Ashwagandha

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

Akhgarjand C, Asoudeh F, Bagheri A, Kalantar Z, Vahabi Z, Shab-Bidar S · Phytotherapy research : PTR · 2022 · n=2

Clinical trial studies revealed conflicting results on the effect of Ashwagandha extract on anxiety and stress. Therefore, we aimed to evaluate the effect of Ashwagandha supplementation on anxiety as well as stress. A systematic search was performed in PubMed/Medline, Scopus, and Google Scholar from inception until December 2021. We included randomized clinical trials (RCTs) that investigate the effect of Ashwagandha extract on anxiety and stress. 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; I2  = 93.8%) and stress level (SMD: -1.75; 95% CI: -2.29, -1.2

Interventions for generalized anxiety disorder.

Byrne GJ · Current opinion in psychiatry · 2023

To provide an overview of recently published work on anxiety, focusing on generalized anxiety disorder (GAD) and its treatment. Self-reported anxiety symptoms were highly prevalent during the COVID-19 global pandemic in both the general population and in selected groups. There remains divided opinion about whether internet-based cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) is noninferior to face-to-face CBT for GAD. A systematic review of drug treatment for GAD showed efficacy for selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs), agomelatine, and quetiapine. There may be a place for repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation in the treatment of GAD. There was some evidence of efficacy for complementary therapies, including physical exercise, yoga, acupuncture, and Withania somnifera (ashwagandha). However, a systematic review of cannabidiol and tetrahydrocannabinol found insufficient evidence of efficacy in anxiety disorders. Antidepressants and quetiapine show efficacy in the treatment of G

Plant-derived nootropics and human cognition: A systematic review.

Lorca C, Mulet M, Arévalo-Caro C, Sanchez MÁ, Perez A, Perrino M · Critical reviews in food science and nutrition · 2023

Substances with modulatory capabilities on certain aspects of human cognition have been revered as nootropics from the dawn of time. The plant kingdom provides most of the currently available nootropics of natural origin. Here, in this systematic review, we aim to provide state-of-the-art information regarding proven and unproven effects of plant-derived nootropics (PDNs) on human cognition in conditions of health and disease. Six independent searches, one for each neurocognitive domain (NCD), were performed in parallel using three independent scientific library databases: PubMed, Cochrane and Scopus. Only scientific studies and systematic reviews with humans published between January 2000 and November 2021 were reviewed, and 256 papers were included. Ginkgo biloba was the most relevant nootropic regarding perceptual and motor functions. Bacopa monnieri improves language, learning and memory. Withania somnifera (Ashwagandha) modulates anxiety and social-related cognitions. Caffeine enh

Herbal medicines in the treatment of psychiatric disorders: 10-year updated review.

Sarris J · Phytotherapy research : PTR · 2018

This paper provides a 10-year update of the 2007 systematic review of herbal medicines studied in a broad range of psychiatric disorders, including depression, anxiety, obsessive-compulsive, seasonal affective, bipolar, psychotic, phobic, somatoform, and attention-deficit hyperactivity disorders. Ovid Medline, PubMed, and the Cochrane Library were searched for herbal medicines with both pharmacological and clinical evidence of psychotropic activity. This updated review now covers clinical trial evidence for 24 herbal medicines in 11 psychiatric disorders. High-quality evidence was found to exist for the use of Piper methysticum (Kava), Passiflora spp. (passionflower) and Galphimia glauca (galphimia) for anxiety disorders; and Hypericum perforatum (St John's wort) and Crocus sativus (saffron) for major depressive disorder. Other encouraging herbal medicines with preliminary evidence include Curcuma longa (turmeric) in depression, Withania somnifera (ashwagandha) in affective disorders,

Effects of multi-herb and ashwagandha root formulas on stress modulation: a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical study.

McKinney E, Stewart J, Kewalramani R, Singh S · Trials · 2026

Chronic stress is detrimental to the maintenance of the main response system - the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis. The current study aimed to investigate the efficacy of two plant-based adaptogens, a formula containing Rhodiola, holy basil and Schisandra chinensis (VL-G-A57) and a full-spectrum ashwagandha (VL-G-E12), on stress and related symptoms in individuals with high stress. The 60-day randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical study included individuals aged between 18 to 65 years with a body mass index (BMI) of 18 to 29.9 kg/m2. One hundred eighty-six participants were randomized to one of the adaptogens, VL-G-A57 or VL-G-E12, or to placebo. The primary outcome was a reduction in stress levels. Secondary outcomes were changes in sleep quality, fatigue, restorative sleep, mental alertness, mood dysregulation, and anxiety. A priori power analysis determined the required sample size. Efficacy was assessed by comparing mean changes in

Effects of Withania somnifera Extract in Chronically Stressed Adults: A Randomized Controlled Trial.

Pandit S, Srivastav AK, Sur TK, Chaudhuri S, Wang Y, Biswas TK · Nutrients · 2024 · n=131

Stress is a known causative factor in modulating cognitive health, which overall well-being and quality of life are dependent on. Long-term stress has been shown to disrupt the balance of the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis. Adaptogens, such as Withania somnifera (ashwagandha), are commonly used in Ayurvedic medicine for stress relief and ameliorating HPA-axis dysfunction. The aim of this study was to support the role of a root and leaf water-extracted ashwagandha extract (WS) in stress reduction by confirming the lowest clinically validated dose for stress management (125 mg/day) in a dose-dependent clinical study in adults with self-reported high stress. An 8-week, randomized, double-blinded, placebo-controlled study to compare the effects of three different WS extract doses (125, 250 and 500 mg) was performed. A total of 131 adults were enrolled, and 98 were included in the final analysis. Attenuation of chronic stress was measured using the 14-item Perceived Stress Scale

Short-term influence of Immufen™ on mild allergic rhinitis: a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study.

K M, Aryan MK, Prabhakaran P, Mulakal JN, Das S S, Im K · Frontiers in allergy · 2024

Allergic rhinitis (AR) is an IgE-mediated reaction to inhaled allergens, and is a prominent health concern affecting approximately 400 million people worldwide. A comprehensive understanding of AR's pathophysiology is imperative for developing novel therapies, especially considering its frequent co-morbidity with asthma and conjunctivitis. The escalating prevalence of AR is correlated with increased urbanization and environmental pollutants, recognized as prominent contributing factors. Dysregulation in immune networks, Th1/Th2 cytokine imbalance, activation of mast cells and eosinophils are implicated in AR progression. Classic AR symptoms include nasal congestion, nasal itching, rhinorrhea, and sneezing which significantly impact the quality of life, social interactions, and workplace productivity. This randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, three-arm, three-sequence study was aimed to assess the efficacy of supplementation of a co-delivery form of turmeric extract with ashwa

Adaptogens in Long-Lasting Brain Fatigue: An Insight from Systems Biology and Network Pharmacology.

Panossian A, Lemerond T, Efferth T · Pharmaceuticals (Basel, Switzerland) · 2025

Long-lasting brain fatigue is a consequence of stroke or traumatic brain injury associated with emotional, psychological, and physical overload, distress in hypertension, atherosclerosis, viral infection, and aging-related chronic low-grade inflammatory disorders. The pathogenesis of brain fatigue is linked to disrupted neurotransmission, the glutamate-glutamine cycle imbalance, glucose metabolism, and ATP energy supply, which are associated with multiple molecular targets and signaling pathways in neuroendocrine-immune and blood circulation systems. Regeneration of damaged brain tissue is a long-lasting multistage process, including spontaneously regulating hypothalamus-pituitary (HPA) axis-controlled anabolic-catabolic homeostasis to recover harmonized sympathoadrenal system (SAS)-mediated function, brain energy supply, and deregulated gene expression in rehabilitation. The driving mechanism of spontaneous recovery and regeneration of brain tissue is a cross-talk of mediators of neur

Evaluating the Safety of Ashwagandha as a Food Additive: A Focus on Reproductive, Thyroid, and Immune System Effects.

Li L, Zhang X, Hao J, Tian X, Zhu Y, Yang Y · Phytotherapy research : PTR · 2025

Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera (L.) Dunal), a perennial plant of the genus Withania in the Solanaceae family, is widely used in traditional Indian medicine. In recent years, its use as a dietary supplement has gained increasing popularity. However, concerns regarding its safety have attracted significant attention. This review comprehensively examines the effects of Ashwagandha on the female and male reproductive systems, thyroid hormones, acetylcholinesterase activity, the immune system, and the liver. By analyzing relevant research studies and case reports, it aims to thoroughly evaluate the safety of Ashwagandha as a food additive and provide a scientific basis for its rational use. The findings indicate that Ashwagandha poses significant risks to specific populations, such as pregnant women, patients with thyroid disorders, and individuals with liver or kidney dysfunction. Furthermore, multiple cases of liver damage have been reported, raising concerns about its long-term safety.

Herbal Remedies for Hair Loss: A Review of Efficacy and Safety.

Ahmed A, Alali AM, Abdullah E, Alharbi MN, Alayoubi HM · Skin appendage disorders · 2025

Hair loss (HL) is a prevalent condition worldwide; it can affect both males and females of different age groups. Despite the availability of many conventional treatment options, these might be linked to causing different side effects, leading to a growing interest in natural and herbal remedies (HRs). This review aims to investigate the efficacy and safety of various HRs for HL and examine the current scientific evidence behind them. A literature search used several studies to identify relevant studies published up to March 2024. The search terms included HL, alopecia, HRs, and names of specific herbs such as rosemary, saw palmetto, onion juice, Korean red ginseng, pumpkin seed oil, azelaic acid, olive oil, coconut oil, henna, honey, rice bran extract, Ashwagandha, and amla. Studies have suggested potential benefits in promoting hair growth and treating various forms of HL. These remedies were found to be effective in different conditions, including androgenetic alopecia, telogen effl

Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera (L.) dunal) root extract containing withanolide a alleviates depression-like behavior in mice by enhancing the brain-derived neurotrophic factor pathway under unexpected chronic mild stress.

Kim H, Choi HS, Han K, Sim W, Suh HJ, Ahn Y · Journal of ethnopharmacology · 2025

Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera (L.) Dunal) root or whole-plant extracts are used to treat anxiety, insomnia, and other nervous system disturbances. We evaluated the neuroprotective and antidepressant effects of ashwagandha root extract (ARE) on corticosterone-exposed HT-22 cells and unpredictable chronic mild stress (UCMS)-challenged mice. The neuroprotective properties of ARE containing withanolide A were assessed in HT-22 cells subjected to corticosterone-induced oxidative stress. Additionally, the effects of ARE on depression-like behavior, stress-related hormones, and inflammatory cytokine levels were evaluated in a mouse model of UCMS. In HT-22 cells, ARE (100 and 200 μg/mL) and its constituent, withanolide A (1.56 and 3.12 μg/mL), mitigated corticosterone-induced increases in MAO activity, ROS, and MDA levels. Treatment also reversed corticosterone-induced reductions in BDNF, TrkB, p-AKT, p-ERK, and p-CREB and normalized Nrf2 and Keap1 lev

Modulation by Withania somnifera of stress-induced anxiogenesis and airway inflammation in rats.

Rehman S, Naqvi M, Ali NH, Gulati K, Ray A · Journal of complementary & integrative medicine · 2024

Stress is an aversive stimulus which disrupts the biological milieu of the organism and a variety of emotional and environmental stressors are known to influence allergic and immunological disorders like bronchial asthma but the pharmacological basis of such interactions is not clearly defined. Withania somnifera (ashwagandha) is a potent anti-stress agent used widely in Indian traditional medicine and the present experimental study evaluated the effects of W. somnifera extract (WSE) on chronic stress-induced neurobehavioral and immunological responses in an experimental model of allergic asthma in rats. Wistar rats (200-250 g) were immunized and challenged with ovalbumin (OVA) and exposed to restraint stress (RS) and WSE treatments for 15 days. Following this, anxiety behavior was assessed by the elevated plus maze (EPM) test, and blood and BAL fluid samples were collected for measuring of inflammatory/immune markers by ELISA and biochemical assay. The data of the va

Ashwagandha

NCCIH

This NCCIH fact sheet provides an overview of ashwagandha, including its traditional uses, what the science says about its effectiveness for various conditions like stress and anxiety, and potential side effects or interactions. It emphasizes that more research is needed to confirm many of its purported health benefits.