Is ashwagandha effective for anxiety?
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The Efficacy of Ashwagandha for Anxiety: A Comprehensive Review
Introduction to Ashwagandha and Anxiety
Ashwagandha, also known as Withania somnifera, is a traditional herb widely used in Ayurvedic medicine. It is renowned for its adaptogenic properties, which help the body manage stress and anxiety. This article synthesizes findings from multiple research studies to evaluate the effectiveness of Ashwagandha in treating anxiety.
Clinical Evidence Supporting Ashwagandha for Anxiety
Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses
A systematic review and meta-analysis of 12 randomized controlled trials (RCTs) involving 1,002 participants found that Ashwagandha supplementation significantly reduced anxiety levels compared to placebo (Standardized Mean Difference (SMD): -1.55, 95% CI: -2.37, -0.74; p = .005). Another systematic review of five human trials also concluded that Ashwagandha intervention resulted in greater improvements in anxiety scores compared to placebo, although the studies exhibited a high risk of bias and heterogeneity.
Randomized Controlled Trials
Several RCTs have demonstrated the anxiolytic effects of Ashwagandha. For instance, a study involving 64 subjects with chronic stress showed that a high-concentration full-spectrum extract of Ashwagandha root significantly reduced stress and anxiety scores compared to placebo (p<0.0001). Another study with 54 participants found that Ashwagandha root extract significantly improved perceived stress scale (PSS) and generalized anxiety disorder (GAD-7) scores, along with a reduction in morning salivary cortisol levels.
Mechanisms of Action
Ashwagandha's anxiolytic effects are believed to be mediated through its modulation of the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis and its impact on neurotransmitter systems, including GABAergic and serotonergic pathways . Studies have shown that Ashwagandha can reduce cortisol levels and increase serotonin, which are critical in managing stress and anxiety .
Safety and Tolerability
The reviewed studies consistently report that Ashwagandha is well-tolerated with a safety profile comparable to placebo. No serious adverse events were reported, and mild side effects were similar between the treatment and placebo groups .
Conclusion
The current body of evidence suggests that Ashwagandha is effective in reducing anxiety and stress levels. While the results are promising, the variability in study designs, dosages, and extract types calls for further high-quality research to establish standardized guidelines for its clinical use. Nonetheless, Ashwagandha appears to be a safe and effective natural remedy for anxiety, offering a potential alternative to conventional pharmacotherapy.
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Most relevant research papers on this topic
Does Ashwagandha supplementation have a beneficial effect on the management of anxiety and stress? A systematic review and meta‐analysis of randomized controlled trials
An alternative treatment for anxiety: a systematic review of human trial results reported for the Ayurvedic herb ashwagandha (Withania somnifera).
Effects of Withania somnifera (Ashwagandha) on Stress and the Stress-Related Neuropsychiatric Disorders Anxiety, Depression, and Insomnia
Ashwagandha for anxiety disorders
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
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
Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera) for the treatment and enhancement of mental and physical conditions: A systematic review of human trials
Potential clinical applications of Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera) in medicine and neuropsychiatry
Efficacy and safety of ashwagandha root extract in the treatment of insomnia, anxiety and reducing stress – literature review
An investigation into the stress-relieving and pharmacological actions of an ashwagandha (Withania somnifera) extract
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