Ashwagandha may have beneficial effects on brain health by promoting the formation of neurons and enhancing neuroprotection, but the clinical evidence is somewhat mixed. In studies where ashwagandha (200–400 mg daily for 1–3 months) enhanced CNS activity and cognition, other factors such as cortisol, quality of life, sleep quality, and subjective measures of stress also improved, as would be expected. However, outcomes such as appetite, anxiety symptoms, short-term memory, serum BDNF, impulsivity, and alertness also saw some benefits in these studies, but to a much lesser extent that can’t be generalized to the broader population at this time.[1][2][3][4][5][6]
Does ashwagandha affect brain health?
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•Last Updated: May 16, 2025
Ashwagandha may promote brain health by enhancing neuroprotection and neurogenesis, as evidenced by increased antioxidant activity and the stimulation of BDNF production in animal models. However, human studies show mixed results, with some improvements in cognitive function and related factors, but these benefits are not universally applicable.