Swanson Ashwagandha - does it work? Reviews + composition analysis
A popular dietary supplement with ashwagandha from a US manufacturer under the magnifying glass of an MSc pharmacy.
TekstNina Wawryszuk
Tekst
Nina Wawryszuk
Natu.Care Editor
Nina Wawryszuk specialises in sports supplementation, strength training and psychosomatics. On a daily basis, in addition to writing articles for Natu.Care, as a personal trainer she helps athletes improve their performance through training, diet and supplementation.
Ilona Krzak obtained her Master of Pharmacy degree from the Medical University of Wrocław. She did her internship in a hospital pharmacy and in the pharmaceutical industry. She is currently working in the profession and also runs an educational profile on Instagram: @pani_z_apteki
Bart Turczynski is the editor-in-chief of Natu.Care. He is responsible for the quality of the content created on Natu.Care, among others, and ensures that all articles are based on sound scientific research and consulted with industry specialists.
Emilia Moskal specialises in medical and psychological texts, including content for medical entities. She is a fan of simple language and reader-friendly communication. At Natu.Care, she writes educational articles.
Articles on Natu.Care are written based on scientific research, data from government websites and other reliable sources. The texts are written in cooperation with doctors, nutritionists and other health and beauty experts. Articles are reviewed before publication and during significant updates.
Content on Natu.Care may contain links to products from the sale of which we may receive a commission. When creating content, we adhere to high editorial standards and take care to be objective about the products discussed. The presence of affiliate links is not dictated by our partners, and we select the products we review ourselves completely independently.
Swanson's Ashwagandha is one of the first products that jumps out at you in search results when you want to buy ashwa. It's cheap, effective, popular and has lots of positive reviews. It's tempting to click, buy and wait for the surge of ajurvedic power.
But hold on a moment. It's time to separate the wheat from the chaff (or rather the extract from the hay). Together with Ilona Krzak, M.Sc. in pharmacy, we checked the composition of the product.
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From this article you will learn:
Whether Swanson ashwagandha is a good buy.
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What the benefits of ashwagandha are.
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What is the dosage, contraindications and side effects.
What is the effect of ashwagandha?
What experts and users think about the effects of ashwagandha.
Swanson Ashwagandha 450 mg and Swanson Ultimate Ashwagandha are also available on the market. In the former, the standardisation and source of the active substance are not stated. The latter has a lower daily serving (250 mg). Pay attention to the name when purchasing.
Product description
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A dietary supplement with ashwagandha (Indian ginseng), a plant known from Ayurveda to exhibit a range of health and well-being benefits. Regular consumption can positively reduce stress and tension, boost energy, improve sleep and recovery.
Pluses and minuses
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Pluses
Low price and performance.
Low price and performance.
Standardisation - you know what you're ingesting and in what quantity.
Customisation of the product.
Extract from the root is a good form (better than, for example, powdered root).
No unnecessary flavours or colours.
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Minusals
There are products available on the market with better standardization parameters (more vitanolides) and daily portion.
Additional information
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Not suitable for vegans (contains gelatine).
The secret of ashwagandha? Vitanolides!
Vitanolides are compounds found in plants that exhibit biological activity. They may have cytostatic (anticancer), antimicrobial, antiseptic (antiseptic)and.
Dosage
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The manufacturer recommends taking 1 capsule per day. The time of day does not matter because ashwagandha does not have an ad hoc effect. So, for example, consuming it in the evening does not cause drowsiness.
You can increase the absorption of ashwagandha. Useful tip:
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Fat increases the absorption of vitanolides, so they are absorbed faster and better in the body. Consume ashwagandha with a meal containing healthy fats, e.g. oily fish, nuts, avocados, seeds.
Ashwagandha does not have an immediate effect. You will only benefit from its health-promoting properties with regular use. Take ashwagandha daily for 4-12 weeks and. Then take a break for a minimum of 4 weeksand.
Ashwagandha is a very well researched plant and considered safe for supplementation for most peopleand. However, like any preparation, it can cause side effects in some people.
The most commonly reported side effects are:
stomach pain,
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nausea,
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vomiting,
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headache,
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insomnia,
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How to avoid side effects? Witold Tomaszewski, M.D. advises:
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It is the quality of supplementation that counts, not the quantity. Do not exceed the recommended daily portions and read the contraindications to use.
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Witold Tomaszewskidoctor of medical sciences
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Contraindications
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Ashwagandha must not be used:
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pregnant and breastfeeding women,
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persons with diseases thyroid disease, bleeding disorders, ulcers, lupus, multiple sclerosis, rheumatoid arthritis, diabetes and cancer,
Ashwagandha is generally well tolerated and safe. Physically active people will be pleased with its properties. It improves performance in endurance sports and, in strength-trained individuals, can increase muscle strength. However, high-quality preparations should be purchased to feel the effects of this plant.
Ashwagandha is recommended for physically active people because of its improved performance and reduction of cortisol (stress hormone), which increases during exercise. And after training, it will help with recovery and sleep.
Ashwagandha helps reduce stress and anxiety levels in some adult illnesses. It will provide support during periods of increased mental stress. This adaptogen supports the quality and length of sleep and is cool calming.
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Julia SkrajdaDietitian
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Swanson ashwagandha - user reviews
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User rating on Ceneo: 4.8/5 (1300+ reviews), Allegro: 4.91/5 (22,000+ reviews)
The most frequently cited product benefits are:
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good price,
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performance,
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easy-to-swallow capsules,
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effect noticeable after a few weeks - positive effects on reducing tension and stress and improving the quality of sleep are most commonly cited.
Effect of the capsules.
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I didn't quite believe it, and yet. It definitely relieves tension in me, relaxes me and I feel less tense. Super price for this amount of capsules. Handy packaging, you can take with you anywhere.
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Dominika Ceneo user
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It doesn't reduce stress completely, because it's not possible, but the person is actually some how more 'liveable'. I started taking it in the evening after training, it actually helps with sleep and recovery. Maybe I don't get up full of energy, as the previous day I had a workout until 22:00, but at least I don't get up as "broken" as I did before taking this specific :-)
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Paweł user of Allegro
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The wife is calmer after this and doesn't get as upset. I'm keeping my fingers crossed that she doesn't become immune to the effect of this remedy!
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Kamil Allegro user
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The most frequently mentioned advantages of the product relate to the aforementioned differences in product descriptions. Doubts arise in reviews and forums.
"It doesn't work, but not surprising since I now see that there is no standardisation".
"I bought the same thing from another shop and the dosage recommendations are different on the website, how to live?"
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On the official website of the manufacturer, the product description is poor and on other retailers it is rich, who to trust?"
Let's settle this once and for all. I have written directly to the manufacturer about this and will update the information when I get it.
What properties does ashwagandha have?
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Ashwagandha (also known by the names Indian ginseng, sluggard or comfrey) is a adaptogen with many beneficial health and mental health properties.
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Reduces tension and stress. Exhibits stress-relieving, anti-anxiety effects and lowers cortisol (the so-called stress hormone)and.
Improves mood. Ashwagandha may improve mood and motivation.
Reduces fatigue. Regular use of Indian ginseng reduces feelings of fatigueand.
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Promotes healthy sleep. Extends sleep and improves sleep qualityand.
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Improves libido. Supports the treatment of sexual dysfunction in women and improves men's sexual health.
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Improves fertility. Increases sperm motility and improves sperm quality.
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Influences hormones. May raise testosterone levels in infertile men. Increases thyroid hormones T3 and T4 and may support treatment of hypothyroidism thyroidism.
Reduces cholesterol, Ashwagandha lowers so-called bad LDL cholesteroland.
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Reduces pain. Reduces pain sensation during chemotherapy and in osteoarthritis.
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Improves immunity. Stimulates immune system functionand.
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Promotes athlete fitness. Increases performance, especially in endurance athletes and promotes recovery.
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Is Swanson ashwagandha for me?
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Try ashwagandha if:
you live with mental tension and stress a lot,
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you feel chronic fatigue,
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you have problems with sleep and quality of sleep,
you have problems with sleep and quality of sleep.
you want to improve your sports performance and shorten your recovery time after exercise,
Swanson's ashwagandha is a standardised formulation of ashwagandha, which may support health and well-being.
It is recommended to take the formula daily for a minimum of 8 weeks to feel the positive effects.
Swanson's standardised ashwagandha formula can support health and wellbeing.
Before taking, read the contraindications and do not exceed the daily dose.
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FAQ
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Is Swanson a good company?
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The American manufacturer has many positive reviews among users. The company operates under the principle of GMP ( good manufacturing practice). This ensures the high quality and purity of the materials used in the production of a product and full control over the origin, quality of the raw materials and the production process.
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Which ashwagandha is the best?
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The best ashwagandha should have a standardised, DER (DER) Drug Extract Ratio) and a high-quality source of the active ingredient (preferably an extract). Recommended dietary supplements with ashwagandha include, for example, Ashwagandha Solgar, Sundose° For Stress Relief° and Aura Herbals with adaptogens.
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After what time does ashwagandha start to work?
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According to scientific studies ashwagandha begins to take effect after about 8 weeks of regular intake. Ashwagandha does not have an ad-hoc effect, so it is crucial to consume it daily.
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Is ashwagandha a psychotropic?
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Ashwagandha is not a psychotropic. Ashwagandha (Indian ginseng) is an over-the-counter plant product. It does not have the same effect on the nervous system as psychotropic drugs. Research suggests that ashwagandha can reduce anxiety, relieve stress and lower cortisol (stress hormone).
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What not to combine ashwagandha with
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Ashwagandha should not be combined with blood sugar-lowering drugs, blood pressure-lowering drugs, immunosuppressants and drugs used to treat psychiatric problems from the sleep and sedative groups.
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Is ashwagandha an antidepressant?
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No, ashwagandha is not an antidepressant and has no antidepressant effect. Antidepressants are prescription-only drugs, prescribed by a doctor based on the patient's diagnosis. Ashwagandha cannot be used as a treatment for depression or other mental health problems.
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Does ashwagandha harm the liver?
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Ashwagandha does not harm the liver; on the contrary, it has a hepatoprotective effect, that is, it protects the cells of the liver from the effects of harmful and toxic substances. However, excessive use of ashwagandha and concomitant consumption of alcohol can harm the liver.
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Is it okay to drink alcohol while taking ashwagandha?
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It is not recommended to drink alcohol while taking ashwagandha. Alcohol interferes with the absorption of ashwagandha and other nutrients. In addition, high doses of ashwagandha combined with alcohol may adversely affect the health liver.
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Sources
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See all
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Ahmad, M. K., Mahdi, A. A., Shukla, K. K., Islam, N., Rajender, S., Madhukar, D., Shankhwar, S. N., & Ahmad, S. (2010). Withania somnifera improves semen quality by regulating reproductive hormone levels and oxidative stress in seminal plasma of infertile males. Fertility and Sterility, 94(3), 989-996. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.fertnstert.2009.04.046
Ahmed, W., Mofed, D., Zekri, A.-R., El-Sayed, N., Rahouma, M., & Sabet, S. (2018). Antioxidant activity and apoptotic induction as mechanisms of action of Withania somnifera (Ashwagandha) against a hepatocellular carcinoma cell line. The Journal of International Medical Research, 46(4), 1358-1369. https://doi.org/10.1177/0300060517752022
Björnsson, H. K., Björnsson, E. S., Avula, B., Khan, I. A., Jonasson, J. G., Ghabril, M., Hayashi, P. H., & Navarro, V. (2020). Ashwagandha-induced liver injury: A case series from Iceland and the US Drug-Induced Liver Injury Network. Liver International, 40(4), 825-829. https://doi.org/10.1111/liv.14393
Chandrasekhar, K., Kapoor, J., & Anishetty, S. (2012). A prospective, randomized double-blind, placebo-controlled study of safety and efficacy of a high-concentration full-spectrum extract of ashwagandha root in reducing stress and anxiety in adults. Indian Journal of Psychological Medicine, 34(3), 255-262. https://doi.org/10.4103/0253-7176.106022
Cheah, K. L., Norhayati, M. N., Husniati Yaacob, L., & Abdul Rahman, R. (2021). Effect of Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera) extract on sleep: A systematic review and meta-analysis. PloS One, 16(9), e0257843. https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0257843
Choudhary, B., Shetty, A., & Langade, D. G. (2015). Efficacy of Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera [L.] Dunal) in improving cardiorespiratory endurance in healthy athletic adults. Ayu, 36(1), 63-68. https://doi.org/10.4103/0974-8520.169002
Dongre, S., Langade, D., & Bhattacharyya, S. (2015). Efficacy and Safety of Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera) Root Extract in Improving Sexual Function in Women: A Pilot Study. BioMed Research International, 2015, 284154. https://doi.org/10.1155/2015/284154
Lopresti, A. L., Smith, S. J., Malvi, H., & Kodgule, R. (2019). An investigation into the stress-relieving and pharmacological actions of an ashwagandha (Withania somnifera) extract: A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study. Medicine, 98(37), e17186. https://doi.org/10.1097/MD.0000000000017186
Nasimi Doost Azgomi, R., Zomorrodi, A., Nazemyieh, H., Fazljou, S. M. B., Sadeghi Bazargani, H., Nejatbakhsh, F., Moini Jazani, A., & Ahmadi AsrBadr, Y. (2018). Effects of Withania somnifera on Reproductive System: A Systematic Review of the Available Evidence. BioMed Research International, 2018, 4076430. https://doi.org/10.1155/2018/4076430
Remenapp, A., Coyle, K., Orange, T., Lynch, T., Hooper, D., Hooper, S., Conway, K., & Hausenblas, H. A. (2022). Efficacy of Withania somnifera supplementation on adult's cognition and mood. Journal of Ayurveda and Integrative Medicine, 13(2), 100510. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jaim.2021.08.003
Sahin, K., Orhan, C., Akdemir, F., Tuzcu, M., Gencoglu, H., Sahin, N., Turk, G., Yilmaz, I., Ozercan, I. H., & Juturu, V. (2016). Comparative evaluation of the sexual functions and NF-κB and Nrf2 pathways of some aphrodisiac herbal extracts in male rats. BMC Complementary and Alternative Medicine, 16(1), 318. https://doi.org/10.1186/s12906-016-1303-x
Salve, J., Pate, S., Debnath, K., Langade, D., Salve, J., Pate, S., Debnath, K., & Langade, D. G. (2019a). Adaptogenic and Anxiolytic Effects of Ashwagandha Root Extract in Healthy Adults: A Double-blind, Randomized, Placebo-controlled Clinical Study. Cureus, 11(12). https://doi.org/10.7759/cureus.6466
Salve, J., Pate, S., Debnath, K., Langade, D., Salve, J., Pate, S., Debnath, K., & Langade, D. G. (2019b). Adaptogenic and Anxiolytic Effects of Ashwagandha Root Extract in Healthy Adults: A Double-blind, Randomized, Placebo-controlled Clinical Study. Cureus, 11(12). https://doi.org/10.7759/cureus.6466
Sharma, A. K., Basu, I., & Singh, S. (2018). Efficacy and Safety of Ashwagandha Root Extract in Subclinical Hypothyroid Patients: A Double-Blind, Randomized Placebo-Controlled Trial. Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine (New York, N.Y.), 24(3), 243-248. https://doi.org/10.1089/acm.2017.0183
Srivastava, A. N., Ahmad, R., & Khan, M. A. (2016). Evaluation and Comparison of the In Vitro Cytotoxic Activity of Withania somnifera Methanolic and Ethanolic Extracts against MDA-MB-231 and Vero Cell Lines. Scientia Pharmaceutica, 84(1), Article 1. https://doi.org/10.3797/scipharm.1507-13
Tharakan, A., Shukla, H., Benny, I. R., Tharakan, M., George, L., & Koshy, S. (2021). Immunomodulatory Effect of Withania somnifera (Ashwagandha) Extract-A Randomized, Double-Blind, Placebo Controlled Trial with an Open Label Extension on Healthy Participants. Journal of Clinical Medicine, 10(16), 3644. https://doi.org/10.3390/jcm10163644
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Nina Wawryszuk specialises in sports supplementation, strength training and psychosomatics. On a daily basis, in addition to writing articles for Natu.Care, as a personal trainer she helps athletes improve their performance through training, diet and supplementation.
Master of Pharmacy
Ilona Bush
Verified by an expert
Ilona Krzak obtained her Master of Pharmacy degree from the Medical University of Wrocław. She did her internship in a hospital pharmacy and in the pharmaceutical industry. She is currently working in the profession and also runs an educational profile on Instagram: @pani_z_apteki
Editor-in-Chief
Bart Turczynski
Bart Turczynski is the editor-in-chief of Natu.Care. He is responsible for the quality of the content created on Natu.Care, among others, and ensures that all articles are based on sound scientific research and consulted with industry specialists.
Natu.Care Editor
Emilia Moskal
Emilia Moskal specialises in medical and psychological texts, including content for medical entities. She is a fan of simple language and reader-friendly communication. At Natu.Care, she writes educational articles.
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