The soothing effects of Ashwagandha suppress stress-induced increases in dopamine receptors in the brain as well as plasma corticosterone, blood urea nitrogen, and blood lactic acid.
Extracts of ashwagandha may protect the brain from damage caused by a wide range of toxins, injuries, and stroke. Oral intake improves cognitive performance in healthy adults and in those with signs of cognitive decline. Ashwagandha reduces stress and anxiety, and relieves symptoms of depression.
Along with eating a balanced diet, many possible supplements may help boost dopamine levels, including probiotics, fish oil, vitamin D, magnesium, ginkgo and ginseng. This, in turn, could help improve brain function and mental health.
Ashwagandha boosts serotonin levels in the brain. Serotonin is a neurotransmitter that plays a role in emotional and mood regulation. Low serotonin levels are linked to depression, anxiety, and bipolar disorder.
The root of Ashwagandha is regarded as tonic, aphrodisiac, narcotic, diuretic, anthelmintic, astringent, thermogenic and stimulant.
They found that participants who took 1,000 mg of ashwagandha extract daily for 12 weeks had greater reductions in depression and anxiety than those who took a placebo ( 10 ).
Ashwagandha works to support your body's innate stress management system, ultimately helping to relieve stress and ease those negative effects that can come from it, including feelings of mental fatigue and brain fog.
With regard to its antidepressant effects, the same study demonstrated that Ashwagandha can have antidepressant effects similar to those shown by imipramine. This research could justify using products made form Ashwagandha root as mood stabilizers, as well as for the treatment of depression and anxiety.
Research suggests that ashwagandha may decrease serum cortisol (stress hormone) levels (Lopresti, 2019; Chandrasekhar, 2012). Other clinical trials show that it may also significantly improve mental health, anxiety, and insomnia (Langade, 2019).
The Ayurvedic energy of ashwagandha is “heating,” meaning it tends to increase inflammation as well as “hot” emotions such as irritation and frustration — both of which contribute to anxiety.
Getting enough sleep, exercising, listening to music, meditating, and spending time in the sun can all boost dopamine levels. Overall, a balanced diet and lifestyle can go a long way in increasing your body's natural production of dopamine and helping your brain function at its best.
Foods known to increase dopamine include chicken, almonds, apples, avocados, bananas, beets, chocolate, green leafy vegetables, green tea, lima beans, oatmeal, oranges, peas, sesame and pumpkin seeds, tomatoes, turmeric, watermelon and wheat germ. Engage in activities that make you happy or feel relaxed.
Unlike many other supplements and medications, ashwagandha's benefits are not immediate. It can take days to weeks before you begin to notice its effects.
Attention deficit-hyperactivity disorder (ADHD).
Some clinical research shows that a combination herbal product containing ashwagandha may improve attention and impulse control in children with ADHD.
Ashwagandha contains chemicals that might help calm the brain, reduce swelling, lower blood pressure, and alter the immune system. Since ashwagandha is traditionally used as an adaptogen, it is used for many conditions related to stress. Adaptogens are believed to help the body resist physical and mental stress.
The soothing effects of Ashwagandha suppress stress-induced increases in dopamine receptors in the brain as well as plasma corticosterone, blood urea nitrogen, and blood lactic acid.
In preclinical studies, ashwagandha can also influence GABAergic and serotonin activity,[8,43] which have antidepressant and anxiolytic effects.
Ashwagandha is a medicinal herb that may offer several health benefits, such as improved blood sugar, inflammation, mood, memory, stress and anxiety, as well as a boost in muscle strength and fertility. Dosages vary depending on your needs, but 250–500 mg per day for at least one month seem effective.
Ashwagandha is an adaptogenic herb clinically shown to help reduce stress and regulate cortisol levels, enhance focus and mental stamina, and reduce irritability and stress-related cravings.
Preliminary research also suggests a potential effect of ashwagandha on enhancing memory and mental clarity (1). In a pilot study conducted on 50 adults with mild cognitive impairments, 600mg of daily ashwagandha supplementation significantly improved general memory, attention, and information-processing speed (1).
Research from 2021 shows that ashwagandha can calm stress and anxiety. It's an adaptogen, meaning it helps your body cope. According to research, ashwagandha also has positive effects in helping post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD ) and depression .
Ashwagandha helps to regulate neurotransmitters like serotonin, dopamine, and GABA. It is a wonderful herb to take both on its own and in combination with other herbs to get a “multiplier effect”. It is also incredibly non-toxic.
Yes, taking ashwagandha daily is safe, but people should never take it beyond the recommended doses or periods.