The Ayurvedic herbal medicine, ashwagandha, has grown in popularity as a dietary supplement with a global market size of $704.89 million in 2023, and projections to reach $1.667 billion by 2032 with a CAGR of 10%1Ashwagandha Extract Market. Polaris Market Research. Retrieved August 15, 2024 from https://www.polarismarketresearch.com/industry-analysis/ashwagandha-extract-market#:~:text=Ashwagandha%20Extract%20Market%20size%20was,10.0%25%20during%20the%20forecast%20period..
This article will explore the health benefits of ashwagandha supplements, identify who can benefit from them, outline the various types of ashwagandha available, and guide you on selecting the right ashwagandha when creating the formula. Taking the time to fully educate yourself and finalize your formulation ensures that your supplement contract manufacturer can deliver an accurate and prompt price quote.
What Are Ashwagandha Supplements?
In Africa, the Mediterranean, and India, the indigenous, small, woody shrub known as ashwagandha (Withania somnifera) has been used in Ayurvedic medicine2Anonymous. Monograph. Withania somnifera. Altern Med Rev 2004;9:211-4. for over 3,000 years.
In the 78 A.D. book Kitab-ul-Hashaish, Dioscorides described ashwagandha as a “Rasayana”—meaning a rejuvenator “that promotes a youthful state of physical and mental health and expands happiness”.3Uddin, Q., Samiulla, L., Singh, V.K. and Jamil, S.S. Phytochemical and Pharmacological Profile of Withania somnifera Dunal: A Review. JAPS 2012;2:170-5.
Likewise, ashwagandha has also been referred to as a “royal herb” due to its rejuvenating effects on the neurological, immune, energy production, endocrine, and reproductive systems of the body.4Singh, N., Bhalla, M., de Jager, P. and Gilca, M. An Overview on Ashwagandha: A Rasayana (Rejuvenator) of Ayurveda. Afr J Tradit Complement Altern Med 2011;8:208-13.
Ashwagandha’s adaptogenic properties, which help the body adapt by normalizing physiological processes during periods of heightened stress, are responsible for its wide-ranging effects.5Provino R. The role of adaptogens in stress management. Aust J Med Herbal. 2010;22:41-9
Varieties of Ashwagandha Supplements
In scientific journals, withanolide glycosides or just withanolides (a type of steroidal lactone) have been identified as important active compounds in ashwagandha.6Uddin, Q., Samiulla, L., Singh, V.K. and Jamil, S.S. Phytochemical and Pharmacological Profile of Withania somnifera Dunal: A Review. JAPS 2012;2:170-5. Not surprisingly, various commercial ashwagandha extracts are providing varying amounts of these withanolides.
Some of these extracts have interesting research to support their use for stress, occasional anxiety, sleep enhancement, testosterone production, athletic performance, sexual health, and a variety of other functions. Some branded ashwagandha extracts are derived just from the root, while others are derived from the root and leaf. In both cases, these branded ashwagandha extracts have studies to support their beneficial effects.
Regardless of the specific ashwagandha material you choose to use in your product, you should know this herb has some distinct bitter notes. Consequently, it is best suited to manufacture it as a capsule or tablet. However, it is possible to use bitter masking agents and specific flavors to compensate for the bitterness if you want to offer an ashwagandha product in powder form.
Health Benefits of Ashwagandha
So, what does an ashwagandha supplement do? The answer is that ashwagandha has many health benefits. Below are some of those benefits:
Ashwagandha, Stress and Anxiety
Ashwagandha has been traditionally used to reduce stress and enhance well-being. Likewise, scientific research also supports these uses. In randomized controlled trials (RCT)7Lopresti AL, Smith SJ, Malvi H, Kodgule R. An investigation into the stress-relieving and pharmacological actions of an ashwagandha (Withania somnifera) extract: A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study. Medicine (Baltimore). 2019 Sep;98(37):e17186. ashwagandha extract resulted in a significant reduction in stress and stress-induced anxiety and a reduction in the stress hormone, cortisol.
Ashwagandha and Sleep
In other RCT8Deshpande A, Irani N, Balkrishnan R, Benny IR. A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study to evaluate the effects of ashwagandha (Withania somnifera) extract on sleep quality in healthy adults. Sleep Med. 2020 Aug;72:28-36., ashwagandha extract improved self-reported sleep quality, sleep efficiency, total sleep time, and sleep latency (the time it takes to fall asleep) and wake after sleep onset, as well as quality-of-life scores physical, psychological, and environment domains.
Ashwagandha and Hormones
Additional RCT9Lopresti AL, Drummond PD, Smith SJ. A Randomized, Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled, Crossover Study Examining the Hormonal and Vitality Effects of Ashwagandha ( Withania somnifera) in Aging, Overweight Males. Am J Mens Health. Mar-Apr 2019;13(2):1557988319835985. 10Ambiye VR, Langade D, Dongre S, Aptikar P, Kulkarni M, Dongre A. Clinical Evaluation of the Spermatogenic Activity of the Root Extract of Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera) in Oligospermic Males: A Pilot Study. Evid Based Complement Alternat Med. 2013;571420:6. 11Wankhede S, Langade D, Joshi K, Sinha SR, Bhattacharyya S. Examining the effect of Withania somnifera supplementation on muscle strength and recovery: a randomized controlled trial. J Int Soc Sports Nutr. 2015 Nov 25;12:43. showed that ashwagandha extract increased DHEA-S testosterone in men, and improved fatigue, vigor, and sexual and psychological well-being.
Ashwagandha and Immunity
Yet another RCT12Tharakan a, Shukla H, Benny IR, et al. Immunomodulatory Effect of Withania somnifera (Ashwagandha) Extract—A Randomized, Double-Blind, Placebo Controlled Trial with an Open Label Extension on Healthy Participants. J Clin Med. 2021; 10(16): 3644. found that ashwagandha extract had an immune-promoting effect, including increases in immunoglobulin antibodies, immunomodulating cytokines and lymphocytes. Ashwagandha extract helped modulate both innate and adaptive immune systems.
Ashwagandha and Cognitive Function
Another RCT13Xing D, Yoo C, Rasmussen CJ, et al. Acute ashwagandha supplementation improves cognitive performance. JISSN. 2020 17:67 14Remenapp A, Coyle K, Orange T, et al. Effectiveness of Ashwaganda (Withania somnifera) Supplementation on Adult’s Cognition and Mood. Submitted to Journal of Ayurveda and Integrative Medicine as a short communication; 2021. found that ashwagandha extract significantly increased short-term/working memory, helped sustain attention (maintained reaction times, prevention of mental fatigue), and improved the physiological, cognitive, and psychological effects of stress.
Ashwagandha and Sexual Health
An RCT15Dongre S, Langade D, Bhattacharyya S. Efficacy and Safety of Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera) Root Extract in Improving Sexual Function in Women: A Pilot Study. Biomed Res Int. 2015;2015:284154. showed that ashwagandha extract was able to improve various parameters of sexual function in women. Likewise, an RCT16Ambiye VR, Langade D, Dongre S, Aptikar P, Kulkarni M, Dongre A. Clinical Evaluation of the Spermatogenic Activity of the Root Extract of Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera) in Oligospermic Males: A Pilot Study. Evid Based Complement Alternat Med. 2013;571420:6. with men also showed that ashwagandha extract supported specific parameters of sexual health such as an increased libido.
Who Can Benefit From Ashwagandha Supplements?
As an adaptogenic herb, ashwagandha can provide a range of benefits (such as those previously reviewed) for many people. As part of the Indian Ayurvedic system of medicine, ashwagandha is used as a household remedy by Indians who consider it the best tonic for the elderly and children, and as an aphrodisiac by young people. It is one of the best nervine tonics of Ayurveda.17Singh N, Bhalla M, de Jager P, Gilca M. An overview on ashwagandha: a Rasayana (rejuvenator) of Ayurveda. Afr J Tradit Complement Altern Med. 2011;8(5 Suppl):208-213. doi:10.4314/ajtcam.v8i5S.9 The most obvious and extensive use of ashwagandha is for helping to manage occasional stress.
Is there anyone who should not take ashwagandha? Since there is preliminary evidence that ashwagandha may lower blood glucose levels and blood pressure, it has been suggested (theoretically), that the use of ashwagandha along with anti-diabetic and hypertension drugs should be monitored by a physician18Ashwagandha monograph. NatMed. Last modified on 6/19/2024. Retrieved 8/15/2024 from https://naturalmedicines.therapeuticresearch.com/databases/food,-herbs-supplements/professional.aspx?productid=953#interactionsWithDrugs.. Furthermore, large doses of ashwagandha might cause mild to moderate gut discomfort, especially in the beginning.
How to Choose Ashwagandha Supplements
There are a variety of options for materials to use in your ashwagandha supplements. While you can certainly use a standard ashwagandha root powder, it requires multiple grams to reach a potency shown to have benefits. On the other hand, there are branded ashwagandha extracts which have research demonstrating various benefits at doses ranging between 120 and 600 mg. This is a much more manageable level for inclusion in a dietary supplement, and the studies supporting these extracts make it easier to substantiate claims.
A good contract development and manufacturing organization (CDMO) can help you decide on the best ashwagandha material for your specific products.
How Can Vitaquest Help You Manufacture a Best-in-Class Ashwagandha Supplement?
Research has demonstrated the various health benefits of ashwagandha supplements. These include applications for stress, occasional anxiety, sleep enhancement, testosterone production, athletic performance, sexual health, and cognitive functions.
Ashwagandha is versatile and can be incorporated into various product categories. Regardless of the intended use, opting for a branded ashwagandha extract with well-defined dosages and supporting clinical studies will help substantiate your product’s claims and ensure its effectiveness.
Vitaquest is a CDMO that has provided supplement brands with exceptional ashwagandha manufacturing, supplement packaging design, and fulfillment services for over 45 years. Whether you’re a newcomer to the industry or aiming to diversify your product range, Vitaquest possesses the expertise, cutting-edge facilities, and solutions needed to swiftly and effectively turn your ashwagandha supplement concept into reality. Vitaquest offers a variety of dosage forms, including capsules, tablets, chewable tablets, melts, and powders. We are also one of the world’s only dietary supplement and functional food product commercialization companies that offers powder and particle engineering services using fluid bed, oscillation, and roll compaction technologies.
Vitaquest also has expertise in domestic and international regulatory standards. We are GMP-certified by NSF, assuring brand owners and consumers of our compliance with industry regulations and standards. In addition, Vitaquest can offer Kosher, Halal, and certified organic products, and FSSC 22000 certification for food safety.
To learn more about how Vitaquest can help you Deliver What’s Next in the ashwagandha supplements market, call 800-526-9095 to speak with one of our knowledgeable sales executives or request a nutraceutical manufacturing price quote if you’ve already finalized your project specifications.
Frequently Asked Questions About the Health Benefits of Ashwagandha
Q: What are the true benefits of ashwagandha?
Research has demonstrated that supplementation with an ashwagandha extract has applications for stress, occasional anxiety, sleep enhancement, testosterone production, athletic performance, sexual health, and cognitive functions.
Q: What does ashwagandha do to your body?
Ashwagandha has adaptogenic properties, helping the body to adapt by normalizing physiological processes in times of increased stress, resulting in broad-ranging effects. These have applications for stress, anxiety, sleep enhancement, testosterone production, athletic performance, sexual health, and cognitive functions.
Q: Is it good to take ashwagandha every day?
Ashwagandha has an extensive history of daily use over thousands of years in Indian cultures, suggesting that everyday use is safe and effective.
