Ashwagandha’s Remarkable Cognitive and Psychomotor Effects

(Newswire.net — December 5, 2018) Winnetka, IL — Researchers have been investigating on the therapeutic benefits of ashwagandha. Among others, it has been found to be useful for brain health.

Scientists Pingali U, Pilli R, and Fatima N. conducted a study. 

This research was performed in an effort to see the effect of standardized aqueous extract of ashwagandha on tests of cognitive and psychomotor performance in healthy human participants.  

This prospective, double-blind, multi-dose, placebo-controlled, crossover study had randomized participants who received ashwagandha extracts. It is worth mentioning there was also a placebo group. 

In this study, there was washout 14-day period given to Run I and Run II. There were 26 healthy males belonging to ages 20 to 35 years old. 

Those showing evidence of physical illness, drug abuse, or aberrant laboratory findings via screening were excluded. Twenty participants completed the study. 

After the 14-day treatment, ashwagandha was found to significantly enhance reaction time in 5 of the 6 psychomotor performance tests. What makes it even more beneficial is that it was with no sedative effects.

It is worth mentioning that in animal studies, ashwagandha is associated with the Sitoindosides VII–X and Withaferin A (glycowithanolides). 

According to scientists, these produce an increase in cortical muscarinic acetylcholine capacity, accompanied with a modulation of cholinergic neurotransmission. 

They also revealed that ashwagandha made significant changes in neurological baseline functions. Thus, it may be helpful in repairing central nervous system disorders. 

In another double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical study, the researchers assessed the psychomotor performance of 30 healthy people. 

Scientists found that ashwagandha extracts enhanced sensorimotor function, auditory reaction time, and mental arithmetic ability. These improvements were compared to the placebo. 

Ashwagandha’s glycowithanolides have been found to mimic the stress-reducing relaxation hormones of the body. 

This herb aids in maintaining homeostasis, which is a sense of presence and focus, throughout times of stress. It is a calming adaptogen that may also be useful against insomnia, anxiety, nervous exhaustion, and mild OCD.

When it comes to neurodegenerative disorders, this medicinal herb exerts antioxidant inflammation-modulating mechanisms. 

It has a great potential to repair neurodegenerative diseases, which include Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s disease,and Huntington’s disease.

Scientists found that ashwagandha has iron, antioxidants, tannins, potassium, nitrate, fatty acids and glucose.

It also contains steroidal alkaloids, such sominine, somniferine, withanolides and anferine. It is a rich source of flavonoids, acyl steryl glucosides and lactones.

NutraHerbals Ashwagandha may be an excellent source of this medicinal herb. In addition to being highly potent and pure, it is also protected with a money back guarantee (www.amazon.com/organic-ashwagandha-root-powder/dp/B01GZALWGO).