London: A new study published on March 18, 2025, in the Journal of Psychopharmacology has revealed that ashwagandha, when standardized with a compound called sominone, may significantly enhance memory and cognitive function in adults with mild cognitive impairment (MCI). The research marks a significant step in understanding the herb’s brain-boosting potential.
Conducted on 40 participants aged 25 to 65, the double-masked, placebo-controlled trial randomly assigned individuals to take 250 mg of Somin-On™ or a placebo once daily for 60 days. Neither the participants nor the researchers knew who received which treatment during the trial.
The study used multiple standardized tools to track cognitive performance, including immediate and general memory, working memory, attention, and visuospatial processing. Notably, those taking ashwagandha showed measurable improvements in all areas by day 30, with even more pronounced benefits after 60 days.
The results were described as “significant,” with no major side effects reported. The authors wrote, “Subjects treated with Somin-On™ showed significant improvements in immediate memory, general memory, working memory, and visuospatial processing… as well as attention and information processing speed.”
This research suggests that ashwagandha, a traditional Ayurvedic herb long used for stress and energy, may now be a promising natural therapy for cognitive decline. Further studies in larger populations are expected to follow.
