Is ashwagandha effective for anxiety?
Pro Research Analysisby 
Searched over 200M research papers
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)1. 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 heterogeneity2.
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)5. 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 levels6.
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 pathways3 4. Studies have shown that Ashwagandha can reduce cortisol levels and increase serotonin, which are critical in managing stress and anxiety6 10.
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 groups5 10.
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.
Sources and full results
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
Ashwagandha supplementation significantly reduces anxiety and stress levels, but further high-quality studies are needed to confirm its clinical efficacy.
Meta-AnalysisAn 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.
Systematic Review
Highly CitedEffects 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.
Systematic Review
Rigorous JournalAshwagandha 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.
RCTA 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.
RCTHighly CitedA 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.
RCTAshwagandha (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.
Systematic ReviewPotential clinical applications of Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera) in medicine and neuropsychiatry
Ashwagandha shows potential in reducing stress, improving cognition, and enhancing exercise capacity in healthy adults, but more large-scale, methodologically stringent clinical trials are needed for confident recommendations.
Systematic ReviewEfficacy 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.
Systematic ReviewAn 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.
RCT
Very Rigorous JournalHighly CitedTry another search
what is the definition of Structural equation modelling (SEM)
social justice
self determination theory
What are the implications of anthropological research for understanding human evolution?
The ethics and implications of predictive analytics in insurance and healthcare decision-making.
good customer service