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Jarrow Formulas Ashwagandha Review – 8 Facts to Consider
By Sasha de Beausset Aparicio, MSc, Rebecca Williams, MD, MA, MB, BChir (Expert Reviewer)
Ashwagandha is advertised as a vegan dietary supplement designed to increase resistance to fatigue. The manufacturer Jarrow Formulas markets the product to contain a patented extract obtained from the roots and leaves of Withania Somnifera (Ashwagandha).
Jarrow Formulas developed the formula using the U.S. patented Sensoril extract of the plant. The company is a supplier of nutritional supplements based in Los Angeles, United States. The company is dedicated to providing cutting edge, effective and affordable products for a wide spectrum of therapeutic applications. The company’s value has been internationally recognized as it has received numerous awards for its products or lines of products.
Ashwagandha is designed for the use of adults. The formula is vegan and free of most common allergens and can be used by specific categories of customers.
Ashwagandha Readers: HCF® Happy, Calm & Focused is offering our readers a free sample for a limited time. Click here for this special offer!
1) What is Ashwagandha?
Ashwagandha is an herbal supplement which features an extract from Ashwagandha, an herb traditionally used by Indian medicine practitioners. The plant is particularly known for its tonic, adaptogenic properties as well as for its potent antioxidant function. The plant has been touted for neuroprotective benefits and may help protect the brain from free radical damage. This way, Ashwagandha is believed to help prevent cognitive impairment which leads to Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s disease.
There is also clinical evidence which seems to suggest that the plant may alleviate symptoms of anxiety disorders including post traumatic stress disorder, panic attacks or generalized anxiety disorder.
Additional benefits extend to the immune system and to strengthening the body’s overall resistance to disease. Short-term safety of Ashwaganda is known. Several side effects do exist however and include gastrointestinal problems such as stomach upset, and diarrhea. The long-term safety of the plant is not known.
2) Ingredients of Ashwagandha
Ashwagandha includes the following ingredient: Sensoril (Ashwaganda extract) (roots/leaves) (Withania Somnifera).
3) Does Ashwagandha Work and it is Safe?
As stated above, Ashwagandha is a herb associated to numerous brain enhancing and physical benefits. The plant is mainly known for its therapeutic versatility, with some research and several clinical trials indicating its potential benefits in improving musculoskeletal function and thinking abilities, alleviating symptoms of fibromyalgia, bronchitis, and arthritis, and enhancing sexual function in men and women. For many of these claims, however, no scientifically based evidence has been published up to date.
Jarrow Formulas does make a note of several experimental studies, which seem to demonstrate that Ashwagandha is an antioxidant that supports joint mobility and resistance to fatigue, but again no large-scale studies back up these allegations.
While herbs are commonly touted as ways to improve brain function, many are unable to do so alone. Specifically, for a substance to nourish the brain, it has to possess the ability to pass the blood-brain barrier (BBB). Passing through BBB is a rather complex action that requires the presence of specific amino acids and other neuro-nutrients. If a brain supplement contains no such amino-acids, its formulation will not be able to pass through BBB and support the brain functions, making the product quite useless for most consumers.
While there are no advertised side effects of Ashwagandha, warnings regarding plant’s interaction with immunosuppressants and sedative medication are issued. Precautions should also be taken by pregnant and nursing women, people with gastro-intestinal problems, or those who are undergoing any surgery.
There are testimonials posted online about Ashwagandha. What is being stated includes:
- It did a great job with my premenstrual symptoms;
- Great boost in energy;
- I get better quality, longer hours of sleep.
4) What Ashwagandha Does?
- 100% herbal formulation
- This is a vegetarian and vegan product free of most common allergens
- Large number of positive consumer reviews
- The formula is based on a patented extract of Ashwagandha
- Relatively low price (approximately $14 for a 4 months’ supply)
- Store Locator option available on the manufacturer’s website
5) Precautions of Ashwagandha Use
- There are certain safety concerns regarding the long-term use of Ashwagandha and several categories of patients
- No money-back guarantee or free trial period available
6) Ashwagandha Price
A bottle of Ashwagandha contains 120 capsules. Compared to similar formulas, this brain supplement can be categorized as affordable to most consumers. The formula is available for purchase from many online and offline retailers, but not directly from the manufacturer’s website. Some retailers may offer additional discounts and even free shipping for larger orders, further facilitating purchase conditions.
A “Store Locator” function tool is available on Jarrow Formulas’ website. This feature allows potential clients to locate all US retailers.
Visitors who are thinking about ordering this formula online are advised to take into consideration the shipping costs, which may vary depending on country of destination and of course on the retailer’s shipping costs policy.
7) How to Use Ashwagandha
The manufacturer recommends taking 1 capsule per day with water. The consumers’ experience with Ashwagandha has generally been positive, with very few complaints being registered.
8) Our Verdict on Ashwagandha
Traditional herbal remedies enjoy today large scale popularity, perhaps more than they have ever had. Ashwagandha, although originated in India, is one of the most frequently prescribed herbal ingredients in the Western world. Most commonly, the plant is used alone or in combinations to promote a healthy response to stress, energy and mental and physical balance. Ashwagandha features a patented extract of the plant making it an effective and safe supplement. There are, however, certain concerns regarding long term use of Ashwagandha you should be aware of. We advise you to do a thorough research or talk to a healthcare professional before starting using Ashwagandha.
If you're excited to create optimal brain health, try looking at a product that is formulated to help stay focused; one that's created with superior ingredients.Talking about the new industry standards, HCF® Happy, Calm & Focused is one of the highest praised brain supplements we've reviewed in years. Unlike far too many products, HCF's unique FQ formula offers extensive benefits, not just for overall brain health and wellness, but also promotes calm as focus.
Not to mention, we love that they offer ALL BrainReference access to a free sample for a limited time.
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Ashwagandha - Frequently Asked Questions
- Recent:
Ashwagandha includes the following ingredients: Ashwagandha extract (Sensoril), cellulose, magnesium stearate (vegetable source), and silicon dioxide.
Ashwaganda is made by Jarrow Formulas and is an herbal brain supplement that supports joint mobility and resistance to fatigue, improve brain function and increases resistance to physical stress. It is an extract obtained from roots and leaves. The formula contains Ashwagandha Extract (Sensoril) as its only active ingredient. It is not indicated to use if pregnant or breast-feeding and it's not intended for those less than 18 years. Take 1 capsule per day with water, or as directed by your qualified health care consultant.
Ashwagandha by Jarrow Formulas is a new brain supplement. The formula's key ingredient has received numerous positive testimonials, and the fact that this brain supplement contains a standardized extract further contributes to the supplement's credibility.
Nonetheless, the formula's efficacy as a brain enhancing supplement is questionable, as amino acids and other nutrients are needed to successfully nourish the brain with the essential neuro-chemicals that ultimately produce significant effects. Such supporting substances are not included in Ashwagandha. The potential of blood-brain barrier penetration is the key condition for a formula advertised to benefit the brain and the nervous system.
As always, we encourage our readers to research further into other supplements as well, before making a final decision. It is also recommended to focus on products that offer free samples for testing.
Tried Jarrow Formulas product. Took 1 capsule in the morning, an hour after breakfast. A few hours later felt nauseated, had to vomit, and later diarrhea. I tried it in the afternoon after lunch, the same results, tried it in the evening after supper, the same result. Also loss of Appetit. Obviously this product is not for me. This side effect should be on the label for the consumer to be made aware.
It helped my anxiety and nervousness and I can finally sleep through the night. I recommend it!