Sensoril® Aswagandha

Journal of the American Nutraceutical Association

Auddy B, et al. A Standardized Withania Somnifera Extract Significantly Reduces Stress-Related Parameters in Chronically Stressed Humans: A Double-Blind, Randomized, Placebo-Controlled Study. 2008;11(1):50-56.

Topic:
Can Sensoril® (a standardized extract of Withania somnifera, common name ashwagandha) help relieve symptoms of stress?

Background:
Ashwaganda has a long tradition of use in Asia for treating stress. Is Sensoril, a proprietary standardized extract of ashwagandha, efficacious in a modern clinical trial?

Study Type:
Human clinical intervention trial

Study Design:
Double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled. Subjects took Sensoril or a placebo. Their stress levels were measured at baseline and at 30 and 60 days.

Subjects:
130 chronically stressed subjects (98 completed)

Dosage:
125 once daily, 125 twice daily, or 250 mg of Sensoril twice daily, or a placebo, for 60 days

Results:
Subjects taking the lowest dose saw significant reductions on the Hamilton Anxiety Scale (HAM-A), and in their levels of cortisol (a stress hormone) and Creactive protein (a marker of inflammation), as well as their pulse rates and blood pressure, compared to placebo. They also had significant increases in DHEA (a hormone that may improve memory and mood) and hemoglobin (a blood protein that transports oxygen).The group taking the higher doses had even greater (dose-dependent) responses on all these measures. Subjects taking the Sensoril experienced less fatigue, headache and muscle pain, sleeplessness, forgetfulness, feelings of doom, and irritability than the control group. In addition, they had better appetite and concentration. There were no reports of adverse side effects.

Conclusion:
Our findings that WSE reduces experiential feelings of stress and anxiety at all dosage levels tested supports the traditional claims of WSE’s antistressadaptogenic effect.

Sensoril® Mechanism of Action:

Sensoril contains active constituents called glycowithanolides. A type of steroidal lactone, glycowithanolides imitate certain corticosteroids (steroid hormones produced in the adrenal cortex). These corticosteriods function to shut off the stress response, protecting the body against the harmful effects of prolonged stress or overreaction to stressors. As a result of their mimicking action, glycowithanolides decrease serum cortisol (a stress hormone), pulse rate, and blood pressure — and increase serum DHEA, a neurosteroid that improves mood.