Section - Quick Takes

05. Does Ashwagandha Extract Improve Cognitive Function in Mild Cognitive Impairment?

Published on October 29, 2025 Certification expiration date: October 29, 2028

Derick E. Vergne, M.D.

Assistant Professor - Tufts University School of Medicine

Key Points

A small, 60-day trial showed that Somin-On, a standardized ashwagandha extract, improved cognitive scores by 14–31% in adults with mild cognitive impairment.
Benefits were evident by day 30 and continued to increase by day 60, consistently across multiple cognitive assessments. Improvements were observed in memory, attention, and information processing speed, with a favorable safety profile.
Despite these promising findings, larger comparative studies with other ashwagandha formulations are necessary for clinical confirmation.

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Ashwagandha Extract for Mild Cognitive Impairment

Today, we are exploring an interesting pilot study that looks at the potential benefits of Somin-On, an ashwagandha extract, for improving cognitive function in people with mild cognitive impairment. Mild cognitive impairment is a stage between normal aging and dementia. And while there are no approved medications for it, herbal remedies like ashwagandha have been used in Ayurveda for their cognitive benefits.

Recent studies have shown that ashwagandha and its metabolite Sominone may protect the brain and enhance cognitive abilities.

Study Design and Methods

The researchers conducted a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial with 40 adults aged 25 to 65 with MCI. Participants were assigned to either:

250 mg daily of Somin-On (ashwagandha extract with at least 2% Sominone)
Placebo

The intervention lasted 60 days. Cognitive evaluations were performed at baseline, day 30, and day 60 using:

WMS3 Shepard Mental Rotation Task
Montreal Cognitive Assessment

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Table of Contents

Learning Objectives:
After completing this activity, the learner will be able to:

Calculate and interpret Number Needed to Treat (NNT) and Number Needed to Harm (NNH) values to evaluate the clinical efficacy and safety profile of KarXT (xanomeline-trospium) for acute psychosis in adults with schizophrenia.
Implement evidence-based bright light therapy protocols for bipolar depression, including appropriate patient selection, contraindications, device specifications, dosing schedules, and monitoring parameters to optimize treatment outcomes while minimizing risk of mood switching.
Evaluate the evidence regarding cardiac safety of haloperidol, particularly intravenous formulation, and apply risk-stratification approaches to guide clinical decision-making for delirium management in hospital settings.
Assess the efficacy of varenicline as a third-line treatment option for alcohol use disorder, including appropriate patient selection, dosing strategies, and the role of combination therapy with bupropion.
Analyze the potential cognitive benefits and safety profile of standardized ashwagandha extract (Somin-On) in adults with mild cognitive impairment and identify limitations in current evidence that require further investigation.

Original Release Date: October 29, 2025
Expiration Date: October 29, 2028

Experts: Kristin Raj, M.D., Oliver Freudenreich, M.D., David A. Gorelick, M.D., Ph.D., D.L.F.A.P.A., F.A.S.A.M., Scott R. Beach, M.D. & Derick Vergne, M.D.
Medical Editors: Flavio Guzmán, M.D. & Sebastián Malleza M.D.

Relevant Financial Disclosures:
Oliver Freudenreich declares the following interests:
– Karuna: Research grant to institution, advisory board
– Vida: Consultant
– American Psychiatric Association: Consultant
– Medscape: Speaker
– Wolters-Kluwer: Royalties, editor
– National Council for Wellbeing: Consultant

All the relevant financial relationships listed above have been mitigated by Medical Academy and the Psychopharmacology Institute.

None of the other faculty, planners, and reviewers for this educational activity have relevant financial relationships to disclose during the last 24 months with ineligible companies whose primary business is producing, marketing, selling, re-selling, or distributing healthcare products used by or on patients.

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