Ashwagandha Root in Reducing Stress and Anxiety: A Systematic Review

Smith SJ, Lopresti AL

Published in Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine

Abstract

Systematic review of clinical trials demonstrating consistent evidence for ashwagandha's stress-reducing and anxiolytic effects.

Methodology

Prospective, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study with 64 adults with chronic stress. Participants received 300mg twice daily (600mg total) of high-concentration full-spectrum ashwagandha root extract or placebo for 60 days. Stress assessed using Perceived Stress Scale (PSS) and General Health Questionnaire-28 (GHQ-28). Serum cortisol, DHEA-S, and other biomarkers measured.

Key Findings

Significant reduction in PSS scores in ashwagandha group vs placebo (p<0.0001) 44% reduction in PSS scores from baseline in treatment group 27.9% reduction in serum cortisol levels (p=0.0006) Improved scores on all GHQ-28 subscales Improved secondary outcomes including anxiety, social dysfunction, and depression scores No serious adverse events reported Well-tolerated with minimal side effects

Conclusions

High-concentration full-spectrum ashwagandha root extract safely and effectively improves resistance toward stress and thereby improves self-assessed quality of life. The significant reduction in serum cortisol levels suggests ashwagandha mechanism involves HPA axis modulation.

Limitations

Relatively small sample size (n=64) Moderate study duration (60 days) - longer trials needed Single-center design Participants not diagnosed with clinical anxiety disorder No follow-up after treatment cessation Did not compare different doses Mostly subjective outcome measures

Supplements Studied

Ashwagandha

Herb

Systematic review concluded ashwagandha root extract consistently reduced stress and anxiety measures relative to placebo across the identified trials.