Commonly known as ashwagandha, withania somnifera is shrub whose active compounds are known for easing stress and enhancing sleep quality.
However, the low solubility of certain active compounds, particularly withanolides, has presented absorption challenges.
Withanolides are the primary phytochemicals in the plant, and have proven to possess antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties.
Arjuna’s flagship and proprietary ashwagandha extract, branded under Shoden, is said to be a highly purified extract standardised to over 35% glycowithanolides (withanolide glycosides), which are found in the roots of the withania somnifera plant.
In a new clinical study published in peer-reviewed journal Heliyon, the positive effect of Shoden ashwagandha extract in alleviating stress and anxiety was highlighted. Notably, it exhibited efficacy even at low doses.
The randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial involved 60 healthy adults complaining of higher-than-normal levels of stress and anxiety.
Conducted at Nirmal Hospital, Jhansi in India, the study investigated Shoden’s efficacy in reducing stress and anxiety at low daily doses of 60mg (AE60 group) and 120mg (AE120 group).
Following 60 days of supplementation, participants in the AE60 and AE120 groups demonstrated substantial decreases (59%) in anxiety, and in stress levels (53% and 62% respectively), compared to the placebo group.
Additionally, morning serum cortisol levels significantly lowered by 66% and 67% in the AE60 and AE120 groups respectively, while the placebo group only exhibited a 2.2% change in cortisol (hormone involved in stress response).
In comparison with the placebo group, testosterone levels in male participants increased by 22% and 33% in the AE60 and AE120 groups respectively.
Although there was a non-significant trend favouring the higher dosage of 120mg over the 60mg dose in reducing stress and anxiety, the overall results suggested that both doses are effective.
“This study represents an important advancement in our understanding of the profound effects that low-dose Shoden ashwagandha can have in managing stress and anxiety.
“The fact that these benefits were achieved at such low doses underscores the exceptional work done by our research team in offering an optimal solution for formulators seeking science-backed stress-relief products,” said Dr Benny Antony, co-founder and Joint Managing Director of Arjuna Natural.
This latest research builds on the results from an earlier clinical trial involving a 240mg dose of Shoden
Earlier research has also identified withanolide glycosides as contributors to beneficial effects on stress, lowering cortisol levels through modulation of the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis and counteracting some of the negative impact of cortisol.
“Prolonged exposure to high levels of cortisol is known to exert detrimental effects on mental and physical well-being. It leads to increased feelings of anxiety, which over long periods of time will decrease the quality of life.
“Withanolides can increase the activity of certain neurotransmitters, or ‘happy hormones’ such as serotonin, acetylcholine, and gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA), all of which can help regulate the HPA axis and keep cortisol in check.”
Safe and sustainable
According to Arjuna, Shoden is backed by 11 studies and 23 patents for its “unique formulation and manufacturing methods”.
“We have conducted extensive safety studies on Shoden. This includes acute and subchronic toxicity (harmful effects of repeated exposure to a toxic substance) animal studies, which have demonstrated excellent safety profiles. We are currently conducting human clinical trials to further establish the long-term safety of the extract,” Dr Antony added.
The company emphasises that Shoden is made from “carefully selected and validated” ashwagandha roots and leaves to ensure zero waste and maximum economic value for its partner farmers.
For instance, it actively engages with farmers to provide training on Good Agricultural Practices (GAP), including sustainable and responsible cultivation practices that maintain the health of the soil and ecosystem.
This collaboration strengthens the livelihood of farmers, while enabling Arjuna to secure high-quality ingredients for its formulations.
