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Ashwagandha (Stress)Evidence & Dosage

Adaptogen — cortisol lowering, sleep, anxiety reduction.

Evidence at a glance

Total studies
565
With abstract
47
Meta / Systematic / RCT
27
Highly cited
28
Publication years
1994–2026

Ashwagandha (Stress) in the context of Mental

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Top studies on Ashwagandha (Stress)

Ranked by influential-citation count and publication year.

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

    Nutrients2024n=59rct91 influential citations

    BACKGROUND: Ashwagandha has been reported to reduce stress and attenuate cognitive decline associated with inflammation and neurodegeneration in clinical populations. However, the effects as a potential nootropic nutrient in younger…

  2. An investigation into the stress-relieving and pharmacological actions of an ashwagandha (Withania somnifera) extract: A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study.

    Medicine (Baltimore)2019n=60rct84 influential citations

    BACKGROUND: Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera (L.) Dunal) is a herb traditionally used to reduce stress and enhance wellbeing. The aim of this study was to investigate its anxiolytic effects on adults with self-reported high stress and to…

  3. Withania somnifera (Ashwagandha) supplementation: a review of its mechanisms, health benefits, and role in sports performance.

    Nutr Metab (Lond)2025n=400review70 influential citations

    In recent years Withania somnifera (Ashwagandha) gained a lot of interest as an adaptogen, aiding sleep, stress management and presenting health and sports-related benefits. Although clinical effects have been previously reviewed, the…

  4. A blend of Withania somnifera (L.) Dunal root and Abelmoschus esculentus (L.) Moench fruit extracts relieves constipation and improves bowel function: A proof-of-concept clinical investigation.

    J Ethnopharmacol2024n=48rct61 influential citations

    ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE: Withania somnifera (L.) Dunal (WS) and Abelmoschus esculentus (L.) Moench (AE) are known as Ashwagandha and Okra, respectively, important herbs in traditional medicine for their diverse therapeutic values.…

  5. 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.

    Journal of ethnopharmacology2025E57 influential citations

    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…

  6. 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.

    J Psychopharmacol2023n=120rct52 influential citations

    BACKGROUND: Stress is a state of homeostasis in the body being challenged, resulting in a systemic response. It has become more prevalent in recent years and affects mental and physical health. AIMS: Evaluate the effects of ashwagandha on…

  7. Withania somnifera ameliorates sexual arousal and impotence in stressed sexually sluggish male rats by modulating neurotransmitters and NO/cGMP/PDE5α pathway.

    J Ethnopharmacol2024other51 influential citations

    ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE: Psychological stress is a growing global threat to male sexual potency and erection efficiency. Withania somnifera (L.) Dunal (WS), also known as Ashwagandha, is a well-known Ayurvedic herb. The roots of…

  8. Body Weight Management in Adults Under Chronic Stress Through Treatment With Ashwagandha Root Extract: A Double-Blind, Randomized, Placebo-Controlled Trial.

    J Evid Based Complementary Altern Med2017n=52rct47 influential citations

    Chronic stress has been associated with a number of illnesses, including obesity. Ashwagandha is a well-known adaptogen and known for reducing stress and anxiety in humans. The objective of this study was to evaluate the safety and…

  9. A standardized Ashwagandha root extract alleviates stress, anxiety, and improves quality of life in healthy adults by modulating stress hormones: Results from a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study.

    Medicine (Baltimore)2023n=54rct46 influential citations

    BACKGROUND: The coronavirus disease-2019 (COVID-19) pandemic has resulted in a surge in stress, anxiety, and depression worldwide. Ashwagandha, an ayurvedic adaptogen has been traditionally used to manage stress, anxiety, and general…

  10. Phyto-therapeutic potential of Withania somnifera: Molecular mechanism and health implications.

    Phytotherapy research : PTR2024D41 influential citations

    Withania somnifera, the plant named Indian ginseng, Ashwagandha, or winter cherry, has been used since ancient times to cure various health ailments. Withania somnifera is rich in constituents belonging to chemical classes like alkaloids,…

Frequently asked

What dosage was studied?
• Liposomal ashwagandha (Withania somnifera) root and leaf extract coated with a liposomal covering (225 mg initially, then 225 mg/day) • Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera) extract (Shoden) (240 mg once daily after dinner; 84 mg withanolide glycosides per capsule) • Withania somnifera (Ashwagandha) supplementation
Which population does the evidence apply to?
Most studies investigated: unknown; healthy.
Are there safety considerations for Ashwagandha (Stress)?
• Markers of health and safety were assessed, but no adverse events are reported in the abstract. • No adverse events were reported. • All participants completed the trial. • Participants consumed >90% of allocated capsules.

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