Arjuna Natural suggests low-dose ashwagandha can reduce cortisol levels and stress

Arjuna Natural’s new clinical study supports the positive effect of its proprietary Shoden brand ashwagandha extract (Withania somnifera) in alleviating stress and anxiety. The study finds that the extract exhibited efficacy at low doses.

The Indian adaptogenic has held a historical reputation in easing stress and enhancing sleep quality. Arjuna Natural says this botanical has presented absorption challenges due to the low solubility of certain active compounds, particularly withanolides.

Withanolides are the primary phytochemical family present in the plant and have proven antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and stress-calming properties.

Arjuna’s Shoden is a highly purified extract standardized to more than 35% glycowithanolides. It is manufactured from ashwagandha roots and leaves to ensure zero waste and economic value for its farmer partners.

“Prolonged exposure to high levels of cortisol is known to exert detrimental effects on mental and physical well-being,” says Benny Antony, PhD, joint managing director of Arjuna Natural. “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 GABA, all of which can help regulate the HPA [hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal] axis, keeping cortisol in check and reducing stress.”

Study findings

Published in the journal Heliyon, the randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study enrolled 60 healthy adults complaining of higher-than-normal levels of stress and anxiety. 

Led by Deo Nidhi Mishra, the study was conducted at Nirmal Hospital, Jhansi, India. It tested out Shoden on alleviating stress and anxiety at low daily doses of 60 mg and 120 mg.

Following 60 days of supplementation, the volunteers in the Shoden groups showed significantly reduced anxiety levels (59%), compared to the placebo group, as measured by the Hamilton Anxiety Rating Scale.

Morning blood cortisol levels were lowered by 66% and 67% among the Shoden group. The placebo group only exhibited a 2.2% change in cortisol. Testosterone levels also increased significantly in men using Shoden.

The study participants also reported a marked reduction in stress levels, as per the Perceived Stress Scale, along with significant improvements in the Clinical Global Impressions.

Building on previous research

The new research builds on the promising results from an earlier clinical trial involving a 240 mg dose of Shoden and demonstrates Shoden to be as effective on even a quarter of that dose. 

Arjuna Natural cites earlier research identifying withanolide glycosides as contributors to the positive effect on stress, lowering cortisol levels through modulation of the HPA axis and counteracting some of the negative impacts of cortisol.

Shoden is backed by 11 studies and 23 patents granted for its unique formulation and manufacturing methods.

Arjuna stresses that it actively engages with farmers, providing training on Good Agricultural Practices for sustainable and responsible cultivation practices that maintain soil and ecosystem health.

Recently, European food authorities flagged potential health issues associated with ashwagandha — including potential liver damage — which elicited responses from the nutrition industry, including Arjuna Natural, arguing for the ingredient’s science-backed safety.

“We have conducted extensive safety studies on Shoden. This includes acute and subchronic toxicity studies on animals, which have demonstrated excellent safety profiles,” Antony maintains.

“We are currently conducting human clinical trials to further establish the long-term safety of Shoden, which continues to demonstrate efficacy without compromising safety.”