Does ashwagandha reduce stress?

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1. 1

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

   Phytotherapy Research (Akhgarjand et al.)Published Aug 25, 2022Checked Sep 30, 2026

   “The overall effect size was pooled by random‐effects model and the standardized mean difference (SMD) and 95% confidence interval (CIs) for outcomes were applied. Overall, 12 eligible papers with a total sample size of 1,002 participants and age range between 25 and 48 years were included in the current systematic review and meta‐analysis. We found that Ashwagandha supplementation significantly reduced anxiety (SMD: −1.55, 95% CI: −2.37, −0.74; p = .005; I 2 = 93.8%) and stress level (SMD: −1.75; 95% CI: −2.29, −1.22; p = .005; I 2 = 83.1%) compared to the placebo. Additionally, the non‐linear dose–response analysis indicated a favorable effect of Ashwagandha supplementation on anxiety until 12,000 mg/d and stress at dose of 300–600 mg/d. Finally, we identified that the certainty of the evidence was low for both outcomes. The current systematic review and dose–response meta‐analysis of RCTs revealed a beneficial effect in both stress and anxiety following Ashwagandha supplementation. However, further high‐quality studies are needed to firmly establish the clinical efficacy of the plant.”

2. 2

   Effects of Ashwagandha Supplements on Cortisol, Stress, and Anxiety Levels in Adults: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

   BJPsych Open (Bashour et al.)Published Jun 1, 2025Checked Sep 30, 2026

   “A total of 15 studies were included with a combined sample size of 873 patients. We found that ashwagandha supplementation significantly reduced anxiety compared with placebo according to the Hamilton Anxiety Rating Scale (HAM-A) before μ =−1.55 (95% CI: −2.45 to −0.65, p=0.0007) and at 8 weeks of treatment μ=−3.52 (95% CI: −6.00 to −1.04, p=0.0053). It has also showed a signifacnt effect in reducing both stress (Perceived Stress Scale (PSS) μ=−4.88 (95% CI: −7.84 to −1.91, p=0.0013)) and cortisol levels μ=−2.3626 (95% CI: −3.2622 to −1.4629), p<0.0001) at 8 weeks of treatment. On the other hand, no improvement in the quality of life has been observed μ =−1.7618 (95% CI: −5.6118 to 2.0881, p=0.3698). Ashwagandha supplementation is safe and effective in reducing stress and anxiety in adult patients. In our study, it resulted in a statistically significant reduction of cortisol levels, PSS scale, and HAM-A scale. However, it showed no statistically significant improvement in the quality of life of participants receiving it.”

3. 3

   Dual impact of Ashwagandha: Significant cortisol reduction but no effects on perceived stress – A systematic review and meta-analysis

   Nutrition and Health (Albalawi)Published Aug 1, 2025Checked Sep 30, 2026

   “There was a statistically significant reduction in cortisol levels (−1.16 µg/dL, 95% CI: −1.64 to −0.69, P < 0.001). No significant impact was observed on perceived stress (SMD = −0.355, 95% CI: −1.188 to 0.47; P = 0.40). Heterogeneity was moderate ( I 2 = 50.9%). However, no statistically significant impact was observed on perceived stress (SMD = −0.355, 95% CI: −1.188 to 0.47; P -value = 0.40). The heterogeneity among studies was moderate ( I 2 = 50.9%). Risk of bias was generally moderate; most studies reported adequate randomization, but some lacked allocation concealment. No publication bias was detected. Findings support Ashwagandha's role in lowering cortisol, but gaps remain regarding long-term safety, dosing, and effectiveness across diverse populations. The disconnect between cortisol and PSS outcomes highlights the need for longer treatment duration and broader demographic inclusion. Longitudinal research is recommended to validate Ashwagandha as a holistic stress management tool.”

4. 4

   An Alternative Treatment for Anxiety: A Systematic Review of Human Trial Results Reported for the Ayurvedic Herb Ashwagandha ( Withania somnifera )

   The Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine (Pratte et al.)Published Nov 18, 2014Checked Sep 30, 2026

   “Sixty-two abstracts were screened; five human trials met inclusion criteria. Three studies compared several dosage levels of WS extract with placebos using versions of the Hamilton Anxiety Scale, with two demonstrating significant benefit of WS versus placebo, and the third demonstrating beneficial effects that approached but did not achieve significance (p=0.05). A fourth study compared naturopathic care with WS versus psychotherapy by using Beck Anxiety Inventory (BAI) scores as an outcome; BAI scores decreased by 56.5% in the WS group and decreased 30.5% for psychotherapy (p<0.0001). A fifth study measured changes in Perceived Stress Scale (PSS) scores in WS group versus placebo; there was a 44.0% reduction in PSS scores in the WS group and a 5.5% reduction in the placebo group (p<0.0001). All five studies concluded that WS intervention resulted in greater score improvements (significantly in most cases) than placebo in outcomes on anxiety or stress scales. Current evidence should be received with caution because of an assortment of study methods and cases of potential bias.”

5. 5

   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

   Indian Journal of Psychological Medicine (Chandrasekhar et al.)Published Jul 1, 2012Checked Sep 30, 2026

   “The treatment group that was given the high-concentration full-spectrum Ashwagandha root extract exhibited a significant reduction (P<0.0001) in scores on all the stress-assessment scales on Day 60, relative to the placebo group. The serum cortisol levels were substantially reduced (P=0.0006) in the Ashwagandha group, relative to the placebo group. The adverse effects were mild in nature and were comparable in both the groups. No serious adverse events were reported. The findings of this study suggest that a high-concentration full-spectrum Ashwagandha root extract safely and effectively improves an individual's resistance towards stress and thereby improves self-assessed quality of life.”

6. 6

   Withania somnifera (Wikipedia)

   WikipediaPublished Sep 29, 2026Checked Sep 30, 2026

   “Withania somnifera, known commonly as ashwagandha, is an evergreen shrub in the Solanaceae family that is native to the Middle East and North Africa, other African regions, southern Europe, Indian subcontinent, and Southeast Asia. Several other species in the genus Withania are morphologically similar. Other common names include Indian ginseng and winter cherry. Withania somnifera is a short shrub 35–75 cm (14–30 in) tall with tomentose branches, dull green elliptic leaves up to 10–12 cm (3.9–4.7 in) long, small green bell-shaped flowers, and orange-red ripe fruit. It is affected by various pests and diseases in India, which can damage plant health and reduce its secondary metabolite content. The plant, particularly its root powder, has been used for centuries in traditional Indian medicine. W. somnifera is commonly sold as a dietary supplement containing root or leaf powder or extracts. It is undergoing research for potential effects on stress, anxiety, and sleep, but current clinical evidence is insufficient to confirm its safety or efficacy. The primary phytochemicals in W.”

7. 7

   Safety of 8-Week Administration With Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera) Root Extract in Adults With Stress and Anxiety: Findings From a Prospective, Randomized, Multi-Center, Double-Blinded, Placebo-Controlled Study.

   Phytotherapy research : PTR (Pakhale et al.)Published Apr 6, 2026Checked Oct 4, 2026

   “Demographic and baseline characteristics were similar between groups. No serious adverse events were reported; a total of 74 AEs (7.4%) were documented, with 46 events (9.2%) in the PL group and 28 events (5.6%) in the ARE group. The most common AEs include nausea (3.2% in PL vs. 2.0% in ARE), dry mouth (1.4% in both groups), and headache (2.2% in PL vs. 0.2% in ARE). Laboratory evaluations showed no significant changes in liver function tests, renal function markers, or hematological parameters between the ARE and PL groups. Both groups maintained normal ranges for key biomarkers, including aspartate aminotransferase, alanine aminotransferase, creatinine, and hemoglobin levels throughout the study duration. Tolerability ratings showed no statistically significant difference between the groups (p = 0.487), and most of the participants rated the ARE therapy as "Good" or "Excellent." ARE is well-tolerated and safe in adults with stress and anxiety. These results support the use of Ashwagandha root extract as a viable non-pharmacological treatment, warranting further exploration of its long-term effects in diverse populations.”

8. 8

   Safety and efficacy of ashwagen (a standardized withania somnifera extract) in stress and anxiety with hypertension and associated cardiometabolic risk factors: a randomized, placebo-controlled trial.

   Stress (Amsterdam, Netherlands) (Pattojoshi et al.)Published May 9, 2026Checked Oct 4, 2026

   “A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled Phase III clinical trial was conducted over 60 days in 60 patients diagnosed with stress, anxiety, and pre-existing hypertension with cardiometabolic risk profiles. Participants received either Ashwagen® (300 mg capsule) or placebo twice daily. Efficacy assessments included validated psychological scales-Hamilton Anxiety Rating Scale (HAM-A), Generalized Anxiety Disorder-7 (GAD-7), Perceived Stress Scale (PSS), Clinical Global Impression-Improvement (CGI-I), Epworth Sleepiness Scale (ESS), and Fatigue Severity Scale (FSS)-along with serum cortisol, triglycerides, LDL, and blood pressure measurements. Ashwagen® significantly reduced anxiety and stress markers compared with placebo. HAM-A, GAD-7, and PSS scores decreased by 26.94%, 50.77%, and 30.47%, respectively, in the Ashwagen® group. Cortisol levels declined by 28.99% and triglycerides by 13.00%, with favorable trends in LDL and blood pressure. No serious adverse events were reported. Ashwagen® was found to be a safe and effective adjunctive integrative intervention for stress and anxiety management in patients with pre-existing hypertension.”

9. 9

   Effects of ashwagandha (Withania somnifera) on mental health in adults: A systematic review and dose-response meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials.

   Complementary therapies in medicine (Alsanie et al.)Published Feb 3, 2026Checked Oct 4, 2026

   “Eligible studies were included. Meta-analysis, meta-regression, non-linear dose-response analysis, and subgroup analyses were conducted. Standardized mean differences (SMDs) were calculated. P-values ResultsTwenty-two studies met the eligibility criteria and were included. Meta-analysis revealed that supplementation with ashwagandha significantly improves stress (SMD = -5.88; 95 % CI: -8.15 to -3.60), depression (SMD = -5.68; 95 % CI: -8.43 to -2.94), and anxiety (SMD = -6.87; 95 % CI: -8.77 to -4.97). There was significant linear (coefficient = 0.005, P = 0.031) and non-linear (P-nonlinearity = 0.005) association between dosages of administered ashwagandha and stress levels.ConclusionCurrent evidence suggests that ashwagandha supplementation holds promising potential in alleviating symptoms of stress, anxiety, and depression. However, to strengthen these findings and translate them into clinical recommendations, well-designed, high-quality trials are still needed to address existing heterogeneity and to establish the most effective dosages and intervention durations.”