A study of 40 adults found that supplementation was associated with improvements in a variety of memory tasks, compared to placebo, after 60 days.

A new clinical study found that an ashwagandha ingredient marketed by Arjuna Natural as Somin-On was linked to improved measures of memory and cognition in a test battery, in a randomized, placebo-controlled study on adults with mild cognitive impairment. The findings were published in The Journal of Psychopharmacology.

Somin-On is an ashwagandha formulation standardized to 2% sominone content, and is designed to focus primarily on cognitive functions like attention and memory retention.

“Our new ashwagandha formulation was developed in direct response to the rising concerns of cognitive decline among today’s aging population,” said Benny Antony, PhD, joint managing director of Arjuna Natural. “This group is actively seeking natural solutions to maintain mental clarity and focus, and help prevent any potential onset of dementia as its members age. Somin-On offers a promising, safe and natural approach for supporting brain function helping older adults stay sharp and mentally agile.”

Mild cognitive impairment is characterized by noticeable declines in memory and cognition, which aren’t severe enough to interfere with daily life. Globally, about 16% of people older than 70 years experience some form of mild cognitive impairment. About half of those diagnosed with mild cognitive impairment will develop Alzheimer’s disease within five years, according to Arjuna Natural, and it is also an early indicator of other forms of dementia.

“There is currently no approved standard of treatment available for MCI in the allopathic medical world,” said Anthony. “Somin-On is our answer to this unmet need and to help address the issue of cognitive decline using natural agents.”

Study Details

The randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study enrolled 40 adults with mild cognitive impairment. For 60 days, one group received 250 mg of the supplement daily, while the other received a placebo.

The subjects took a battery of cognitive tests at day 30 and day 60. Improvements were observed in measures of immediate memory, general memory, and working memory, as assessed by the Wechsler Memory Scale-III. Somin-On was also linked to significantly greater measures of visuospatial processing, via the Shepard Mental Rotation Test.

“Sominone, derived from Withania somnifera, is identified as the main active metabolite responsible for these specific effects,” said Anthony. “Ashwagandha is a traditional Ayurvedic herb that has been widely used for centuries to manage stress and anxiety, and cognitive support function. This compound has been identified and extensively analyzed for its potential benefits in enhancing memory and cognitive functions.”