Studies related to Cognition and Ashwagandha

Effect Of Standardized Aqueous Extract Of Withania Somnifera On Tests Of Cognitive And Psychomotor Performance In Healthy Human Participants

In a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled crossover trial, 20 healthy, male participants were assigned to take placebo, 1,000 mg of an aqueous extract of ashwagandha roots and leaves daily for 14 days, before crossing over after a washout period of 14 days, The extract was standardized to contain not less than 10% withanolide glycosides, not more than 0.5% withaferin-A, and not less than 32% oligosaccharides.

The change in reaction time in cognitive and psychomotor tests, together, were the primary outcome. Compared with the placebo group, there were statistically significant improvements in reaction time for the simple reaction test, choice discrimination test, digit symbol substitution test, digit vigilance task, and card sorting test. This, however, didn't translate to improved accuracy.

There were no observed differences in adverse events.