Los Angeles, CA— A study published in theJournal of Dietary Supplements found evidence that supplementation with ashwagandha (specifically KSM-66 from Ixoreal Biomed) has an impact on memory and cognition. The randomized, double-blind, placebo controlled pilot study was designed to evaluate the efficacy and safety of ashwagandha for improving memory and cognitive functioning in adults with mild cognitive impairment.

Fifty subjects were either given 300 mg of ashwagandha root extract twice daily or a placebo for eight weeks. At the end of the eight weeks, results showed that compared to the placebo group those taking ashwagandha saw improved immediate and general memory as well as executive function, sustained attention and information-processing speed. Immediate and general memory were tested with Wechsler Memory Scale III subtest scores for logical memory I, verbal paired associates I, faces I, family pictures I, logical memory II, verbal paired associates II, faces II, and family pictures II. Executive function, sustained attention and information-processing speed were measured with an Eriksen Flanker task, Wisconsin Card Sort test, Trail-Making test part A and a Mackworth Clock test.

“Ashwagandha is classified in Ayurveda as a ‘Medha Rasayana’, an agent which improves memory and intellectual capacity, and is prescribed by traditional practitioners as a memory booster in children and adults,” explained Kartikeya Baldwa, director of Ixoreal Biomed in a press release. “This paper is an important contribution to the research literature because it presents a rigorous clinical trial validating this traditional application. This is the first clinical study using a standardized, branded ashwagandha root extract that demonstrates significant positive effects on cognitive functioning in heathy subjects.”

This is the 13thcompleted study featuring the branded ingredient with eight more in progress. More research about the benefits of ashwagandha can be found onwww.ashwagandhaadvantage.com. The site is sponsored by KSM-66 and includes reports, infographics as well as a documentary about the  production of the firm’s ashwagandha.