Sensoril Withania Somnifera Extract
Also known as: Ashwagandha, Indian ginseng, winter cherry, Sensoril, Withania somnifera
Overview
Sensoril is a proprietary, standardized extract of Withania somnifera, commonly known as Ashwagandha, derived from both its roots and leaves. It is standardized for its active compounds, withanolides, which are believed to be responsible for its adaptogenic and health-promoting properties. Primarily utilized as an adaptogenic herbal supplement, Sensoril is widely researched for its potential to reduce stress, improve sleep quality, enhance physical performance, and support cognitive function. The scientific evidence supporting Ashwagandha's benefits is growing, with numerous randomized controlled trials and several systematic reviews and meta-analyses indicating its efficacy. While the quality of evidence varies, it generally ranges from moderate to low-moderate, reflecting the diverse study designs and populations investigated.
Benefits
Sensoril, a standardized Ashwagandha extract, offers several evidence-based benefits. A meta-analysis of five randomized controlled trials (RCTs) involving 1764 participants demonstrated that Ashwagandha significantly improved overall sleep quality, including latency and efficiency, with a moderate effect size. For physical performance, a systematic review and Bayesian meta-analysis of 12 RCTs indicated that Ashwagandha supplementation improved muscle strength, cardiorespiratory fitness (VO2max), and exercise tolerance in healthy adults, with statistically significant but variable effect sizes. Furthermore, a recent systematic review and meta-analysis found that Ashwagandha significantly reduced cortisol levels, a key biological marker of stress, suggesting a physiological adaptogenic effect. While subjective stress scores did not show consistent improvement, the reduction in cortisol is a notable physiological benefit. These benefits have been observed primarily in healthy adults, including athletes, with promising, though limited, evidence for sleep improvement in elderly populations.
How it works
Ashwagandha's primary mechanism of action involves its active compounds, withanolides, which modulate the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis. This modulation helps to reduce cortisol secretion, thereby enhancing the body's resilience to stress. Beyond HPA axis regulation, Ashwagandha exhibits antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, which may contribute to improved mitochondrial function and faster muscle recovery. Its neuroprotective effects are thought to influence sleep regulation by interacting with GABAergic and serotonergic pathways in the brain. Sensoril's standardization for withanolide content ensures a consistent delivery of these bioactive compounds, optimizing their absorption and overall efficacy within the body.
Side effects
Ashwagandha extracts, including Sensoril, are generally well-tolerated with a favorable safety profile observed in clinical trials. Mild gastrointestinal discomfort or headache are rare, occurring in less than 5% of users. Uncommon side effects, affecting 1-5% of individuals, may include drowsiness or allergic reactions. While no significant drug interactions have been consistently reported, caution is advised when combining Ashwagandha with sedatives due to potential additive effects, or with thyroid medications, as Ashwagandha may influence thyroid hormone levels. Contraindications for use include pregnancy, due to insufficient safety data, and autoimmune diseases, given Ashwagandha's immunomodulatory properties which could theoretically exacerbate conditions like rheumatoid arthritis or lupus. Individuals with pre-existing medical conditions or those taking prescription medications should consult a healthcare provider before initiating supplementation.
Dosage
The minimum effective dose of standardized Ashwagandha extract, including Sensoril, typically ranges from 250 mg to 600 mg daily, with the withanolide content usually standardized to 5-10%. For Sensoril specifically, clinical trials demonstrating efficacy often utilize doses of 125-250 mg taken twice daily. The optimal dosage can vary depending on the desired outcome; lower doses may be sufficient for stress reduction and sleep improvement, while higher doses might be more beneficial for enhancing physical performance. Timing of administration can also be adjusted based on the intended effect, such as taking it in the evening for sleep support or throughout the day for general adaptogenic benefits. Absorption may be enhanced when taken with meals, and no specific cofactors are generally required for its efficacy. There are no widely established upper limits for long-term use, but adherence to recommended dosages is advised.
FAQs
Is Sensoril safe for long-term use?
Clinical trials have demonstrated Sensoril's safety for up to 12 weeks of use. While longer-term data are limited, no serious adverse effects have been reported, suggesting a good safety profile for extended periods.
How soon do benefits appear?
Benefits related to sleep and stress reduction typically become noticeable within 2-4 weeks of consistent use. Improvements in physical performance, such as strength and endurance, may require a longer period, often 6-8 weeks.
Can it be combined with other supplements?
Sensoril is generally safe to combine with most other supplements. However, caution is advised if combining with sedatives or thyroid medications; always consult a healthcare provider in such cases.
Is Sensoril different from other Ashwagandha extracts?
Yes, Sensoril is a proprietary extract standardized for a higher concentration of withanolides, derived from both the roots and leaves of the Ashwagandha plant. This standardization aims to provide more consistent and potent effects compared to generic extracts.
Research Sources
- https://journals.plos.org/plosone/article?id=10.1371%2Fjournal.pone.0257843 – This meta-analysis of 5 RCTs involving 1764 participants found that Ashwagandha significantly improved overall sleep quality, including latency and efficiency, with a moderate effect size (SMD -0.59). The study noted moderate heterogeneity but concluded Ashwagandha is effective for sleep issues.
- https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC8006238/ – This systematic review and Bayesian meta-analysis of 12 RCTs demonstrated that Ashwagandha supplementation improved muscle strength, VO2max, and exercise tolerance in healthy adults. The study highlighted statistically significant, though variable, effect sizes and noted a low-to-moderate risk of bias across included studies.
- https://journalofsportsmedicine.org/full-text/752/eng – This systematic review and meta-analysis confirmed Ashwagandha's efficacy in improving VO2max and overall physical performance in athletes and healthy adults. Despite some heterogeneity in sports variables, the study utilized a high-quality search strategy to support its findings.
- https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/10.1177/02601060251363647 – This recent systematic review and meta-analysis found that Ashwagandha supplementation led to a significant reduction in cortisol levels, a biological marker of stress. However, the study noted no consistent effect on perceived stress scores, suggesting a physiological adaptogenic effect without clear subjective stress improvement.
- https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/34559859/ – This PubMed entry likely refers to the same meta-analysis by Cheah et al., 2021, which concluded that Ashwagandha extract significantly improved sleep quality across various parameters in adults with sleep issues, showing a moderate effect size.