Ashwagandha for stress and anxiety: Systematic review of randomized trials
Patel, N., Singh, R., Williams, E.
Published in Journal of Clinical Psychiatry
Abstract
This systematic review examined 12 randomized controlled trials of ashwagandha for stress and anxiety. Standardized ashwagandha extract (300-600mg daily) significantly reduced perceived stress scores by 27% and cortisol levels by 23% compared to placebo.
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
Systematic review of randomized trials found consistent reductions in perceived stress and anxiety scores with standardised ashwagandha root extract.
Outcomes Measured
Reductions in anxiety and stress scores were accompanied by improvements in mood-related subscales.
Randomized trials consistently showed reduced perceived stress scores with standardised ashwagandha root extract.
Related Health Concerns
Study Details
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Disclosures
Funding
Supported by Natreon Inc. (manufacturer of KSM-66 ashwagandha)
Conflicts of Interest
Study sponsored by ashwagandha manufacturer. Independent statistical analysis performed.
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