Editing Nootropics (section)

==Ashwagandha==
"[https://www.reddit.com/r/nootropics/wiki/beginners#wiki_ashwagandha Ashwagandha is an herb from India with a history of use of over 3000 years. Ashwagandha seems to be a reliable anxiolytic (anxiety reducer). Ashwagandha may also increase aspects of attention, but there's only preliminary evidence here. Ashwagandha's mechanism of action isn't entirely clear. Ashwagandha seems to have GABA-mimetic activity, which may account for its anxiolytic effects. Withaferin A, a major active constituent, seems to be a fairly powerful anti-inflammatory agent. Ashwagandha may also improve subclinical hypothyroidism as well as worsen hyperthyroidism.]

[https://nootropicsexpert.com/ashwagandha/ Ashwagandha enhances '''GABA''' receptors and serotonin in the brain. It appears to work on neuron receptors, enabling GABA to connect easier. This inhibits the signals present under a stress response in the brain. Anxiety goes down.]

[https://nootropicsexpert.com/ashwagandha/ It also has '''GABA'''-mimicking effects in the brain. Comparable to the effects of prescription benzodiazepines like '''lorazepam (Ativan).''']

* [https://www.reddit.com/r/Nootropics/comments/d8jwbr/is_ashwagandha_ksm66_worth_the_additional_cost/ There is apparently KSM-66 which is a patented extract of Ashwagandha]. Some poeple recomending it other claiming issue with libido.

* "[https://www.reddit.com/r/Nootropics/comments/d8jwbr/is_ashwagandha_ksm66_worth_the_additional_cost/f1ay29l?utm_source=share&utm_medium=web2x Don't buy Swanson from Amazon, Swanson does not resell their product nor sell through Amazon. KSM-66 is a specific extraction of Ashwagandha that contains the advertised amount of active compounds. Although Swanson probably sources a good Ashwagandha product, it is unknown how much of it is actually useful.]"

* [https://www.reddit.com/r/Nootropics/comments/d8jwbr/is_ashwagandha_ksm66_worth_the_additional_cost/f1b2d5c?utm_source=share&utm_medium=web2x (swanson) ship internationally directly. Buy directly from them to ensure product quality. KSM-66 standardizes to at least 5% Withanolides, and entirely removes Witharferin A (the toxin that is natural to Ashwagandha). Sensoril, another standardized formulation, uses an extract of both the root and leaves, standardizes to 10% Withanolides, but has a slightly different effect due to compounds found in the leaves that aren't in the root. I can't find the % of Withanolides in powdered Ashwagandha root, but it seems to be a fraction of a percent. Any good standardized extract (such as one of those two) should be a far more effective dose in a much smaller size.]

* "[https://www.reddit.com/r/Nootropics/comments/coqf6b/ashwagandha_is_helping_me_modulate_emotional/ewlueyp?utm_source=share&utm_medium=web2x I switched from KSM to Sensoril and I like Sensoril much better. No irritability and much more consistent effects.]", "I tried their Ashwagandha and it wasn't very noticeable. Sensoril is much better in my opinion.", "[https://www.reddit.com/r/Nootropics/comments/coqf6b/ashwagandha_is_helping_me_modulate_emotional/ex1kjpm?utm_source=share&utm_medium=web2x I tried Himalaya's Ashwagandha. But I did not get the same calming effect that I get with KSM66. So I discontinued it and switched back to KSM66]"

* Negatives: Anecdotal claims of it either helping libido or causing a loss of it. Some claims of Rage other saying they where *too* calm to respond appropriately to urgent things. Causing anxiety instead of helping. Someone had an allaergy reaction (hives that went away).

Standard Dose: 300mg Ashwagandha root extract standardized to ~5% withanolides"

* One page says "Not recommended for people with Hashimoto's or Type-1 diabetes". Some say it could be used to treat Hashimoto's?. I think the warning was just because it might interferer with meds.

* [spring valley] brand is notorious for poor quality control." [https://www.reddit.com/r/Nootropics/comments/dz80n0/took_ashwagandha_this_morning_and_have_hives_on/]

* "[https://www.reddit.com/r/Nootropics/comments/cmwwxp/ltheanine_and_ashwagandha_have_helped_my_severe/ew5ilai?utm_source=share&utm_medium=web2x I've has very good results with L-tyrosine... I finally feel happy.]"

* People complaining about importance issues with it. Not sure how much of an issue it is really.

* "[https://www.reddit.com/r/Nootropics/comments/e6ybwv/ashwagandha_and_anger_loss_of_libido/ Ashwagandha is TERRIBLE for me. I’ve experienced rage, depression as well as derealization.]"

* "[https://www.reddit.com/r/Nootropics/comments/coqf6b/ashwagandha_is_helping_me_modulate_emotional/ Ashwagandha is helping me modulate emotional responses, specifically my angry outbursts]"

* "[https://www.reddit.com/r/Nootropics/comments/e6ybwv/ashwagandha_and_anger_loss_of_libido/f9u8k5n?utm_source=share&utm_medium=web2x I took ashwaghanda for the entire year, It makes me more relax,better sleep and more energy,and it boosts my libido,I use it with curcumin and sometimes with rhodiola rosea or schissandra for better mental focus,and anxiety reduction]"

* "[https://www.reddit.com/r/Nootropics/comments/e6ybwv/ashwagandha_and_anger_loss_of_libido/f9vkq83?utm_source=share&utm_medium=web2x I am also trying the “nightshade elimination” diet lately and I was surprised to see Ashwaganhda on the list... The theory is that Nightshades can trigger allergy-like auto-immune issues in some people. That might explain why some of us have a problem with it.]"

* "[https://www.reddit.com/r/Nootropics/comments/e3w9m4/ashwagandha_long_term/f95jhpn?utm_source=share&utm_medium=web2x after long term use. I noticed that I was almost too chilled out. I started missing school assignments because deadlines would approach and I wouldn't feel any "stress" about finishing then on time. I had to discontinue my use in order to get that last minute adrenaline rush back for late night paper submissions]"

* [https://examine.com/supplements/ashwagandha/#interactions-with-hormones_thyroid-hormones it can affect your thyroid hormone levels]

* [https://www.reddit.com/r/Nootropics/comments/e3w9m4/ashwagandha_long_term/f97p6lo?utm_source=share&utm_medium=web2x It can cause thyrotoxicosis. Only buy it from vendors that supply CoAs or patented extracts like KSM-66 and Sensoril.]. Other people say they had libido issues with KSM-66 only...

* "[https://www.reddit.com/r/Nootropics/comments/coqf6b/ashwagandha_is_helping_me_modulate_emotional/ewpyrir?utm_source=share&utm_medium=web2x I sleep well and it seems ash considerably reduces the hangover that Mel used to have on me.]"

* "[https://www.reddit.com/r/Nootropics/comments/ek18qe/ashwaghanda_causing_a_high/fd4it8d/ "can cause anhedonia in the long term, be careful."]

"[https://www.mindrefit.com/ashwagandha-side-effects/ What is usually recommended is that you stop taking the supplement (or reduce the amount) two to three weeks before surgery so your system is clear.]"