Is ashwagandha good for anxiety?

Introduction

Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera) is a traditional herb widely used in Ayurvedic medicine, reputed for its adaptogenic properties that help the body manage stress. Recent scientific studies have explored its potential benefits in alleviating anxiety and stress, leading to a growing interest in its clinical applications.

Key Insights

Reduction in Anxiety and Stress Levels:
- 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 .
Mechanisms of Action:
- Ashwagandha's anxiolytic effects are believed to be mediated through modulation of the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis and neurotransmitter pathways, including GABAergic and serotonergic systems .
Dosage and Efficacy:
- Effective dosages of Ashwagandha for reducing anxiety and stress range from 300 mg to 600 mg per day, with some studies indicating benefits at doses up to 12,000 mg/day .
Safety and Tolerability:
- Ashwagandha is generally well-tolerated with mild adverse effects comparable to placebo. No serious adverse events have been reported in the studies reviewed .
Comparative Efficacy:
- In some studies, Ashwagandha has shown comparable or superior efficacy to conventional treatments like psychotherapy and pharmaceutical anxiolytics, without the associated side effects .

Conclusion

The collective evidence from multiple studies suggests that Ashwagandha is effective in reducing anxiety and stress levels. Its benefits are likely mediated through its effects on the HPA axis and neurotransmitter modulation. Ashwagandha is generally safe and well-tolerated, making it a promising alternative or adjunctive treatment for anxiety and stress. However, further high-quality studies are needed to establish optimal dosages and fully understand its clinical efficacy.

Is ashwagandha good 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.

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.

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.

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.

Potential 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.

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.

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.

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