Ashwagandha May Help Reduce Stress and Improve Cognitive Function

Stress can result in physical symptoms, such as headaches, upset stomach, high blood pressure, and problems with sex and sleep. Stress can also lead to emotional problems, such as depression, panic attacks, or other forms of anxiety and worry. According to a new study, ashwagandha extract may help reduce stress and improve cognitive function and sleep quality.

Participants in the study included 125 adults with a high score on the Perceived Stress Scale test. They were given 300 mg of sustained release ashwagandha extract or a placebo daily for 90 days. The researchers evaluated stress, cognitive function, and sleep quality at baseline and at the end of the study period.

Participants in the ashwagandha group had lower scores on the Perceived Stress Scale test at the end of the study period compared to baseline. They also saw increases in cognitive function scores in the areas of memory and attention. In addition, they saw improvements in sleep quality scores.

The study was conducted by researchers from the Bengaluru Neuro Centre. It was published online ahead of print on November 30, 2021 in the journal Evidence-Based Complementary and Alternative Medicine .