Effects of Ashwagandha

I took ashwagandha tablet (Himalaya) containing 250 mg of Ashwagandha extract in the night after dinner. After few doses, it appeared to have reduced serotonin and dopamine as evidenced by lowered the mood, motivation and initiative. It appeared to have GABA mimicking effect. However, it was stimulatory and did not give me deep sleep. The next day I was not able to focus and concentrate on work. Also, I felt short of breath. While I was climbing stairs and walking uphill, I felt short of breath. However, while speaking, not much of shortness of breath was observed. I could start the sentence easily and maintain the conversation which was slow. An interesting improvement was observed. If one night's dose was skipped, the speech was more fluent and no shortness of breath next day. It appears that GABA inhibits dopamine and serotonin and ashwagandha enhances GABA tone. 

Testosterone boosters

1. Olive oil
2. Coconut oil
3. Ashwagandha extract


References:

1. Influence of Commercial Dietary Oils on Lipid Composition and Testosterone Production in Interstitial Cells Isolated from Rat Testis. Lipids, 2009, Volume 44, Issue 4, pp 345-357. PMID:19130109

2. Withania somnifera improves semen quality by regulating reproductive hormone levels and oxidative stress in seminal plasma of infertile males. Fertil Steril. 2010 Aug;94(3):989-96. PMID:19501822