term, it can prevent the loss of dopaminergic density in the nucleus procumbens that normally occurs with opiate withdrawal.^11,12

With its adaptogenic effect on the body in the face of stress and its mind-rejuvenating effects, it contributes to the maintenance of effective cognitive functions throughout life.Withania somniferais an extremely valuable ally in clinical practice.