Efficacy of Ashwagandha root extract on cognition parameters in geriatric dogs: a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial

Cognitive deficits increases as dogs grow. Ashwagandha is a known adaptogen with antioxidant and anti-inflammatory actions, thus promoting health in geriatric pets. This study was conducted to assess whether Ashwagandha root extract (ARE) has a role as a nervine tonic in geriatric dogs with an emphasis on their cognitive ability. A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled canine trial was conducted with 12 Beagle dogs aged between 11 and 14 years, which were fed ARE (n = 6) orally (15 mg/kg) for 60 days. A T-maze experiment was performed to study the effect of ARE on directional learning, memory retention and reversal learning. Based on the cognitive dysfunction syndrome (CDS) score, the control animals exhibited moderate cognitive deficits, which correlated with age. Interestingly, there was a significant improvement in cognition in the ARE-fed group, as evidenced by the T-maze and CDS scores. Further, ARE intervention led to a significant increase in plasma serotonin (p < 0.001) and dopamine (p < 0.05) levels when compared to the placebo group. These findings indicate that ARE has promising potential for improving age-related cognitive deficits and can act as a nerve tonic in geriatric dogs and may be used as a nutraceutical in aged canines.