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.
The herbals ashwagandha, rhodiola, and panax ginseng have been found to increase dopamine levels, promoting improved focus and increased energy while enhancing endurance and stamina.
Acetylcholine is a neurotransmitter used for cell-to-cell communication in the brain. It is vital to normal cognitive function. Some medications used to treat Alzheimer's inhibit the enzyme that breaks down acetylcholine, boosting its levels. Ashwagandha also blocks this enzyme, increasing acetylcholine levels.
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.
With regard to its antidepressant effects, the same study demonstrated that Ashwagandha can have antidepressant effects similar to those shown by imipramine.
Ashwagandha can also cause blood sugar levels to drop rapidly. Low blood sugar results in physical weakness, mental dullness, and confusion, which are all symptoms known to increase the likelihood of depression.
Ashwangandha has life-extending properties. Research studies at universities in Japan show that this herb regenerates nerve cells and dendrite growth throughout the brain and body. This power makes Ashwagandha a frontline treatment for neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer and Parkinson Disease.
Ashwagandha is used to tone, support, and revitalise all bodily functions. It has been revered over time for its dual capacity to energise and calm at the same time. When taken in the morning Ashwagandha creates energy for the day ahead, yet at the same time calms down a hyper and over-active nervous system.
Ashwagandharishta prepared from it is used in hysteria, anxiety, memory loss, syncope, etc. It also acts as a stimulant and increases the sperm count (Sharma, 1938).
Ashwagandha can take 2 weeks to start feeling the effects. However, some find it takes anywhere from 6 weeks to 12 weeks for it to work.
In the current study, an examination of hormonal changes over time demonstrated that ashwagandha supplementation over an 8-week period was associated with 15% higher levels of salivary testosterone and 18% higher levels of DHEA-S compared to placebo.
Some clinical research shows that taking ashwagandha can reduce some symptoms of anxiety or anxious mood. 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.
Despite TikTok users claiming to feel a lack of emotion while taking ashwagandha, California pharmacist Ariana Medizade, who is a medical advisory liaison for a company that sells supplements, told Buzzfeed News it is uncommon for people to feel emotionally blunted while taking proper doses of ashwagandha.
Some people report that ashwagandha makes them slightly sleepy, or even a little dizzy, with an irregular heartbeat. Other studies have reported that it's generally well-tolerated, with few side effects, but that some more research may be necessary for the long term.
What are dopamine antagonists? Dopamine antagonists are drugs that bind to and block dopamine receptors (on the receiving nerve cell) in your brain. This means they block or stop dopamine from being received by the next nerve cell. Many antipsychotic drugs are dopamine antagonists.
Reducing symptoms of mental health conditions
Ashwagandha can help alleviate mental health conditions' symptoms when accompanied by other treatment options, including depression and schizophrenia . When it eases these symptoms, it can improve your overall well-being.
Ashwagandha does not begin working immediately. In fact, according to most studies, results typically appear within 4-12 weeks. Still, some may feel a difference before then. Of course, there are factors that contribute to how long before it begins working.
Curcumin. Curcumin is the main active ingredient in the Indian spice turmeric (Curcuma longa). Curcumin increases levels of both dopamine and serotonin, two brain chemicals linked to depression. Studies have found it to be as effective as Prozac for treating major depressive disorder.