Ashwagandha & Cognition

As we get older, it’s normal for our memory to slip a bit. Ashwagandha, a natural herb used in Ayurvedic medicine, has long been used to sharpen memory and enhance cognition.

Objective: In this pilot study, the goal was to see how effective and safe Ashwagandha was in improving memory and cognitive performance in adults with mild cognitive impairment (MCI).

Method: Researchers conducted a study with 50 adults. For eight weeks, half were given ashwagandha root extract (300 mg twice a day) and the other half a placebo.

Results: After eight weeks, the group taking ashwagandha showed significant improvement in both immediate and general memory when compared to the placebo group. This was evident in several memory-related tests. The ashwagandha group also showed major improvements in executive function, attention, and information processing speed.

Conclusions: Ashwagandha could be effective in improving both immediate and general memory in people with MCI. It may also improve executive function, attention, and information processing speed.

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