Arjuna Natural has released the results of a new clinical study, which reveals the anxiety and stress-reducing effect of its Shoden brand ashwagandha extract.
Notably, the ashwagandha-based nutraceutical exhibited efficacy at a low dose of 60mg.
The company has also conducted safety testing on the ingredient in animals — including acute and subchronic toxicity studies — finding the extract to have a favourable safety profile.
Ashwagandha: an ancient Ayurvedic medicine
In the modern world, stress and anxiety are feelings that many people experience on a daily basis, though not everybody is eligible or keen to take medication.
Therefore, an increasing number of consumers are beginning to seek natural, science-backed solutions to help them unwind and de-stress.
Withania somnifera, otherwise known as ashwagandha, has roots in Ayurvedic medicine, and has been used for centuries as a holistic medicine.
Therefore, Arjuna Natural wanted to provide the nutraceutical industry with an efficacious extract based on the functional ingredient.
To assess the quality of its botanical, 60 healthy adults with high levels of self-reported stress and anxiety were given a daily dose of the ingredient for 60 days — with individuals receiving a dose of either 60 or 120mg.
After the 60 day period, study participants experienced a 59% reduction in their anxiety levels compared to the placebo group according to the Hamilton Anxiety Rating Scale (HAMA).
Volunteers also experienced a notable drop in blood cortisol levels, with the 60mg and 120mg group experiencing a 66–67% decrease in cortisol levels, whereas the placebo group experienced a 2.2% decrease.
This highlights the potential of ingredient at low doses, which can simplify the formulation process.
The stress-busting potential of Shoden
As well as diminishing anxiety, Shoden was proven to reduce stress levels in study participants, which was determined through the perceived stress scale.
There were also significant improvements in the clinical global impressions — a comparative measure of a subject's overall functioning before and after intervention — of those consuming the extract.
Joint Managing Director of Arjuna Natural, Benny Antony, commented: “This study represents a significant advancement in our understanding of the profound effects that low-dose Shoden Ashwagandha can have in managing stress and anxiety,”
“That these benefits were achieved at such a low dose underscores the exceptional work done by our research team in offering an optimal solution for formulators seeking science-backed stress-relief products.”
Low dosage proves effective
The results of this study follow the positive outcomes of an earlier clinical trial, which assessed the benefits of a 240mg dose of Shoden.
This recent study suggests that 60mg of this ashwagandha extract is sufficient to provide the calming effects commonly associated with ashwagandha.
Earlier research indicates that withanolide glycosides are the active element of ashwagandha, working to reduce cortisol levels.
“Prolonged exposure to high levels of cortisol is known to exert detrimental effects on mental and physical wellbeing,” explained Benny. “It leads to increased feelings of anxiety which over long periods of time will decrease the quality of life. Withanolides can increase the activity of certain neurotransmitters, or ‘happy’ hormones, such as serotonin, acetylcholine and GABA all of which can help regulate the HPA axis, keeping cortisol in check and reducing stress."
Recently, there has been a notable wave of countries that have banned ashwagandha as a dietary supplement, so Arjuna Natural is putting its extract through long-term testing to assess its impact on humans.
“We are currently conducting human clinical trials to further establish the long- term safety of Shoden, which continues to demonstrate an efficacy without compromising safety.” Concluded Benny.