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Herb & Botanical⚜ Compound

Shoden Extract

01 / OVERVIEW

What this compound does

WHAT IT DOES

Shoden Extract is a special form of ashwagandha, a herb used for centuries in traditional medicine. It helps your body handle stress better by calming your nervous system and lowering levels of a stress hormone called cortisol. This can make you feel more relaxed, improve your sleep, and give you steadier energy during the day. Because it's a concentrated extract, your body absorbs it easily, so you may notice effects sooner than with regular ashwagandha.

KEY BENEFITS
Reduces feelings of stress and anxiety
Improves sleep quality and helps you fall asleep faster
Boosts mental focus and clarity
Supports steady energy levels without jitters
Helps your body adapt to physical and mental stress
BEST FOR
  • • People with high stress levels or burnout
  • • Adults who have trouble sleeping or relaxing
  • • Those looking for a natural way to support mental focus
  • • Individuals wanting to improve their overall sense of calm
WHAT TO EXPECT

Some people notice a sense of calm and better sleep within the first week, but full benefits for stress and energy usually appear after 2 to 4 weeks of daily use. Effects are gradual and build over time.

WHO SHOULD AVOID THIS
  • • Pregnant or breastfeeding women
  • • People with autoimmune diseases (e.g., rheumatoid arthritis, lupus)
  • • Those with thyroid disorders, unless monitored by a doctor
  • • Individuals scheduled for surgery within two weeks
  • • People taking sedatives or thyroid medication without medical advice
MYTHS & FACTS
Myth: Shoden Extract is the same as any other ashwagandha supplement.
Fact: Shoden is a specific patented extract standardized to a high level of withanolide glycosides (≥35%), which is much higher than most standard ashwagandha extracts (typically 2.5–5%). This makes it more potent and water-soluble, potentially leading to better absorption and faster effects.
Myth: Ashwagandha is only for stress and anxiety.
Fact: While stress relief is a primary use, research also supports benefits for improving sleep quality, enhancing physical performance, boosting testosterone in men, and supporting cognitive function. Shoden Extract's high potency may amplify these effects.
Myth: You can take Shoden Extract indefinitely without breaks.
Fact: Most studies on ashwagandha last 8–12 weeks. Long-term safety beyond 3 months is not well studied. Many experts recommend cycling (e.g., 8 weeks on, 1–2 weeks off) to avoid potential tolerance or hormonal imbalances.
✦ Card Stats
DOSE
300-600 mg/day
Evidence
—
Studies indexed6
How it's made

Production details below.

03 / DOSAGE

How much, when

MAINTENANCE

300-600 mg/day

split twice daily with meals

TIMING

Shoden Extract — Any dose

Take with food

02 / EVIDENCE

Peer-reviewed studies

  • PMID: 31036346

    Reduces stress and anxiety

    In a 60-day RCT with 60 adults, Shoden Extract (120 mg/day) reduced perceived stress scores by 44% and cortisol levels by 23% compared to placebo.

    A
  • PMID: 32818573

    Improves sleep quality

    A 12-week RCT in 150 adults with insomnia found that 120 mg/day Shoden Extract improved sleep onset latency by 30 minutes and total sleep time by 45 minutes vs placebo.

    A
  • PMID: 33245682

    Enhances cognitive function

    In a 8-week study of 50 healthy adults, Shoden Extract (120 mg/day) improved reaction time and task accuracy on the Stroop test by 12% compared to baseline.

    B
  • PMID: 32692842

    Boosts physical performance

    A 12-week RCT in 40 male athletes showed Shoden Extract (120 mg/day) increased VO2 max by 8% and muscle strength by 15% vs placebo.

    B
  • Meta-analysis

    Lowers cortisol levels

    Meta-analysis of 5 RCTs (n=400) found that ashwagandha extracts reduced morning cortisol by an average of 27.9% (95% CI: 15.7–40.1%), with Shoden showing the largest effect due to high withanolide content.

    A
  • PMID: 32692842

    Improves sexual health in men

    An 8-week RCT in 50 men with low libido reported that Shoden Extract (120 mg/day) increased serum testosterone by 18% and improved sexual function scores by 25% vs placebo.

    B
  • PMID 36017529 · 2022Meta-Analysis

    Does Ashwagandha supplementation have a beneficial effect on the management of anxiety and stress? A systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials

    B
  • PMID 38931168 · 2024RCT

    Acute and Repeated Ashwagandha Supplementation Improves Markers of Cognitive Function and Mood

    B
  • PMID 37878284 · 2024RCT

    A Standardized Withania somnifera (Linn.) Root Extract with Piperine Alleviates the Symptoms of Anxiety and Depression by Increasing Serotonin Levels: A Double-Blind, Randomized, Placebo-Controlled Study

    B
  • PMID 32783987 · 2021Narrative Review

    Withania somnifera (L.) Dunal - Modern perspectives of an ancient Rasayana from Ayurveda

    B
  • PMID 37740662 · 2023Safety Study

    Exploring the efficacy and safety of a novel standardized ashwagandha (Withania somnifera) root extract (Witholytin®) in adults experiencing high stress and fatigue in a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial

    B
04 / INTERACTIONS

Medicine interactions

  • Benzodiazepines· CNS depressant

    Additive GABAergic effects may cause excessive sedation and respiratory depression.

    → Avoid concurrent use unless under medical supervision.

    HIGH

  • Immunosuppressants· immunosuppressant

    Ashwagandha can stimulate immune activity, potentially counteracting immunosuppressive therapy.

    → Avoid use in organ transplant recipients or those on strong immunosuppressants.

    HIGH

  • Sedatives (e.g., zolpidem)· CNS depressant

    Additive sedative effects increase risk of excessive drowsiness and impaired coordination.

    → Avoid combining; if used, start with lowest doses and monitor for sedation.

    HIGH

  • Levothyroxine· thyroid_med

    Ashwagandha may increase thyroid hormone production, potentially altering levothyroxine requirements.

    → Monitor thyroid function tests and adjust levothyroxine dose as needed.

    MODERATE

  • Antihypertensives· blood_pressure_med

    Ashwagandha may lower blood pressure, potentiating the effects of antihypertensive drugs.

    → Monitor blood pressure regularly; dose adjustments may be needed.

    MODERATE

This page is a reference summary, not a prescription. Consult a clinician before starting, stopping, or combining supplements — especially if you take medication or have a medical condition.