BRATTLEBORO, Vt.—New research shows Sensoril® Ashwagandha root and leaf extract may improve several areas of cognition in consumers with bipolar disorder. (J Clin Psychiatry. 2013 Nov;74(11):1076-83. doi: 10.4088/JCP.13m08413).

The study, conducted at Western Psychiatric Institute and Clinic-University of Pittsburgh Medical Center, included 60 subjects with bipolar disorder who were enrolled in an 8-week, double-blind, placebo-controlled study. Compared to the placebo group, Sensoril showed significantly greater benefits for three cognitive tasks: digit span backward, Flanker neutral response time and the social cognition response rating of the Penn Emotional Acuity Test.

“Modern research and chemistry have identified several bioactive constituents in Ashwagandha that have significant cognitive enhancing benefits, namely the steroidal lactones which are known as glycowithanolides and sitoindosides," said Sanni Raju, CEO and chairman of the board of Natreon Inc. “Glycowithanolides are brain antioxidants, which can promote neuroprotective and memory enhancing activity."

Ashwagandha leaves are naturally richer in glycowithanolide bioactive content, according to NutraGenesis LLC president and managing director Suzanne McNeary, and the use of leaves and roots in Sensoril results in higher levels of glycowithanolide bioactives. Sensoril can support stress, mental cognition, fatigue-reduction, sleep, metabolic wellness, adrenal function, thyroid function and sports performance.

Previous research shows Sensoril also increases resistance to heat stress and pain.