Is ashwagandha effective for anxiety?

Introduction

Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera) is a traditional Ayurvedic herb known for its adaptogenic properties, which help the body manage stress. Recently, scientific interest has grown in evaluating its efficacy for treating anxiety and stress-related disorders.

Key Insights

Efficacy in Reducing Anxiety and Stress:
- Multiple studies have shown that Ashwagandha supplementation significantly reduces anxiety and stress levels compared to placebo, as measured by various scales such as the Hamilton Anxiety Scale, Beck Anxiety Inventory, and Perceived Stress Scale .
- Ashwagandha has been found to be effective in reducing serum cortisol levels, a biomarker for stress, indicating its potential in managing stress-related symptoms .
Comparison with Conventional Treatments:
- Ashwagandha has shown comparable efficacy to conventional treatments like psychotherapy and lorazepam in reducing anxiety symptoms, with fewer side effects .
Dosage and Duration:
- Effective dosages of Ashwagandha for reducing anxiety and stress range from 125 mg to 600 mg per day, with significant improvements observed within 2 to 8 weeks of treatment .
Mechanisms of Action:
- The anxiolytic effects of Ashwagandha are believed to be mediated through its modulation of the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis and its GABAergic and serotonergic pathways .
Safety and Tolerability:
- Ashwagandha is generally well-tolerated with a safety profile comparable to placebo. No serious adverse events have been reported in the studies reviewed .

Conclusion

The collective evidence from multiple studies suggests that Ashwagandha is effective in reducing anxiety and stress levels. It compares favorably with conventional treatments and is generally well-tolerated. However, further high-quality studies are needed to confirm these findings and establish optimal dosages and formulations.

Try another search

what is quantitative research

fungal bioflim

What is the potential of advanced computing technologies in solving complex scientific and engineering problems?

How does the balance of macronutrients affect body composition and metabolic health?

Is Psilocybin safe?

Are covid vaccines safe for pregnant women?

Is ashwagandha effective for anxiety?

Summary

Consensus Meter

Introduction

Key Insights

Conclusion

Sources and full results

An alternative treatment for anxiety: a systematic review of human trial results reported for the Ayurvedic herb ashwagandha (Withania somnifera).

Ashwagandha treatment significantly improves anxiety and stress scores compared to placebo in most studies, but current evidence is limited by study methods and potential bias.

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

Ashwagandha supplementation significantly reduces anxiety and stress levels, but further high-quality studies are needed to confirm its clinical efficacy.

Ashwagandha for anxiety disorders

Ashwagandha (ASW) is a well-tolerated and well-tolerated herbal treatment for anxiety disorders, with potential benefits comparable to those of lorazepam and without the disadvantages of conventional drugs.

Effects of Withania somnifera (Ashwagandha) on Stress and the Stress-Related Neuropsychiatric Disorders Anxiety, Depression, and Insomnia

Ashwagandha root and leaf extracts show promising anti-stress, anti-anxiety, and depression effects, but more research is needed on optimal preparation and dosage for treating neuropsychiatric conditions.

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 high-concentration full-spectrum Ashwagandha root extract safely and effectively reduces stress and anxiety in adults, improving their quality of life.

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 root extract with 2.5% withanolides effectively reduces stress and anxiety by increasing serotonin and decreasing cortisol in healthy individuals with mild to moderate symptoms.

Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera) for the treatment and enhancement of mental and physical conditions: A systematic review of human trials

Ashwagandha shows potential in alleviating stress and anxiety symptoms, but more robust and adequately-powered research is needed to confirm its effectiveness across various mental and physical conditions.

Efficacy and safety of ashwagandha root extract in the treatment of insomnia, anxiety and reducing stress – literature review

Ashwagandha root extract shows efficacy and safety in treating insomnia, anxiety, and reducing stress, but further research is needed to confirm its role in these conditions.

Adaptogenic and Anxiolytic Effects of Ashwagandha Root Extract in Healthy Adults: A Double-blind, Randomized, Placebo-controlled Clinical Study

Ashwagandha root extract effectively reduces stress and anxiety in healthy adults, with higher doses improving sleep quality.

An investigation into the stress-relieving and pharmacological actions of an ashwagandha (Withania somnifera) extract

Ashwagandha supplementation significantly reduces stress and anxiety in stressed adults, potentially due to its moderating effect on the hypothalamus-pituitary-adrenal axis.

Try another search