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| {{substanceBox/Ashwagandha}}
| | {{BotanyBox/Withania somnifera}} |
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| | ''[[Ashwagandha/Summary|Summary sheet: Ashwagandha]]''
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| '''Ashwagandha''', also known as '''Withania somnifera''', '''Indian ginseng''', '''poison gooseberry''' and '''winter cherry''', is a [[Adaptogenic]]<ref>Withania somnifera: an Indian ginseng. |http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/17959291</ref> plant in the Solanaceae or nightshade family. It is used as a herb in Ayurvedic medicine. Ashwagandha contains flavonoids such as Withanolide A and Withaferin-A, which are believed to be responsible for Ashwagandha's psychoactive properties.
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| Ashwagandha has been well-researched for a multitude of health benefits, including anxiety reduction<ref> Naturopathic care for anxiety: a randomized controlled trial ISRCTN78958974. | http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/19718255</ref>, Stress reduction<ref>A prospective, randomized double-blind, placebo-controlled study of safety and efficacy of a high-concentration full-spectrum extract of ashwagandha root in reducing stress and anxiety in adults. | http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/23439798</ref>, physical performance enhancing<ref>Effects of Withania somnifera (Ashwagandha) and Terminalia arjuna (Arjuna) on physical performance and cardiorespiratory endurance in healthy young adults. | http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/21170205</ref><ref>Examining the effect of Withania somnifera supplementation on muscle strength and recovery: a randomized controlled trial.| http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/26609282</ref>, depression relief<ref>A double-blind, placebo-controlled evaluation of the anxiolytic efficacy ff an ethanolic extract of withania somnifera. | http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/21407960 </ref>, and fatigue relief<ref>Naturopathic care for anxiety: a randomized controlled trial ISRCTN78958974. | http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/19718255</ref>. | | '''''Withania somnifera''''' (Commonly known as '''Ashwagandha''', '''Indian ginseng''', '''Poison gooseberry''' and '''Winter cherry''') is an adaptogenic<ref>Withania somnifera: an Indian ginseng. |http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/17959291</ref> plant in the ''Solanaceae'' or Nightshade family that is used as a herbal treatment in Ayurvedic medicine. Ashwagandha contains flavonoids such as Withanolide A and Withaferin-A, which are believed to be responsible for Ashwagandha's psychoactive properties. |
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| | Ashwagandha has been well-researched for a multitude of health benefits, including [[anxiety suppression|anxiety reduction]]<ref> Naturopathic care for anxiety: a randomized controlled trial ISRCTN78958974. | http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/19718255</ref>, stress reduction<ref>A prospective, randomized double-blind, placebo-controlled study of safety and efficacy of a high-concentration full-spectrum extract of ashwagandha root in reducing stress and anxiety in adults. | http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/23439798</ref>, physical performance enhancing<ref>Effects of Withania somnifera (Ashwagandha) and Terminalia arjuna (Arjuna) on physical performance and cardiorespiratory endurance in healthy young adults. | http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/21170205</ref><ref>Examining the effect of Withania somnifera supplementation on muscle strength and recovery: a randomized controlled trial.| http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/26609282</ref>, depression relief<ref>A double-blind, placebo-controlled evaluation of the anxiolytic efficacy of an ethanolic extract of withania somnifera. | http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/21407960 </ref>, and fatigue relief<ref>Naturopathic care for anxiety: a randomized controlled trial ISRCTN78958974. | http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/19718255</ref>. |
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| ==Chemistry== | | ==Chemistry== |
| {{Chemistry}} | | {{Chemistry}} |
| ==Pharmacology==
| | Withanolides are present in all plants in the Solanaceae family of plants{{citation needed}}, of which Withania Somnifera(Ashwagandha) is the highest in concentrations. These Withanolides are believed to be the prime component of Ashwagandha's psychoactive profile.<ref>A standardized root extract of Withania somnifera and its major constituent withanolide-A elicit humoral and cell-mediated immune responses by up regulation of Th1-dominant polarization in BALB/c mice. | https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/17336338</ref>There has been reported to be high variability in the amount of active withanolides in common nutritional supplements, which may be due to lack of standardization of root powder. |
| Theanine is structurally similar to the excitatory [[neurotransmitter]] [[glutamate]], and in accordance, binds to glutamate [[receptor]]s, though with much lower affinity in comparison. Specifically, it binds to ionotropic glutamate receptors including the [[AMPA]] and [[kainate]] receptors and, to a lesser extent, the [[NMDA]] receptor.<ref>The neuropharmacology of L-theanine(N-ethyl-L-glutamine): a possible neuroprotective and cognitive enhancing agent (PubMed.gov / NCBI) | https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/17182482</ref><ref>Inhibition by theanine of binding of [3H]AMPA, [3H]kainate, and [3H]MDL 105,519 to glutamate receptors (PubMed.gov / NCBI) | https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/12596867</ref><ref>Neuroprotective effects of theanine and its preventive effects on cognitive dysfunction (PubMed.gov / NCBI) | https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/21477654</ref><ref>Neuroprotective effects of the green tea components theanine and catechins (PubMed.gov / NCBI) | https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/12499631</ref> It acts as an [[antagonist]] of the former two sites<ref>Neuroprotective effects of the green tea components theanine and catechins (PubMed.gov / NCBI) | https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/12499631</ref> and as an [[agonist]] of the latter site.<ref>Behavioral and molecular evidence for psychotropic effects in L-theanine (PubMed.gov / NCBI) | https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/21861094</ref> In addition, it inhibits glutamine transporters and glutamate transporters, and thus acts as [[reuptake inhibitor]] of glutamine and glutamate.<ref>Neuroprotective effects of the green tea components theanine and catechins (PubMed.gov / NCBI) | https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/12499631</ref><ref>Inhibition of glutamate transporter by theanine enhances the therapeutic efficacy of doxorubicin (PubMed.gov / NCBI) | https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/11325559</ref><ref>Theanine and glutamate transporter inhibitors enhance the antitumor efficacy of chemotherapeutic agents (PubMed.gov / NCBI) | https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/14643924</ref>
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| Theanine increases [[dopamine]], [[GABA]], and [[glycine]] levels in various areas of the brain.<ref>The neuropharmacology of L-theanine(N-ethyl-L-glutamine): a possible neuroprotective and cognitive enhancing agent (PubMed.gov / NCBI) | https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/17182482</ref><ref>Behavioral and molecular evidence for psychotropic effects in L-theanine (PubMed.gov / NCBI) | https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/21861094</ref><ref>Theanine, r-glutamylethylamide, increases neurotransmission concentrations and neurotrophin mRNA levels in the brain during lactation (PubMed.gov / NCBI) | https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/17904164</ref><ref>Effect of theanine, r-glutamylethylamide, on brain monoamines and striatal dopamine release in conscious rats (PubMed.gov / NCBI) | https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/9566605</ref> It also effects [[serotonin]] in a manner which is still a matter of debate in the scientific community, with separate studies showing increases and decreases in brain serotonin levels using similar experimental protocols.<ref>Effect of theanine, r-glutamylethylamide, on brain monoamines and striatal dopamine release in conscious rats (PubMed.gov / NCBI) | https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/9566605</ref><ref>Theanine-induced reduction of brain serotonin concentration in rats (PubMed.gov / NCBI) | https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/9614715</ref>
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| These various changes in neurotransmitter levels contribute to the calming and nootropic properties of theanine.
| | ==Pharmacology== |
| | [[File:Withanolide_series.png|400px|thumb|Chemical structure of Withanolides found in Ashwagandha]] |
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| ==Subjective effects== | | ==Subjective effects== |
| The effects listed below are based upon the [[subjective effect index]] and personal experiences of [[PsychonautWiki]] [[Special:TopUsers|contributors]]. The listed effects will rarely (if ever) occur all at once, but heavier dosages will increase the chances and are more likely to induce a full range of effects. | | The effects listed below are based upon the [[subjective effect index]] and personal experiences of [[PsychonautWiki]] [[Special:TopUsers|contributors]]. The listed effects will rarely (if ever) occur all at once, but heavier dosages will increase the chances and are more likely to induce a full range of effects. |
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| ===Physical effects=== | | ===Physical effects=== |
| *'''[[Effect::Sedation]]''' ''and'' '''[[Effect::Stimulation]]''' - Theanine is mildly stimulating at [[Dosage#light|light]] to [[Dosage#common|common]] dosages but becomes sedating with [[Dosage#Strong|strong]] dosages at around 300mg. | | *'''[[Effect::Sedation]]''' ''and'' '''[[Effect::Stimulation]]''' - Ashwagandha has sedating as well as stimulating effects on the user at all dosages. |
| *'''[[Effect::Muscle relaxation]]''' - at [[Dosage#Heavy|heavy]] doses, theanine induces muscle relaxation comparable to that of [[benzodiazepines]]. | | *'''[[Effect::Muscle relaxation]]''' - at [[Dosage#Heavy|heavy]] doses, ashwagandha induces light muscle relaxation. |
| *'''[[Effect::Spontaneous tactile sensations]]''' - Theanine produces a physical feeling of glowing warmth that is present across the entirety of ones body. This occurs at dosages around 300mg.
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| ===Cognitive effects=== | | ===Cognitive effects=== |
| *'''[[Effect::Anxiety suppression]]''' - Theanine produces anxiolytic effects which are comparable to a mild dose of a benzodiazepine but without the accompanying [[disinhibition]]. | | *'''[[Effect::Anxiety suppression]]''' - Ashwagandha produces anxiolytic effects which are comparable to a mild dose of a benzodiazepine but without the accompanying [[disinhibition]]. |
| *'''[[Effect::Mindfulness]]''' - Theanine induces distinctive states of mindfulness more consistently than perhaps any other known psychoactive compound. | | *'''[[Effect::Depression reduction]]''' |
| *'''[[Effect::Memory enhancement]]'''<ref>A combination of green tea extract and l-theanine improves memory and attention in subjects with mild cognitive impairment: a double-blind placebo-controlled study. (PubMed.gov / NCBI) | http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/21303262</ref> - Theanine has been shown to improve memory and attention in subjects with mild cognitive impairments. | | *'''[[Effect::Motivation enhancement]]''' |
| *'''[[Effect::Thought deceleration]]''' | | *'''[[Effect::Thought deceleration]]''' |
| *'''[[Effect::Thought organization]]''' | | *'''[[Effect::Thought organization]]''' |
| *'''[[Effect::Perception of increased weight]]'''
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| *'''[[Effect::Analysis enhancement]]''' | | *'''[[Effect::Analysis enhancement]]''' |
| *'''[[Effect::Focus enhancement]]''' | | *'''[[Effect::Focus enhancement]]''' |
| *'''[[Effect::Motivation enhancement]]''' | | *'''[[Effect::Perception of increased weight]]''' |
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| | ===Experience reports=== |
| | There are currently no anecdotal reports which describe the effects of this compound within our [[experience index]]. Additional experience reports can be found here: |
| | * [https://www.erowid.org/experiences/subs/exp_Ashwagandha.shtml Erowid Experience Vaults: Ashwagandha] |
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| ==Toxicity and harm potential== | | ==Toxicity and harm potential== |
| Theanine is non-addictive, is not known to cause brain damage, and has an [[Toxicity::extremely low toxicity]] relative to dose. Similar to many other [[nootropics]] drugs, there are relatively few physical side effects associated with acute theanine exposure. Various studies have shown that in reasonable doses in a careful context, it presents no negative cognitive, psychiatric or toxic physical consequences of any sort.
| | It is strongly recommended that one use [[responsible drug use|harm reduction practices]] when using this drug. |
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| It is strongly recommended that one use [[responsible drug use|harm reduction practices]] when using this drug.
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| ===Tolerance and addiction potential=== | | ===Tolerance and addiction potential=== |
| Theanine is [[Addiction potential::not habit-forming]] and the desire to use it can actually decrease with use. It is most often self-regulating.
| | Ashwaghanda is [[Addiction potential::not habit-forming]]. |
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| Tolerance to the effects of theanine are built [[Time to full tolerance::after prolonged and repeated usage]]. After that, it takes about [[Time to half tolerance::7 days]] for the tolerance to be reduced to half and [[Time to zero tolerance::14 days]] to be back at baseline (in the absence of further consumption). Theanine presents cross-tolerance with [[Cross-tolerance::no other known compounds]], meaning that after the consumption of theanine all other psychoactive compounds will not have a reduced effect.
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| ==Legal issues== | | ==Legal issues== |
| {{LegalStub}} | | {{LegalStub}} |
| Theanine is unscheduled across the world and is not known to be specifically illegal within any country.
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| *'''United Kingdom''' - It is illegal to produce, supply, or import this drug under the Psychoactive Substance Act, which came into effect on May 26th, 2016.<ref>Psychoactive Substances Act 2016 (Legislation.gov.uk) | http://www.legislation.gov.uk/ukpga/2016/2/contents/enacted</ref>
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| ==See also== | | ==See also== |
| *[[Nootropic]] | | *[[Nootropic]] |
| *[[Caffeine]]
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| *[[Glutamate]]
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| ==External links== | | ==External links== |
| *[https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Theanine Theanine (Wikipedia)] | | *[https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Withania_somnifera Withania somnifera (Wikipedia)] |
| *[https://examine.com/supplements/theanine/ Theanine (Examine)] | | *[https://www.reddit.com/r/nootropics/wiki/beginners#wiki_ashwagandha Ashwagandha (r/Nootropics FAQ)] |
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| ==References== | | ==References== |
| <references/>
| | {{reflist|2}} |
| [[Category:Psychoactive substance]] [[Category:Nootropic]] | | |
| | [[Category:Solanaceae (family)]] |
