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Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and is not intended for diagnostic use. LifeDNA does not provide diagnostic reports on any traits discussed. Genetics is just one piece of the puzzle; please consult a healthcare professional for comprehensive guidance on any health condition.
Ashwagandha, often referred to as Indian ginseng or winter cherry, is an ancient herb with deep roots in Ayurvedic medicine. Known for its ability to help the body manage stress, improve energy, and enhance focus, it has gained global popularity as a natural supplement. But not everyone experiences the same results when taking ashwagandha—and that’s where genetics come into play.
Recent scientific interest has focused on how our genetic makeup may influence our response to ashwagandha. In this article, we’ll explore what ashwagandha is, its benefits, how it works in the body, and how individual genetic variations—especially in stress, hormone, and neurotransmitter pathways—can shape its effects.
Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera) is an adaptogenic herb, meaning it helps the body adapt to physical and emotional stress. It has been used in Indian traditional medicine for over 3,000 years to promote strength, calm the nervous system, and support immune function.
The active compounds in ashwagandha—known as withanolides—are believed to be responsible for most of its therapeutic effects. These compounds, like the Withaferin A and Withanone, help balance hormones, reduce inflammation, and support brain function.
Ashwagandha is typically available in powder, capsule, or extract form, often standardized to contain a specific percentage of withanolides.
Scientific studies have validated many of the traditional benefits of ashwagandha. Some of the most common and researched advantages include:
While these benefits are promising, individual experiences and outcomes with ashwagandha can vary. One reason may lie in your genes.
Ashwagandha interacts with multiple systems in the body. It helps regulate the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis—a key stress response system—by reducing excessive cortisol release. It may increase GABA (gamma-aminobutyric acid) signaling, a neurotransmitter that promotes relaxation and reduces nervous activity. Ashwagandha also has strong antioxidant properties that protect cells from oxidative stress. It can influence the balance of thyroid hormones and testosterone, which are vital for metabolism, energy, and fertility. These actions create a wide range of benefits—but how powerfully they work may depend on your individual biology, especially your genetics.
Not everyone responds to ashwagandha the same way. Differences in certain genes can affect how your body processes or responds to the herb’s active compounds. Here are a few key genetic pathways that may shape your response:
The COMT (catechol-O-methyltransferase) gene affects how your brain breaks down dopamine, epinephrine, and norepinephrine—neurotransmitters related to mood, focus, and stress. Variants in the COMT gene determine whether you clear these neurotransmitters quickly or slowly. Fast COMT (Val/Val) types may experience more cognitive benefits from ashwagandha, such as better focus and stress relief. Slow COMT (Met/Met) types may be more sensitive and experience stronger sedative or calming effects.
These genes are involved in regulating the body’s sensitivity to cortisol, the stress hormone. People with certain Glucocorticoid receptor gene; NR3C1 or Immunophilin (prolyl isomerase 5) gene FKBP5 gene variants may have a heightened or prolonged stress response. Ashwagandha may help normalize cortisol levels, but individuals with dysregulated stress genes may respond more noticeably, finding it especially helpful in calming anxiety or improving sleep.
The GAD1 gene codes for GAD67, an enzyme that helps convert glutamate (a stimulating neurotransmitter) into GABA (a calming one). Low GAD67 activity can lead to a state of excitability or anxiety. Ashwagandha’s ability to support GABA activity may be more beneficial to those with GAD1 variations who experience chronic stress or restlessness.
These genes affect dopamine, serotonin, and other mood-related chemicals. Variations here can influence how ashwagandha impacts mood stability, emotional resilience, and even energy levels. People with MAOA-L (low activity) may experience stronger mood-stabilizing effects from ashwagandha, especially in high-stress environments.
Ashwagandha is a shrub native to India, parts of the Middle East, and North Africa. Its roots and berries are used for medicinal purposes, although most modern supplements use root extracts. These extracts are standardized to specific withanolide content to ensure consistent potency. Top-quality sources often come from organically grown plants in India and undergo purification to remove contaminants like heavy metals or pesticides.
DNA testing companies now offer reports that examine your stress response, mood sensitivity, hormone metabolism, and other traits related to neurotransmitter activity. These insights can help you understand whether ashwagandha may help with stress or make you feel overly calm, how your nervous system processes stimulants and calming agents, and if you’re more likely to benefit from ashwagandha for cognitive or physical reasons. This can be particularly useful if you’ve tried ashwagandha before and noticed very mild—or very strong—effects.
While ashwagandha is generally safe, certain people should consult a healthcare provider before using it. This includes pregnant or breastfeeding women, individuals with hyperthyroidism (as ashwagandha may further increase thyroid hormone levels), people taking sedatives or thyroid medication, and those with autoimmune diseases, since ashwagandha may stimulate the immune system.
As the field of nutrigenomics grows, more people are turning to personalized health solutions based on their DNA. Herbs like ashwagandha may become part of targeted wellness strategies, especially for addressing stress, fatigue, and hormone imbalance. By understanding your genetic makeup, you can make more informed decisions about whether ashwagandha is right for you—and how best to use it.
Ashwagandha is a powerful adaptogenic herb that can reduce stress, improve mood, and support overall health. However, not all bodies respond the same. Your genetic makeup, particularly genes related to stress hormones, neurotransmitters, and hormone regulation, can shape how well ashwagandha works for you. As genetic testing becomes more accessible, it’s now possible to tailor natural supplements like ashwagandha to your unique biology—leading to more effective and balanced wellness outcomes.
The LifeDNA Methylation Genes Report gives you a closer look at how your genes may affect your well-being. One of the key genes it covers is COMT, which helps your body break down brain chemicals like dopamine and adrenaline. These chemicals affect how you handle stress, focus, and mood. Knowing your COMT type can help you understand why you may feel calm or anxious in certain situations. The report also looks at other important genes linked to mental clarity and overall wellness, making it a helpful tool if you want to learn how your body responds to things like stress or calming herbs such as ashwagandha.
