Ashwagandha

Adaptogenic herb studied for sexual function in women, with liver toxicity concerns

Also known as: Withania somnifera

Active Compounds

Bioactive compounds found in Ashwagandha, based on research from longevity science.

Withanone
Ashwagandha leaves contain Wi-N (Withanone) and Wi-A (Withaferin A) as predominant constituents.
Source: Nutrition, Food and Diet in Ageing and Longevity
Withaferin A
Ashwagandha leaves contain Wi-A (Withaferin A) as a predominant constituent.
Source: Nutrition, Food and Diet in Ageing and Longevity
Triethylene Glycol
Triethylene glycol was detected in the water extract of Ashwagandha leaves by NMR analysis.
Source: Nutrition, Food and Diet in Ageing and Longevity

Health conditions and aging processes that Ashwagandha may influence, based on the source research.

Sexual Dysfunction
Ashwagandha showed some benefit for sexual function in a pilot study, but liver toxicity concerns are noted
Source: How Not to Age

Cognitive decline500 mg/day
Ashwagandha extract and its bioactives have been shown to stimulate dendrite and axonal growth and reconstruct damaged synapses. Consumption appears to reduce chronic stress, anxiety and insomnia and improve memory and cognition.
Source: Nutrition, Food and Diet in Ageing and Longevity
Alzheimer's disease
Ashwagandha is the most recognized nootropic in Indian traditional home medicine. It activates antioxidant defense system, induces cholinergic system, up-regulates neural plasticity, and regenerates damaged neurons and synapses.
Source: Nutrition, Food and Diet in Ageing and Longevity
Type 2 diabetes400-500 mg/day
Ashwagandha withanolides possess anti-hyperglycemic activity. Low oral doses cause anti-hyperglycemic action by stimulating insulin release from pancreatic cells. At 400 mg/day dose, it significantly decreased fasting blood glucose and serum triglycerides.
Source: Nutrition, Food and Diet in Ageing and Longevity

Specific amounts mentioned in the research literature.

500 mg/dayfor Cognitive decline
Ashwagandha extract and its bioactives have been shown to stimulate dendrite and axonal growth and reconstruct damaged synapses. Consumption appears to reduce chronic stress, anxiety and insomnia and improve memory and cognition.
Source: Nutrition, Food and Diet in Ageing and Longevity
400-500 mg/dayfor Type 2 diabetes
Ashwagandha withanolides possess anti-hyperglycemic activity. Low oral doses cause anti-hyperglycemic action by stimulating insulin release from pancreatic cells. At 400 mg/day dose, it significantly decreased fasting blood glucose and serum triglycerides.
Source: Nutrition, Food and Diet in Ageing and Longevity