Research published in the Journal of Psychopharmacology examined the effect of a particular extract of ashwagandha, Withania somnifera, standardized to 2% Sominone content – Somin-On™ (sominone is a a biologically active withanolide in ashwagandha, one of over 130 withanolides in the plant) on mild cognitive impairment (MCI), a decline in memory or thinking skills not yet interfering with daily life.

The researchers studied 40 subjects with MCI, randomized to receive either Somin-On™ (250 mg daily) or a placebo for 60 days. The outcomes examined were improvement in memory and other cognitive functions after 30 and 60 days, assessed using Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA); Mini–mental state examination (MMSE); Wechsler Memory Scale-III (WMS-III)); and Shepard mental rotation task.

At 60 days, participants who took Somin-On™ were found to have significant improvements in immediate memory, general memory, working memory and visuospatial processing compared to placebo.

Ashwagandha has a long history of use in Ayurveda, the traditional and ethnobotanical medicine system in India. Previous research had suggested that sominone in ashwagandha may actively support the growth of nerve cells, protect neurons from damage, and enhance memory performance. Other compounds in ashwagandha have been studied including withanolide A and withanone.

Original publication:

https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/10.1177/02698811251324377

Additional references:

https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/26956478/#:~:text=Abstract,from%20Alzheimer’s%20or%20Parkinson’s%20disease. 

https://magistralbr.caldic.com/storage/product-files/206183916.pdf

https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC2765306/