Results from a new human study provide support for the immune health capacity attributed to Kerela, India-headquartered Arjuna Natural’s branded ashwagandha extract, Shoden.
While recent studies demonstrated strong support for ashwagandha’s traditional use in mitigating symptoms of anxiety and stress, and helping to support natural energy, this latest research focused on immunomodulatory effects of the plant.
The randomized, placebo-controlled, double-blinded study, conducted by Ajit Tharakan, MD, Himanshu Shukla, MD, et alia, was published in the August, 2021 issue of the Journal of Clinical Medicine. Volunteers were given either 60mg of the Shoden ashwagandha extract or a placebo for 30 days before the crossover to only Shoden for 30 more days.
Following the 30-day blinded study period, the ashwagandha group demonstrated a significant increase (p < 0.05) in immunoglobulin (Ig), cytokines, as well as in the T cells, B cells, and ‘natural killer’ cells, collectively known as TBNK, the body uses to attack and destroy invading organisms. In the 30-day test period the placebo group actually exhibited a significant decrease (p < 0.05) in TBNK cells with Ig cells and cytokines showing no change.
“(the study authors) further suggested that ashwagandha extract can help contribute to ‘boosting the immune system of people at risk of infection and during widespread infections'”
Subjects who continued taking the ashwagandha extract showed a further significant improvement (p < 0.05) in these immune cell markers and no adverse events were reported. Based on these results, the researchers concluded that the ashwagandha extract “significantly improved the immune profile of healthy subjects by modulating the innate and adaptive immune systems.” They further suggested that ashwagandha extract can help contribute to “boosting the immune system of people at risk of infection and during widespread infections.”
