Clinical Study Highlights Significant Reductions in Stress and Cortisol Levels with Shoden Ashwagandha
A clinical study published in Heliyon explored the effects of Shoden, an ashwagandha extract marketed by Arjuna Natural, on stress and cortisol levels. Conducted by Deo Nidhi Mishra at Nirmal Hospital in Jhansi, India, the randomized, placebo-controlled trial involved 60 healthy adults who had self-reported higher-than-normal stress and anxiety levels.
Participants were randomly assigned to one of three groups: a placebo group or two Shoden groups, one receiving a low dose of 60 mg and the other receiving a high dose of 120 mg per day. The extract is unique because it is standardized to 35% withanolide glycosides, which is relatively low compared to other ashwagandha extracts. After a 60-day treatment period, results indicated significant improvements in the Shoden groups.
Stress and anxiety levels, as measured by the Hamilton Anxiety Rating Scale, were reduced by 59% more in the Shoden groups compared to the placebo. Additionally, morning cortisol levels decreased significantly, with reductions of 66% in the low-dose group and 67% in the high-dose group, while cortisol levels in the placebo group only changed by 2.2%. Men who took Shoden also experienced an increase in testosterone levels.
Further self-reported assessments, such as the Perceived Stress Scale (PSS), reflected a reduction in stress. Clinicians noted improved overall functioning in the Shoden groups based on the Clinical Global Impressions assessment. Similarly, patients reported better outcomes on the Patient’s Global Impression of Change scales.
Benny Antony, PhD, joint managing director at Arjuna Natural, emphasized the significance of these findings, especially given the low dose of Shoden used in the study. He pointed out that prolonged exposure to high cortisol levels can harm both mental and physical health, leading to increased anxiety. According to Antony, withanolides in Shoden may enhance the activity of neurotransmitters like serotonin, acetylcholine, and GABA, which regulate the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis and help maintain balanced cortisol levels, ultimately reducing stress and anxiety.
Commentary by YourDailyFit columnist Alice Winters:
The study on Shoden ashwagandha extract offers an intriguing look at how a low-dose formulation of a potent herbal extract can effectively alleviate stress and anxiety. One of the most compelling aspects of this research is the focus on the relatively low 60 mg and 120 mg doses, a departure from the higher doses typically used in ashwagandha supplementation. Shoden’s standardization to 35% withanolide glycosides is a key differentiator that supports the extract’s efficacy at lower doses. This has practical implications for supplement formulation, especially for brands aiming to create products that offer effective results without excessive dosages.
The study’s design, with a placebo-controlled methodology, bolsters the credibility of the findings. The significant reductions in both perceived stress and cortisol levels present a strong case for Shoden as an effective tool for managing stress. Additionally, the improvement in testosterone levels in men taking Shoden adds an interesting angle, suggesting that this extract may not only help with stress management but also contribute to hormonal balance, which is often a key concern for those managing both physical and mental stress.
However, while the study’s results are promising, it’s important to note that the trial’s sample size was relatively small (60 participants), which limits the generalizability of the findings. Moreover, the duration of the study, though significant at 60 days, may not be long enough to assess the long-term effects and safety of Shoden, particularly in terms of its impact on adrenal function or other metabolic processes.
On a broader scale, Shoden’s use of ashwagandha, a herb with a long history of traditional use in Ayurvedic medicine, plays into the growing demand for adaptogens in the market. Consumers are increasingly seeking natural ways to combat stress and anxiety, and ashwagandha’s ability to regulate cortisol and support mental well-being has caught the attention of supplement manufacturers. Yet, the challenge remains for consumers to sift through varying quality and potency levels of ashwagandha extracts. Shoden stands out as a high-quality, standardized option, but like any supplement, individual responses may vary.
From a practical standpoint, the introduction of a low-dose, highly standardized product like Shoden could also appeal to formulators looking for precise, science-backed ingredients for stress relief products. In addition, Arjuna Natural’s emphasis on scientific validation could bolster Shoden’s reputation in an increasingly crowded supplement market.
Overall, the study provides a solid foundation for the continued use and exploration of Shoden as a stress-management tool. With its potential for both immediate and longer-term benefits, particularly in reducing cortisol levels, it may have a significant place in the wellness industry’s growing emphasis on mental health and adaptogenic solutions. However, as with any supplement, more research is needed to fully understand the long-term safety and effects, particularly in diverse populations with varying health conditions.
