December 2, 2025, 9:46 am | Read time: 2 minutes
For some time now, researchers have been interested in the diverse effects of ashwagandha. The plant has been used for thousands of years in Ayurvedic medicine. A study focused on how ashwagandha is linked to central processes of aging.
What was examined? A review article published in “Biogerontology” comprehensively analyzed the effects of ashwagandha (Withania somnifera) on healthy aging.1
Ashwagandha is considered an adaptogen. This refers to a class of natural substances that improve physical and mental resilience to stress factors and help maintain balance in key bodily functions. In traditional Indian medicine (Ayurveda), it has been known for more than 3,000 years as “Rasayana,” a rejuvenating agent that holistically enhances vitality and promotes longevity.
For the analysis, the authors evaluated preclinical and clinical studies to assess the potential of this Ayurvedic medicinal plant as a “geroprotective” agent, meaning a means to slow down biological aging processes. The subjects included older adults, stressed individuals, athletes, and people with memory problems.
Also interesting: What Can the “Ayurvedic Miracle Remedy” Ashwagandha Really Do?
Ashwagandha Increased Strength, Improved Endurance, Sleep Quality, and Cognition
Results: Ashwagandha showed effects in many areas important for healthy aging. In studies with men, a daily oral dose of 600 milligrams increased maximum bench press strength by 46 kilograms. This was almost twice as much as in the placebo group (26 kg). Muscle mass also visibly increased. In other studies, endurance improved (+13.6% in oxygen uptake), as did sleep quality, memory performance, and concentration. At the same time, the stress hormone cortisol decreased by 27.9 percent, and the inflammation marker CRP (C-reactive protein) dropped by more than 30 percent.
Significance: Ashwagandha demonstrated diverse effects on physical performance, mental clarity, and stress regulation—key areas for vitality in aging. The benefits of the remedy lie in its holistic effects, combating cellular aging, dampening chronic inflammation, and reducing the stress hormone cortisol.
The study authors also point out important limitations in their analysis. Because ashwagandha can affect the metabolism of medications, taking it together with other drugs carries the risk of unintentionally increasing their effects or toxicity. The researchers also warn about contamination in untested supplements, which may pose health risks. In addition, comprehensive data on long-term safety are still lacking.
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