Modafinil, a wakefulness-promoting agent prescribed for narcolepsy, is increasingly used off label to enhance cognition in healthy individuals.
As modafinil promotes wakefulness, it may seem surprising that some users experience excessive fatigue and drowsiness while taking the drug.
However, while modafinil is considered to be relatively safe and well-tolerated, this is not always the case. Some individuals have experienced extreme fatigue while taking modafinil, with some to the point where they are unable to work.
While some of these adverse effects usually are due to misuse of the medication, other cases appear to have been related to drug interactions.
Severe Fatigue With Modafinil
One case report documented a 30-year-old man with a history of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) who was prescribed modafinil. While he initially experienced increased alertness, he began experiencing significant sleepiness, to the point where he was unable to work.
The symptoms continued even when he took a reduced dose of the medication, and worsened when the medication was stopped. The patient was hospitalized and, along with his wife, was treated for severe fatigue.
The patient's physicians determined that the simultaneous use of modafinil along with a prescription for sleep medication and amphetamines had led to his severe fatigue basically caused by overstimulation.
The case report concluded that the use of modafinil to treat ADHD is not without risk, and that users should be aware of the risks associated with the medication when combined with other drugs.
Mood Changes And Extreme Fatigue
A case report involving another individual who experienced extreme fatigue while taking modafinil involved a 28-year-old man who, after being diagnosed with bipolar disorder, was prescribed the drug.
Although he had no history of psychiatric disorders prior to his treatment with modafinil, he experienced abnormal mood, decreased functional ability and propensity to engage in impulsive behavior while taking the drug.
He was diagnosed with bipolar disorder and prescribed olanzapine, another medication used to treat psychosis.
However, his symptoms were not adequately controlled and he continued to experience mood changes and psychosis even while taking olanzapine. The use of modafinil was discontinued, and the patient's psychotic symptoms resolved.
The case report concludes that modafinil may be associated with somnolence and psychiatric side effects, such as fatigue, lethargy, mania or apathy.
How To Prevent Getting Tired
If the onset of fatigue while taking modafinil seems to be related to drug interactions, discontinue the use of any drugs that may be interacting with the medication or that may have been prescribed to treat symptoms associated with modafinil use should help alleviate feelings of fatigue.
Increased exercise and modification of diet are two other ways to potentially reduce fatigue during modafinil treatment.
If you have any pre-existing sleep disorders or medical conditions, speak with your physician before taking modafinil.
If you experience fatigue while taking modafinil, discontinue the use of the medication and speak to a healthcare provider about potential alternatives.
In this article I'm going to share what I have learned so far from cycling Modafinil on and off for months now, the results I achieved and my conclusions on whether it's worth doing or not.
This is not a first-time user's guide to Modafinil. I will assume you are already familiar with how it works, and the effects in general.
This article is about running Modafinil on a cycle, something you might want to try at some point if you decide to use this drug for an extended period of time.
Note: For those of you who prefer to use Modafinil as a pure stimulant on its own, I suggest that you at least stack it with caffeine (they work awesome synergistically and you get more out of your dosages).
So without further ado let's just jump straight into it, shall we?
How Long Should You Be On Modafinil For?
While I am a long-time Modafinil user and have the 'advantage' of having tried many other similar Smart Drug in the past, I've never actually tried to go all-out and run Modafinil for an extended period of time.
That is until I read on a forum on Reddit that someone ran it for 6 months straight without any negative side effects or tolerance build-up. Pretty spectacular if you ask me.
So I decided to give it a try, and run it for around 3 months and everything went great without any negative side effects.
How To Cycle Modafinil (Personal Experience)
First off, I went to get my blood work done which is a must if you're going to push the limits and experiment with smart drugs.
Everything came out fine, so I decided to proceed with creating my dosage schedule. Here's how it looked:
Monday through friday (50 mg Modafinil)
Saturday and sunday off
Rinse and repeat
I took my dosage around 8 am every single day with a cup of coffee. Also, both Saturday and Sunday were 'stimulant-free' off-days without any Modafinil, caffeine etc.
On Sunday I did 24-hour water fast, only consuming electrolytes and water to clear out the system and to get ready for the next day.
The next day I broke my fast with bone broth. Waited until around noon when I took 50mg of Modafinil. That's pretty much it. That's how I cycled Modafinil.
Additional Thoughts And Reflections
I think the reason why this little experiment was a success, is due to a few factors such as:
First off, I used a very moderate dose at 50mg. The recommended dosage for patients who get prescribed Modafinil is around 100 to 200mg (sometimes twice a day).
I eat a KETO diet high in fats with plenty of eggs (eggs are filled with Choline which might explain why I didn't experience any headaches etc.)
I eat OMAD (one meal a day) so my energy levels are stable throughout the day
I didn't go overboard with the dosage once I felt Modafinil working. I kept it consistently at 50mg and took days off (I followed the schedule to a tee).
After 3 months of running Modafinil consistently I took another 3 months completely off Modafinil
All in all, I think that a low dosage combined with a high-quality diet and healthy lifestyle means I was able to avoid the nasty pitfalls of Modafinil. So I definitely consider this little experiment a success.
Nootropics can cause a variety of side effects, from mild ones like headaches to more serious complications like an increased risk for heart disease. Certain classes of nootropics may be associated with causing high blood pressure or stroke, while others are linked to the potential for weight gain and mood swings.
In this article, I'll take a closer look at some of the most popular classes of nootropics and whether they cause blood pressure problems, as well as discuss how to safely use them.
So without further ado, let's just get straight into it, shall we?
How Nootropics Can Affect Blood Pressure
When it comes to nootropics, there are a variety of different chemicals that can be classified as such. Some of the most popular nootropics include racetams, ampakines, and cholinergics.
Each of these classes of nootropics can affect blood pressure in different ways.
For example, racetams may increase blood pressure levels while ampakines have the potential to lower blood pressure.
One thing to keep in mind is that not all people will experience the same effects from nootropics.
Some people may be more sensitive to the effects than others, so it's important to start off with a low dose and work your way up if needed.
Nootropics and High Blood Pressure
There is some evidence that suggests certain nootropics may increase the risk for high blood pressure or stroke.
Racetams, for example, are known to have vasoconstriction properties.
This means that they can cause blood vessels to constrict or narrow, which increases blood pressure.
Although the exact mechanism is unknown, it may be related to racetam's influence on neurotransmitters or its ability to lower acetylcholine levels.
Ampakines, on the other hand, may have the potential to decrease blood pressure levels.
One study found that rats who were given ampakines had a sustained drop in blood pressure for up to 5 hours after administration.
However, more research is needed to determine whether these findings apply to humans as well.
Nootropics and Low Blood Pressure
As briefly mentioned above, some nootropics have been found to cause a drop in blood pressure when taken.
In fact, one study discovered that when administered, ampakines caused a significant decrease in blood pressure.
It's important to note that the same may not be true for humans, as this has yet to be confirmed.
If you are taking any medications for blood pressure, it's important to consult with your doctor before starting nootropics.
In some cases, the combination of nootropics and blood pressure medications may lead to adverse effects.
However, this is not always the case and varies from person to person.
In very rare cases, this could put someone at risk for a hypertensive crisis which can be fatal if not treated immediately.
If you're concerned about the effects of nootropics on your blood pressure, it's important to consult a doctor.
They can determine whether or not the nootropics you're considering are safe to take with your current medications.
If they have any concerns about this, be sure to seek out a second opinion from another doctor as well.
In this article, I'll talk about what L-Theanine is, what it's used for, and whether or not it's a nootropic (a drug that enhances cognition).
I'll also go over some of the common questions about L-Theanine and explain why I think people should buy this supplement.
So without further ado, let's just get straight into it, shall we?
L-theanine's Nootropic Properties
L-Theanine is an amino acid that is naturally found in green tea, as well as many other plants such as chickpeas and mushrooms.
This amino acid is believed to promote positive feelings as well as relaxation, which is why many people take it to reduce stress and anxiety.
Psychopharmacology research has demonstrated that L-Theanine can also improve attention performance in healthy volunteers.
A study also found that L-theanine boosts alpha waves in the brain, which is an indicator of a relaxed state.
Yes, L-theanine is considered a Nootropic. In fact, L-theanine is a fairly well-known nootropic that many people take to reduce anxiety and improve cognitive function.
It's also quite commonly used as a pre-workout supplement by people in the body-building community.
When L-theanine is stacked with caffeine, it's believed to increase focus and cognitive function without making you feel nervous or jittery
The reason for this is that L-theanine works primarily as an antagonist to the dominant chemical in green tea called L-theanine (catechins).
You may also know L-theanine as a relaxation supplement. This is because it helps reduce stress and anxiety, which improves your mood.
L-theanine is said to work by promoting the production of alpha brain waves, which are very relaxed and meditative states. Alpha brain waves are associated with creativity and expanded consciousness.
When you take L-theanine, it is believed to improve your mood and promote a relaxed state of mind without causing drowsiness.
This also means that L-theanine can be taken alongside caffeine without causing any jitteriness or nervousness.
I think that anyone who wants to improve their attention and concentration should consider buying this supplement.
When you stack it with caffeine that's when you really start to see the positive cognitive effects of L-theanine.
L-theanine and caffeine work synergistically which means that the cognitive benefits of each supplement are increased when they're used together.
Specifically, the cognitive benefits of L-theanine include improved attention and focus as well as a reduction in stress and anxiety.
The cognitive benefits of caffeine include alertness, wakefulness, and an increased ability to process information.
In this article I'll be discussing the 4 side effects of Mind Lab Pro that I've experienced. I'll also recommend quick fixes for these if you're experiencing any of them yourself.
Before we dive into the nitty gritty, it's worth noting that this is only my personal experience, some of you may experience all, some, or none of these side effects.
So without further ado, let's just get straight into it, shall we?
Mind Lab Pro Side Effects
1) Headaches
The first thing I noticed when taking Mind Lab Pro is that I was constantly having headaches.
I don't know why this is since Mind Lab Pro contains choline (choline usually prevents people from getting headaches).
The only way I've found to get rid of headaches completely is to take a choline supplement in high doses (Alpha-GPC).
Now, it's worth pointing out that it might be a genetic thing. I usually always experience some sort of headache when I take Nootropics.
If you experience headaches like me just take a high-quality choline source. Eating a high-fat diet (keto) also helps.
2) Muscle Aches and Cramps
Secondly, I started experiencing muscle aches and cramps whenever I do high-intensity workouts.
This used to happen when taking nootropics in the past, too.
Apparently, it's because of the increase of dopamine levels (dopamine is a neurotransmitter which plays a role in the control of muscle movement).
I fixed it by consuming saltwater (Sodium, Potassium and Magnesium). Any Electrolyte Powder will fix this problem.
3) Diarrhea
Thirdly, I also experienced diarrhea whenever I took Mind Lab Pro.
This has happened to me before with other nootropics. However, it got especially bad with Mind Lab Pro. I usually get diarrhea whenever I take a high dose of L-theanine, so that might explain it.
If you experience diarrhea while taking this supplement, then just reduce the dosage. A lower dosage usually fixes this problem.
4) Nervousness
Lastly, I experienced nervousness whenever I took Mind Lab Pro. I believe that Mind Lab Pro is dosed so high in comparison to most other nootropics because of how potent it is.
If you experience nervousness just reduce the dosage or take a choline source (that's what I do).
How To Avoid Mind Lab Pro Side Effects
I take Mind Lab Pro for about 4 weeks at a time and then take a break (usually 10 days).
If you want to take Mind Lab Pro on a daily basis then my advice is to cycle it for the best effects. Just make sure you always take it with breakfast or at least an hour after waking up.
As mentioned above, you can take Mind Lab Pro in the morning with breakfast or an empty stomach.
Make sure to always take 1 capsule/day in the beginning. Alternatively, you can also split up your dosage into 2 capsules - taking one in the morning and one in the afternoon.
It's important to start out low and then slowly increase the dosage as you get used to it. The same goes for how frequently you take it (daily vs weekly).
It's also recommended that you cycle your Mind Lab Pro usage so the positives of taking it outweigh the negatives.
I recommend taking 1 capsule every morning for 4 weeks then taking a break. Then, cycle for 3-4 cycles and take Mind Lab Pro again.
This will allow you to experience all of its benefits without experiencing any side effects.
Nootropics, often referred to as "smart drugs" or cognitive enhancers, have gained significant popularity in recent years. As more people turn to these substances to boost their mental performance, questions about their side effects, including headaches, have become increasingly common. This comprehensive review aims to explore the relationship between nootropics and headaches, providing valuable insights for both novice and experienced users.
How Do Nootropics Affect the Brain?
Nootropics encompass a wide range of substances, both natural and synthetic, designed to enhance cognitive function. These compounds work by modulating neurotransmitter systems, improving cerebral blood flow, or protecting neurons from damage. Common nootropics include racetams, cholinergics, adaptogens, and various herbal extracts. Each class of nootropics interacts with the brain in unique ways, potentially influencing the occurrence of headaches.[1]
How Do Different Types of Nootropics Interact with Neural Pathways?
Different nootropics target specific neural pathways and neurotransmitter systems. For example, racetams like piracetam and aniracetam are thought to enhance cholinergic function and modulate glutamate receptors. Cholinergics such as alpha-GPC increase acetylcholine levels in the brain. Adaptogens like Rhodiola Rosea help regulate stress responses. These diverse mechanisms of action can have varying effects on cerebral blood flow, neurotransmitter balance, and overall brain function, which may contribute to or alleviate headaches in some individuals.[2]
Can Nootropics Trigger Headaches?
While many users report positive experiences with nootropics, headaches are indeed a potential side effect for some individuals. The occurrence of headaches can depend on various factors, including the specific nootropic used, dosage, individual physiology, and concurrent use of other substances.
What Are the Common Nootropics Associated with Headaches?
Certain nootropics are more commonly associated with headaches than others. Racetams, particularly when used without adequate choline supplementation, are often cited as potential headache triggers. Some users report headaches with high doses of caffeine or L-theanine. Modafinil, a popular wakefulness-promoting agent, can also cause headaches in some individuals. It's important to note that while these substances may trigger headaches in some users, others may experience no such side effects.
How Do Dosage and Individual Factors Influence Headache Occurrence?
Dosage plays a crucial role in the likelihood of experiencing headaches from nootropics. Exceeding recommended doses can increase the risk of side effects, including headaches. Individual factors such as sensitivity to certain compounds, pre-existing conditions, and overall health status can also influence susceptibility to nootropic-induced headaches. Hydration levels, sleep quality, and stress can further modulate the body's response to nootropics and the potential for headaches.
Mechanisms Behind Nootropic-Induced Headaches
Understanding the mechanisms behind nootropic-induced headaches can help users and healthcare providers better manage and prevent these side effects. Several theories exist to explain why some nootropics might trigger headaches in certain individuals.
How Do Nootropics Affect Cerebral Blood Flow and Pressure?
Many nootropics, particularly those that enhance cognitive function by increasing cerebral blood flow, can potentially lead to headaches. Substances like vinpocetine or Ginkgo biloba, which are known to improve brain circulation, might cause temporary changes in intracranial pressure. These changes can trigger headaches in sensitive individuals. Additionally, nootropics that modulate neurotransmitter levels, such as dopamine or serotonin, can indirectly affect blood vessel dilation and contraction, potentially leading to headaches.
What Role Does Neurotransmitter Modulation Play in Headache Formation?
Nootropics often work by altering neurotransmitter levels or receptor sensitivity. This modulation can sometimes lead to an imbalance, potentially triggering headaches. For instance, excessive glutamate activity, which can be influenced by certain racetams, may contribute to tension-type headaches. Similarly, changes in serotonin levels, affected by nootropics like 5-HTP or St. John's Wort, can impact headache occurrence. Understanding these mechanisms can help in tailoring nootropic regimens to minimize the risk of headaches.
Preventing and Managing Nootropic-Induced Headaches
While headaches can be a concern for nootropic users, several strategies can help prevent and manage this side effect. Proper supplementation, dosage adjustment, and lifestyle factors all play crucial roles in minimizing the risk of nootropic-induced headaches.
What Supplementation Strategies Can Help Prevent Headaches?
One of the most effective strategies for preventing nootropic-induced headaches is ensuring proper choline supplementation, especially when using racetams. Choline serves as a precursor to acetylcholine, a neurotransmitter heavily involved in cognitive processes. Inadequate choline levels can lead to headaches in some users. Additionally, combining nootropics with neuroprotective antioxidants like Vitamin C or E may help reduce the likelihood of headaches. Magnesium supplementation has also shown promise in preventing and alleviating various types of headaches.
How Can Users Adjust Their Nootropic Stack to Minimize Headache Risk?
Adjusting the nootropic stack can significantly reduce the risk of headaches. Start with lower doses and gradually increase to find the optimal level. Cycling nootropics, or taking regular breaks, can prevent tolerance and reduce the likelihood of side effects. If a particular nootropic consistently causes headaches, consider alternatives with similar benefits but different mechanisms of action. For example, if racetams trigger headaches, adaptogens like Bacopa Monnieri might be a suitable alternative for cognitive enhancement.
User Experiences and Anecdotal Evidence
While scientific studies provide valuable insights, user experiences and anecdotal evidence offer practical perspectives on nootropics and headaches. Online forums and communities dedicated to nootropics are rich sources of information on this topic.
What Do User Reports Reveal About Nootropics and Headaches?
User reports vary widely, reflecting the diverse responses individuals have to nootropics. Many users report no issues with headaches, while others describe them as a common side effect. Some users find that headaches diminish with continued use, suggesting an adaptation period. Others report that certain combinations of nootropics are more likely to cause headaches than individual substances. These anecdotal accounts, while not scientifically rigorous, can provide valuable insights into the real-world experiences of nootropic users.
How Do Experienced Users Manage Nootropic-Related Headaches?
Experienced nootropic users have developed various strategies to manage headaches. Some report success with pre-emptive measures such as ensuring proper hydration and electrolyte balance. Others find that taking nootropics with food can reduce the likelihood of headaches. Many users emphasize the importance of sleep quality and stress management in preventing nootropic-induced headaches. Some experienced users also recommend keeping a detailed log of nootropic use, dosages, and side effects to identify patterns and optimize their regimen.
Nootropics That May Help Alleviate Headaches
Interestingly, while some nootropics can cause headaches, others may actually help alleviate them. Understanding these potential benefits can be valuable for individuals seeking cognitive enhancement without exacerbating headache issues.
Which Nootropics Show Promise in Headache Prevention or Treatment?
Several nootropics have shown potential in preventing or treating headaches. Magnesium, often considered a nootropic for its cognitive benefits, has been extensively studied for its role in migraine prevention. Omega-3 fatty acids, particularly EPA and DHA, may help reduce the frequency and intensity of headaches. Coenzyme Q10, known for its neuroprotective properties, has also shown promise in migraine prevention. Some users report that low doses of caffeine combined with L-theanine can help alleviate tension headaches while providing cognitive benefits.[3]
How Do These Headache-Alleviating Nootropics Work?
The mechanisms by which these nootropics alleviate headaches vary. Magnesium, for instance, helps regulate neurotransmitter release and reduces cerebral blood vessel constriction. Omega-3 fatty acids have anti-inflammatory properties that may help reduce headache intensity. Coenzyme Q10 improves mitochondrial function and reduces oxidative stress, which may play a role in migraine prevention. Understanding these mechanisms can help users make informed decisions about incorporating these substances into their nootropic regimen, especially if headaches are a concern.
The Role of Lifestyle Factors in Nootropic-Induced Headaches
While the focus is often on the nootropics themselves, lifestyle factors play a crucial role in determining how an individual responds to these substances, including the likelihood of experiencing headaches.
How Do Diet, Sleep, and Stress Impact Nootropic Effectiveness and Side Effects?
Diet, sleep, and stress levels can significantly influence the effectiveness of nootropics and the occurrence of side effects like headaches. A balanced diet rich in nutrients supports overall brain health and may enhance the positive effects of nootropics while reducing adverse reactions. Adequate sleep is crucial for cognitive function and can influence how the body processes nootropics. High stress levels can exacerbate headaches and may interact negatively with certain nootropics. Users should consider these factors when assessing their nootropic regimen and any associated headaches.
What Lifestyle Changes Can Complement Nootropic Use and Reduce Headache Risk?
Implementing lifestyle changes can complement nootropic use and potentially reduce the risk of headaches. Regular exercise has been shown to improve cognitive function and may enhance the effects of nootropics while reducing stress-related headaches. Mindfulness practices like meditation can help manage stress and may reduce the frequency of tension headaches. Maintaining proper hydration is crucial, as dehydration can exacerbate headaches and interfere with the body's ability to process nootropics effectively. These lifestyle factors, when optimized, can create a synergistic effect with nootropics, potentially enhancing benefits while minimizing side effects like headaches.
Conclusion
The relationship between nootropics and headaches is complex and multifaceted. While some users may experience headaches as a side effect of certain nootropics, others find relief from headaches through nootropic use. The variability in individual responses highlights the importance of personalized approaches to cognitive enhancement.
Key takeaways from this review include:
Not all nootropics cause headaches, and individual responses can vary widely.
Proper dosing, choline supplementation, and stack optimization can help prevent nootropic-induced headaches.
Some nootropics, such as magnesium and omega-3 fatty acids, may actually help alleviate headaches.
Lifestyle factors play a crucial role in how individuals respond to nootropics and their propensity for headaches.
User experiences and anecdotal evidence provide valuable insights, but should be considered alongside scientific research.
For those considering nootropic use, it's crucial to approach these substances with caution and informed awareness. Starting with lower doses, carefully monitoring effects, and consulting with healthcare professionals can help minimize the risk of headaches and other potential side effects. As research in the field of nootropics continues to evolve, our understanding of their effects on brain health, including their relationship with headaches, will undoubtedly deepen.
Ultimately, the goal of nootropic use is to enhance cognitive function and overall well-being. By carefully considering the potential benefits and risks, including the possibility of headaches, users can make informed decisions about incorporating these substances into their cognitive enhancement strategies. As with any approach to health and wellness, a balanced, thoughtful, and personalized approach is key to maximizing benefits while minimizing potential drawbacks.
Yablon, Lisa A., and Alexander Mauskop. “Magnesium in headache.” Magnesium in the Central Nervous System, edited by Robert Vink et. al., University of Adelaide Press, 2011.
GABA is a neurotransmitter that helps to calm down excitatory nerve cells, which reduces feelings of anxiety and stress while promoting relaxation.
This can be especially helpful for those who are recovering from drug addiction as it allows them to cope with their withdrawal symptoms without feeling overwhelmed by fear or worry about cravings.
Shoden Ashwagandha also acts as an antioxidant by protecting neurons in the brain from oxidative damage.
Antioxidants protect healthy cells and promote increased production of neurotrophic factors, which help to create new neurons in your brain.
This is especially helpful for those recovering from addiction because it helps with neuroplasticity so that your brain can heal and form new connections as you recover.
Shoden Ashwagandha has been shown to increase focus, memory, and attention by promoting the growth of dendrites in neurons.
This helps cells communicate more effectively with each other which is an essential part of forming memories and processing information quickly and efficiently.
Shoden Ashwagandha also helps to support healthy testosterone levels in men which is beneficial for both your brain and body.
Higher testosterone leads to greater muscle mass, stronger bones, increased libido, more confidence, and better sleep quality.
5. Increased Physical Performance
According to this study, Ashwagandha was shown to increase swimming performance in rats.
The anti-stress effects of Ashwagandha have been investigated in all of these studies using adult rats subjected to a swimming endurance stress test.
The swimming duration of treated animals was significantly longer than the control group.
The control group swam for a mean of 385 minutes, whereas the mice that had received Ashwagandha continued to swim for a mean duration of 740 minutes.
When compared to the control group, the Ashwagandha treatment increased swimming duration by approximately 50%.
4. GABA-mimetic Effect
The GABA-mimetic activity of Ashwagandha root extract has been bolstered by behavioral research.
Tardive dyskinesia is a neurological syndrome caused by neuroleptic drug use. It is characterized by abnormal choreoathetosis and motor impairment, as well as alterations in the GABAergic nervous system (Gunne et al., 1993). GABA agonists have been found to help alleviate the symptoms of tardive dyskinesia.
The positive impact of the Ashwagandha root extract might be due to its GABA mimetic activity. After taking it for 7 days, ashwagandha, its components, and the metabolites of its components promote nerve development.
Chronic oral administration of withanoside IV reduced the axonal, dendritic, and synaptic losses and memory impairments induced by amyloid peptide Aβ(25–35) in mice (Kuboyama et al., 2006).
Withanoside IV was converted to sominone following oral administration in mice, which significantly improved neurites and synapses and enhanced axonal and dendritic outgrowth and synaptogenesis.
The effects were sustained for at least 7 days after stopping withanoside IV therapy.
These findings suggest that withanoside IV and its metabolite, sominone, may have medical applications as anti-dementia medicines.
3. Anxiolytic Effect
According to this study, Ashwagandha produced a soothing anxiolytic effect that was comparable to Lorazepam in all three Anxiety tests:
The elevated plus-maze
Social interaction
and feeding latency in an unfamiliar environment
Furthermore, when rat brain levels of tribulin, an endocoid marker of clinical anxiety, were increased after administration of the anxiogenic agent, pentylenetetrazole, both Ashwagandha and Lorazepam decreased them.
In two standardized tests, the ‘forced swim-induced behavioral despair' and ‘learned helplessness,' ashwagandha also demonstrated an antidepressant effect, comparable to that produced by imipramine.
The studies validate Ashwagandha's use as a mood stabilizer in anxious and depressive disorders.
The impact of Ashwagandha on glycosaminoglycan synthesis in carrageenan-induced air pouch granuloma granulation tissue was examined.
Ashwagandha was discovered to have a substantial inhibitory effect on the ribosome -35S protein incorporation into granulation tissue.
The uncoupling effect on oxidative phosphorylation (ADP/O ratio reduction) was also seen in granulation tissue's mitochondria.
Ashwagandha also reduced succinate dehydrogenase enzyme activity in granulation tissue.
Mg2+-dependence of ATPase activity was discovered to be affected by Ashwagandha.
These findings indicate that Ashwagandha is useful for improving mitochondrial health, increasing ATP generation, and promoting recovery from fatigue during periods of disease or exercise stress.
1. Anti-inflammatory Benefits
In this study, the effects of Ashwagandha on inflammation were investigated.
Tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNFα) is a cytokine produced by macrophages and lymphocytes that mediates cell activation and inflammation.
It induces apoptosis in various cells including lymphoid cells, intestinal epithelial cells, keratinocytes, and pancreatic islets.
TNFα increases the expression of a wide variety of genes involved in cell apoptosis, growth arrest, angiogenesis inhibition, invasion, and metastasis through the NF-κB signaling cascade.
Ashwagandha extract inhibited TNFα production by suppressing activation of cellular IKK/NF-κB signaling cascade.
These findings indicate that the anti-inflammatory properties of Ashwagandha root extract are mediated through inhibition of TNFα production by suppressing the cellular IKK/NF-κB pathway.
