Nutrients & Supplements
Ashwagandha
An adaptogenic herb used to reduce stress and cortisol levels.
Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera) is a prominent adaptogenic herb in Ayurvedic medicine, classified as a rasayana (rejuvenative). Its active compounds, withanolides, modulate the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis, reducing cortisol levels and promoting stress resilience. Clinical trials demonstrate significant reductions in perceived stress, anxiety (GAD-7 scores), and serum cortisol with root extract supplementation (300-600 mg/day). KSM-66 and Sensoril are the most studied standardized extracts. Emerging evidence suggests benefits for sleep quality, cognitive function, and exercise performance.