Ashwagandha Extract – useful for improving concentration and mental health!

We have already talked about the extraordinary effect of ashwagandha in terms of dealing with stress, as well as improving libido. In today’s article, we will dwell a little more on the positive effect that this ancient herb has on concentration and cognitive abilities.

Ashwagandha – an ancient, well-known herb

Ashwagandha is a plant from the Solanaceae family, specifically Withania somnifera. It grows in warm regions and is believed to have originated in the northeastern parts of India. It is also called Indian ginseng or winter cherry. Its root is most often used.

Ashwagandha is rich in a series of components that can have a positive effect on the health of our organism in different ways.

It has antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and anti-stress properties, which is why it is believed that it can contribute to better general health and longevity.

According to some research data, ashwagandha has shown a protective effect against some malignant diseases, diabetes, and neurodegenerative diseases, such as Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s.

In addition, it has also shown a calming effect, as well as a certain role in balancing several important hormones in the human body.

Ashwagandha for improved concentration – what does the science say?

Ashwagandha has been proven by numerous studies to have a positive effect on cognitive functions, memory, and concentration. A meta-study that analyzed the results of 5 other studies showed that ashwagandha improves cognitive function, especially in an older population where there is already some decline in this area. In this regard, ashwagandha is beneficial for:

• Successful execution of mental tasks and obligations
• Attention and concentration
• Reaction time
• Better performance when performing cognitive (mental) tasks

Another study included 50 subjects who took 600mg of ashwagandha extract daily for 8 weeks. Compared to the control group (which received a placebo), the ashwagandha group had improvements in:

• The memory
• Attention and concentration
• Processing of new information

The scientists who conducted the research believe that this is due to the antioxidant effect of ashwagandha, which can protect the brain and improve cognitive health.

It is also beneficial for general mental health

Certain studies show that ashwagandha is useful and has a positive effect on mental health, that is, it can reduce and alleviate the symptoms of depression, schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, etc.

A study conducted in 2012 showed that using ashwagandha for 60 days (600mg of extract per day) resulted in a 77% reduction in depressive symptoms in subjects. In addition, one of the most studied properties of ashwagandha, which we have already talked about, is its anti-stress or so-called adaptogenic effect.

Ashwagandha is thought to directly affect the production of certain proteins and hormones (primarily cortisol) and thus reduce the harmful effects of stress. Also, it is considered to reduce the activity of certain mechanisms that are activated in the body during exposure to stress. In this regard, several studies support such information.

Smaller study involving about 60 subjects, those who used an ashwagandha supplement for 8 weeks reported reduced levels of stress, and they were also measured for reduced levels of cortisol, the primary stress hormone. In addition, the subjects reported that their sleep quality was also improved, compared to the control, placebo group.