May 5, 2020

A randomized, double-blind prospective trial published on February 23, 2020 in the journal Cureus found improvement in sleep, alertness and quality of life among older men and women treated with the herb ashwagandha.

Ashwagandha is one of the most important herbs used in Ayurveda, the traditional medicine system of India. Ashwagandha is often thought of as supporting general well-being and rejuvenation and may therefore be helpful to aging individuals. It has been found to increase testosterone levels and lower cortisol levels in humans, lengthen the life of roundworms and increase the activity of telomerase (an enzyme that lengthens telomeres, protective genetic material that caps and protects the ends of chromosomes) in cell cultures.

“Ashwagandha, scientifically known as Withania somnifera, commonly known as Indian ginseng or winter cherry is one of the most revered herbs of Ayurveda,” Sunil B. Kelgane and his associates wrote. “Over centuries, this herb has been used as a ‘rasayana’ or rejuvenator and aided in promoting health and longevity.”

The trial included 50 men and women between the ages of 65 to 80 years. Half of the group received ashwagandha root extract twice per day and the remainder received a placebo for 12 weeks. Quality of life, daytime sleepiness, sleep quality and mental alertness upon rising were evaluated at the beginning of the trial, at four and eight weeks and at the end of the treatment period.

Quality of life, including global, physical, psychological, social and environmental aspects, significantly improved from baseline levels among the group that received ashwagandha. In comparison with the placebo, sleep quality and mental alertness improved in the ashwagandha-treated group. Ashwagandha was well tolerated and reported as safe and beneficial by those who received it.

“The outcome of the present study suggests significant improvement of sleep condition, mental alertness and quality of life in elderly participants who received ashwagandha root extract in comparison to those who took a placebo,” the authors concluded. “Therefore, ashwagandha root extract could be an acceptable and admirable alternative supplement in improving various age-related health issues and may boost overall general well-being in an elderly person.”