About Sensoril^® Ashwagandha

Sensoril^® is a clinically-proven, multi-patented, proprietary, standardized extract of Ashwagandha. Sensoril^®'s stress-reducing characteristics may be attributed to unique bioactive compounds called Withanolides that are extracted from specially grown Ashwagandha roots and leaves in a patented, water-based process. As an adaptogen, Sensoril^® is unique in that it provides long-lasting relief from symptoms of stress while improving mood when taken as a tonic on a daily basis without any negative side effects.*

Frequently Asked Question about Ashwagandha

What is Ashwagandha?
Ashwagandha, also known as "Indian Winter Cherry," is an adaptogenic herb that supports the body's ability to maintain physical effort and adapt to various types of stress. Perhaps the most famous rejuvenative botanical in Ayurveda, Ashwagandha is one of a rare group of botanicals and mushrooms possessing unique properties that helps increase the body's ability to resist and recover from stress, thereby providing an enhanced feeling of overall well-being.

How long do I have to take Ashwagandha before I see any benefits?
Unlike OTC and prescription drugs that provide instant, temporary symptomatic relief without addressing the underlying problem responsible for poor health, herbal supplements provide progressive, long-term benefits by helping the body correct the underlying problem. While some individuals may start noticing benefits within days after starting to take Ashwagandha, it may take others 2-3 weeks to realize the full benefits.

Can Ashwagandha (Indian Winter Cherry) help support overall immune health?
The immune system is your body’s first line of defense against disease and the effects of environmental toxins. Having a strong immune system is one of the most important things you can do to protect your health, along with a healthy diet, exercise and enough sleep. Traditional Ayurvedic practitioners have used Ashwagandha (Winter Cherry) as a general health tonic and to boost the immune system for thousands of years. There is a large body of study that offers support for the immune-boosting benefits of Ashwagandha. Although more study in this area is needed before definitive conclusions can be drawn, Ashwagandha (Winter Cherry) may be an effective tool in building and maintaining immune system integrity and helping the body manage the stressors of daily life.

Can Ashwagandha (Indian Winter Cherry) help manage symptoms of anxiety?
Anxiety is a relatively permanent state of worry and nervousness and anxiety and the accompanying stress on the body can cause problems such as insomnia, depression, indigestion, and compromised immune function. Ashwagandha (Winter Cherry) has adaptogenic properties that may potentially help the body manage stress, thereby helping with anxiety. However, please talk to your health care provider before beginning supplementation with Ashwagandha for anxiety.

Can Ashwagandha (Indian Winter Cherry) help with Osteoarthritis?
Arthritis is a joint condition generally characterized by joint inflammation which is often accompanied by joint pain and swelling. There are over 100 types of arthritis identified and it is the most common chronic illness in the United States. Ashwagandha is thought to possess anti-inflammatory properties and given that one of the major symptoms of arthritis is inflammation, Ashwagandha may be helpful in managing symptoms of arthritis marked by inflammation, like osteoarthritis.

Does Ashwagandha (India Winter Cherry) help individuals with or at risk for developing Alzheimer’s disease?
Alzheimer’s disease is a progressive, incurable and fatal brain disease, affecting as many as 5.3 million Americans. It destroys brain cells, causing memory loss and progressively more severe emotional and behavioral problems. These problems can become severe enough to disrupt ones work, relationships and destroy quality of life. It is the seventh leading cause of death in the United States. Although traditional uses of Ashwagandha (Winter Cherry) point to its utility in helping delay the onset of Alzheimer’s or managing the symptoms associated with it, it is important to discuss your treatment options with your primary care physician before beginning supplementation with Ashwagandha or any other herbal product.

Can Ashwagandha (Indian Winter Cherry) help individuals with Parkinson’s disease?
Another major neurological disorder afflicting many people is Parkinson’s disease. It is one of a larger group of degenerative neurological conditions called motor system disorders. It is a progressive and fatal disease causing impairment of motor skills, speech and other functions, and cognitive, mood and behavior disturbances.

Although there is no conclusive evidence to support Ashwagandha's usefulness as a possible treatment for Parkinson’s disease in humans, there is preliminary evidence that it may help overall neurological health and can be taken on a preventative basis to help minimize the risks of developing Parkinson’s disease later in life.

Does Ashwagandha have any side effects or interactions?
Although Ashwagandha is generally safe when taken as directed, it is not recommended for use during pregnancy and it is not recommended for use if you are breastfeeding. Because it may accentuate the effect of chemical barbiturates, Ashwagandha should not be taken if you are currently being prescribed barbiturates or are taking them recreationally.

It is not recommended to take Ashwagandha if you are on a treatment that is designed to suppress the immune system, as Ashwagandha is considered to be an immune booster. Taking Ashwagandha (Winter Cherry) with thyroid hormone pills might cause too much thyroid hormone in the body and increase the effects and side effects of thyroid hormone.

Is Ashwagandha safe for long-term use?
Most herbs, including Ashwagandha, are safe for both short-term and long-term use when used as directed and under the guidance of an experienced herbalist or other healthcare provider. Ashwagandha is a completely natural and safe adaptogenic herb that can offer support against the effects of stress and support healthy energy levels without the use of stimulants.

What is the difference between a whole herb and standardized extract? Is one necessarily better or more effective than the other?
Unfortunately, this question does not have a simple answer. Both whole plants/herbs and standardized extracts have advantages and disadvantages and choosing one over another is as much a matter of philosophy as it is of simple preference.

• Standardized extracts are based on the assumption that certain components of a plant are more active and helpful than others and it is important that there are no differences in the quantity and quality of this active ingredient from batch to batch. When you buy a standardized herbal product from a GMP-certified manufacturer, you can be assured that you are getting a product that has a certified percentage of the active ingredient in every capsule/tablet and across batches, processed using state-of-the-art machinery, and free of contaminants.
• Whole plant/herbs are based on the premise that all the different components work together synergistically to deliver health benefits rather than individual ingredients extracted in a lab. The trade-off in this case is that there are likely to be considerable differences in the actual quality of the herb from batch to batch. Quality of whole herbs/plants vary depending on where they are grown, soil composition, weather conditions, when they are harvested, type and frequency of chemical pesticides used during cultivation, and the processing techniques employed during manufacturing.

What are some things to watch for when making a decision about nutritional supplements?
Because the FDA does not regulate the dietary supplements industry, there are a number of products in the market that are unsafe, ineffective, and a generally drain on your resources. Here are some things to keep in mind when shopping around for nutritional supplements:

• Do your homework – Do not be taken in by free offers and outlandish claims. Make sure you shop around not just for the best “deal”, but also for the best "quality" product.
• “Natural” does not automatically mean “safe” – Just because something is natural does not mean it is safe. Learn to read the label and watch out for potentially unsafe ingredients.
• “Popular” is not the same as “effective” – Just because a product is well-known, has high customer ratings, or listed in a top-seller list does not mean it will always work for everyone. Every person is different and every product works differently for different people, so make sure you buy the product that is right for you.
• You don't always get what you pay for - When it comes to nutritional supplements, most companies price their products not based on what its actual value is, but based on what they think consumers will be willing to pay for it. So, something that is expensive does not automatically mean it is of superior quality nor does something that is priced competitively mean it is of poor quality.

Always, take into account the following factors when determining if you are getting the best quality product at the best value:

• Ashwagandha Whole Herb vs. Standardized Extract - whole herbs are generally lower priced than standardized extracts
• Potency of Ashwagandha Supplement - Higher potency means you get more of what you need in each capsule
• Amount of active ingredient - higher the % of active ingredient, greater the amount of what is presumed to be responsible for the observed benefits
• Total number of capsules per bottle - just because a product has more capsules per bottle does not make it a better value. You need to consider potency, amount of active ingredient, serving size and recommended dosage when determining whether something is a good value for your money or not

How does Nutrigold^® Ashwagandha Gold™ compare to other brands of Ashwagandha?
Nutrigold^® Ashwagandha Gold™ is superior to other brands of Ashwagandha in the following ways:

• Ashwagandha Gold™ features the clinically proven Sensoril^® Ashwagandha extract
• Ashwagandha Gold™ is manufactured in a FDA-registered cGMP-compliant manufacturing facility right here in the US
• The finished product certified allergen-free by an international, third-party lab
• Ashwagandha Gold™ is premium quality without the premium price tag

*Disclaimer: This information is for educational purposes only and should not be used as a substitute for professional medical opinion. It is always recommended to consult a healthcare professional before starting any kind of supplementation. The statements and product information have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration and are not intended to diagnose, treat, or cure any disease.