Ashwagandha
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Evidence Summary
Ashwagandha is an adaptogenic herb primarily studied for its effects on stress, anxiety, and sleep. While research shows promise for cortisol reduction and sleep quality, results regarding perceived stress and anxiety management remain conflicting.
Evidence by Condition
Meta-analyses show conflicting results regarding anxiety management, though some evidence suggests significant cortisol reduction without affecting perceived stress (PMID: 40746175, PMID: 36017529).
Evidence from meta-analyses and RCTs indicates that Ashwagandha extract can improve sleep quality in healthy adults (PMID: 34559859, PMID: 32540634).
A systematic review and meta-analysis suggests potential effects on VO2max in athletic populations (PMID: 32316411).
There is a potential risk that its immunostimulatory properties may flare autoimmune skin diseases (PMID: 41475897).
Effective Doses
Dose ranges not specified in the provided research summaries.
Key Findings
- Ashwagandha extract may alleviate symptoms of anxiety and depression by increasing serotonin levels (PMID: 37878284).
- Supplementation can lead to significant cortisol reduction, though it may not impact perceived stress levels (PMID: 40746175).
- Ashwagandha has demonstrated efficacy in improving sleep quality (PMID: 34559859).
- Potential immunostimulatory effects may pose a risk for individuals with autoimmune skin diseases (PMID: 41475897).
Limitations
Research presents conflicting evidence regarding the efficacy of Ashwagandha for anxiety and perceived stress. There is also a lack of consensus on its impact on cognitive function and long-term safety for autoimmune conditions.
Safety & Interactions
Due to its immunostimulatory properties, it may potentially trigger flares in autoimmune skin diseases (PMID: 41475897).
AI-generated summary from 63 peer-reviewed studies. Not medical advice. Always consult a healthcare provider.
Claims vs. Evidence
| Claim Type | % of Products | Evidence Required | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| All Other | 99% | Tier D (Unclassified) | ✅ Supported |
| Structure/Function | 90% | Tier C (DSHEA Structure/Function (no pre-approval)) | ✅ Supported |
| Nutrient | 7% | Tier D (Unknown) | ✅ Supported |
| No Claim | 0% | Tier D (No claim on label) | ✅ Supported |
Research by Topic
Research Evidence (63)
**Weiner et al., 2025** | Lupus Sci Med | Systematic Review Weiner Jeffrey D, Hill Alannah, ... Werth Victoria P. Identifying immunostimulatory herbal supplements that may flare autoimmune skin diseases: a systematic scoping review. Lupus Sci Med. 20...
The purpose of this study was to systematically review the scientific literature about the effects of supplementation with Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera) on maximum oxygen consumption (VO2max), as well as to provide directions for clinical practice...
Clinical trial studies revealed conflicting results on the effect of Ashwagandha extract on anxiety and stress. Therefore, we aimed to evaluate the effect of Ashwagandha supplementation on anxiety as well as stress. A systematic search was performed ...
**Çakici et al., 2019** | Psychol Med | Meta Analysis Çakici N, van Beveren N J M, ... Sommer I E C. An update on the efficacy of anti-inflammatory agents for patients with schizophrenia: a meta-analysis. Psychol Med. 2019-Oct;49(14):2307-2319. doi:1...
OBJECTIVE: Despite the historical neurological use of Withania somnifera, limited evidence supports its efficacy for conditions like anxiety and insomnia. Given its known anti-stress properties, this review evaluated its safety and efficacy for anxie...
OBJECTIVE: To determine the effect of Ashwagandha extract on sleep. METHODS: A comprehensive search was conducted in CENTRAL, MEDLINE, SCOPUS, Google Scholars, World Health Organization Trials Portal, ClinicalTrials.gov, Clinical Trial Registry of In...
**Lorca et al., 2023** | Crit Rev Food Sci Nutr | Systematic Review Lorca Cristina, Mulet María, ... Serra Aida. Plant-derived nootropics and human cognition: A systematic review. Crit Rev Food Sci Nutr. 2023;63(22):5521-5545. doi:10.1080/10408398.20...
BACKGROUND: Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera) is an adaptogenic herb used to prevent and treat psychosomatic disorders. This systematic review and meta-analysis evaluated the effects and safety of Ashwagandha on psychosomatic functions related to stre...
**Wang et al., 2025** | Front Pharmacol | Systematic Review Wang Lu, Xu Xiaofan, ... Yu Zhenghong. Systematic review and network meta-analysis of the effects of plant active substance on quality of life in breast cancer patients. Front Pharmacol. 202...
**Łuszczak et al., 2026** | Ann Agric Environ Med | Systematic Review Łuszczak Joanna, Kocki Janusz. Clinical evidence for the adaptogenic effects of Withania somnifera and Rhodiola rosea - A systematic review with molecular interpretation of psychom...
OBJECTIVE: Non-restorative sleep (NRS) affects 10% people worldwide, leading to poor sleep quality, as well as physical and cognitive fatigue. This is the first human study in which an extract of ashwagandha (Withania somnifera Dunal L.) was evaluate...
BACKGROUND: Withania somnifera (WS), a popular medicinal plant of the Solanaceae family, contains active ingredients with antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, immunomodulatory, and anti-stress activities. However, its precise mechanisms of action and opti...
BackgroundThe global medicine market is projected to reach US$417 billion by 2033, reflecting rising demand for natural healthcare alternatives. Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera) is widely used in Ayurvedic medicine for stress management, but evidence...
**Yan et al., 2025** | Front Pharmacol | Systematic Review Yan Chao, Du Xiaotao, ... Bao Tianyi. Efficacy of botanical extracts for knee osteoarthritis: a network meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials. Front Pharmacol. 2025;16:1619589. doi:10...
Background: Withania somnifera (Linn) or Ashwagandha is used in Ayurveda and other traditional medicine systems as an adaptogen and a neuroprotective supplement. Objective: The effect of Ashwagandha root extract (ARE) standardized for 2.5% full-spect...
**Abdelwahab et al., 2024** | Urologia | Systematic Review Abdelwahab Siddig Ibrahim, Taha Manal Mohamed Elhassan. A systematic literature review of natural products for male sexual dysfunction. Urologia. 2024-Nov;91(4):647-658. doi:10.1177/039156032...
Ashwagandha is a supplement with the potential to improve exercise performance. However, research on its impact on female athletes remains limited. This study investigates the effects of ashwagandha on exercise recovery and muscle strength in profess...
**Ahmadian et al., 2022** | Curr Drug Discov Technol | Systematic Review Ahmadian Mohammad, Salari Roshanak, ... Bahrami-Taghanaki Hamid Reza. Herbal Medicines for Idiopathic Male Infertility: A Systematic Review. Curr Drug Discov Technol. 2022;19(6)...
**Javidi et al., 2023** | Curr Drug Discov Technol | Systematic Review Javidi Najmeh, Khorasani Zahra Mazloum, ... Yousefi Mahdi. Achievements in Hypothyroidism Treatment with Herbal Medicine: A Systematic Review of Randomized Controlled Trials. Curr...
**Alsanie et al., 2026** | Complement Ther Med | Meta Analysis Alsanie Saleh A, Alhodieb Fahad Saad, Askarpour Moein. Effects of ashwagandha (Withania somnifera) on mental health in adults: A systematic review and dose-response meta-analysis of rando...
1. This study was carried out to investigate the effects of 1, 25-dihydroxycholecalciferol (1, 25 (OH)2 D3) and a hydroalcoholic extract of Withania somnifera (WS) root on performance, mineral retention, bone mineralisation, bone mechanical and bone ...
OBJECTIVE: To assess existing reported human trials of Withania somnifera (WS; common name, ashwagandha) for the treatment of anxiety. DESIGN: Systematic review of the literature, with searches conducted in PubMed, SCOPUS, CINAHL, and Google Scholar ...
Withania somnifera (Ashwagandha) is an Ayurvedic herb categorized as having "rasayana" (rejuvenator), longevity, and revitalizing properties. Sensoril® is a standardized aqueous extract of the roots and leaves of Withania somnifera. Purpose: To exami...
**Durg et al., 2018** | Phytomedicine | Meta Analysis Durg Sharanbasappa, Shivaram Shivakumar Badamaranahalli, Bavage Sachin. Withania somnifera (Indian ginseng) in male infertility: An evidence-based systematic review and meta-analysis. Phytomedicin...
**Smith et al., 2021** | Adv Nutr | Systematic Review Smith Stephen J, Lopresti Adrian L, ... Fairchild Timothy J. Examining the Effects of Herbs on Testosterone Concentrations in Men: A Systematic Review. Adv Nutr. 2021-Jun-01;12(3):744-765. doi:10....
OBJECTIVES: Withania somnifera has been in use for several thousand years in Ayurveda to treat various neurological disorders. There is, however, not much scientific data on its protective role in neuronal pathology specifically against brain oxidati...
BACKGROUND: Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera (L.) Dunal) is a herb traditionally used to reduce stress and enhance wellbeing. The aim of this study was to investigate its anxiolytic effects on adults with self-reported high stress and to examine poten...
BACKGROUND: The coronavirus disease-2019 (COVID-19) pandemic has resulted in a surge in stress, anxiety, and depression worldwide. Ashwagandha, an ayurvedic adaptogen has been traditionally used to manage stress, anxiety, and general well-being. OBJE...
ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE: Ashwagandha is a reputed herb in traditional Ayurveda, used for various ailments and improving general well-being. Improved cardiorespiratory endurance can aid in attaining better physiological, metabolic, and function...
Stress, anxiety, and depression, along with feeling overwhelmed and exhausted have been widely reported by college students as factors that negatively impact their academic performance, and overall well-being. Ashwagandha is an Ayurvedic herb that ha...
**Durg et al., 2020** | Phytother Res | Meta Analysis Durg Sharanbasappa, Bavage Sachin, Shivaram Shivakumar B. Withania somnifera (Indian ginseng) in diabetes mellitus: A systematic review and meta-analysis of scientific evidence from experimental r...
**Singh et al., 2021** | Phytother Res | Systematic Review Singh Rahul Soloman, Singh Ashutosh, ... Medhi Bikash. Promising traditional Indian medicinal plants for the management of novel Coronavirus disease: A systematic review. Phytother Res. 2021-...
**Zhang et al., 2022** | Pharmacol Res | Systematic Review Zhang Wenting, Yan Yonghuang, ... Su Zeqi. Medicinal herbs for the treatment of anxiety: A systematic review and network meta-analysis. Pharmacol Res. 2022-May;179:106204. doi:10.1016/j.phrs....
BACKGROUND: Ashwagandha is a well-known Ayurvedic herb used for youthful vigor and wellbeing. This study investigated the effects of 600 mg standardized root extract (>5% withanolides) of Ashwagandha ( Withania somnifera) on muscle size, strength and...
**Yalin et al., 2026** | Neuropsychobiology | Systematic Review Yalin Nefize, Yildiz Aysegul. Improving Cognition in Bipolar Disorder: A Systematic Review of Current Pharmacological and Nutraceutical Approaches. Neuropsychobiology. 2026-Mar-17:1-24. ...
Chronic stress has been associated with a number of illnesses, including obesity. Ashwagandha is a well-known adaptogen and known for reducing stress and anxiety in humans. The objective of this study was to evaluate the safety and efficacy of a stan...
**Savage et al., 2018** | Phytother Res | Systematic Review Savage Karen, Firth Joseph, ... Sarris Jerome. GABA-modulating phytomedicines for anxiety: A systematic review of preclinical and clinical evidence. Phytother Res. 2018-Jan;32(1):3-18. doi:1...
**Tandon et al., 2020** | J Ethnopharmacol | Systematic Review Tandon Neeraj, Yadav Satyapal Singh. Safety and clinical effectiveness of Withania Somnifera (Linn.) Dunal root in human ailments. J Ethnopharmacol. 2020-Jun-12;255:112768. doi:10.1016/j....
**Boroujeni et al., 2022** | JBRA Assist Reprod | Systematic Review Boroujeni Shakiba Nasiri, Malamiri Farid Ansari, ... Moudi Emadoddin. The most important medicinal plants affecting sperm and testosterone production: a systematic review. JBRA Assis...
The purpose of this study was to examine the impact of ashwagandha (ASH) (Withania somnifera) on sleep, perceived stress, and cravings in a college student population. Sixty healthy students were screened/enrolled into a 30-day double-blinded placebo...
**Kushwah et al., 2023** | Curr Neuropharmacol | Systematic Review Kushwah Shikha, Maurya Neha Shree, ... Mani Ashutosh. Herbal Therapeutics for Alzheimer's Disease: Ancient Indian Medicine System from the Modern Viewpoint. Curr Neuropharmacol. 2023;...
**Gómez et al., 2023** | Curr Nutr Rep | Systematic Review Gómez Afonso Adrián, Fernandez-Lazaro Diego, ... Fernandez-Lazaro Cesar I. Effects of Withania somnifera (Ashwagandha) on Hematological and Biochemical Markers, Hormonal Behavior, and Oxidant...
INTRODUCTION: Prolonged exposure to stress may lead to low mood, anxiety, depression, insomnia, and metabolic disorders. Ashwagandha, an established adaptogen, is known to combat stress. We studied the safety and efficacy of Ashwagandha formulation, ...
**Nasimi et al., 2018** | Biomed Res Int | Systematic Review Nasimi Doost Azgomi Ramin, Zomorrodi Afshar, ... Ahmadi AsrBadr Yadollah. Effects of Withania somnifera on Reproductive System: A Systematic Review of the Available Evidence. Biomed Res Int...
**Ng et al., 2020** | Phytother Res | Systematic Review Ng Qin Xiang, Loke Wayren, ... Yeo Wee Song. A systematic review of the clinical use of Withania somnifera (Ashwagandha) to ameliorate cognitive dysfunction. Phytother Res. 2020-Mar;34(3):583-59...
**Gkotzamanis et al., 2020** | Psychiatriki | Systematic Review Gkotzamanis V, Panagiotakos D. Dietary interventions and cognition: A systematic review of clinical trials. Psychiatriki. 2020;31(3):248-256. doi:10.22365/jpsych.2020.313.248 Prevalence ...
**Byrne et al., 2023** | Curr Opin Psychiatry | Systematic Review Byrne Gerard J. Interventions for generalized anxiety disorder. Curr Opin Psychiatry. 2023-Mar-01;36(2):134-139. doi:10.1097/YCO.0000000000000840 PURPOSE OF REVIEW: To provide an overv...
BACKGROUND: Stress is a state of homeostasis in the body being challenged, resulting in a systemic response. It has become more prevalent in recent years and affects mental and physical health. AIMS: Evaluate the effects of ashwagandha on stress, fat...
**Tadesse et al., 2025** | ScientificWorldJournal | Systematic Review Tadesse Daniel, Masresha Getinet, Lemlemu Moges. Medicinal Plants Used to Treat Evil Eye Illness in Ethiopia: A Systematic Review. ScientificWorldJournal. 2025;2025:5498700. doi:10...
**Elbouzidi et al., 2026** | J Biotechnol | Systematic Review Elbouzidi Amine, Taibi Mohamed, ... Addi Mohamed. Hairy roots as a biotechnological tool for medicinal plant secondary metabolites: A systematic review. J Biotechnol. 2026-Jan;409:117-136....
Showing top 50 of 63 sources, sorted by quality score.
Details
Ashwagandha
Overview
Ashwagandha is a bioactive compound tracked in the biomedical knowledge base.
Also known as: withania somnifera, ksm-66, sensoril, indian ginseng, winter cherry
Role in Health
Detailed overview pending — this entity has sources compiled across multiple verticals.
Related Verticals
See sources-index for all verified sources referencing Ashwagandha.
Safety Considerations
Safety data extraction pending.
Sources
See linked source pages for full provenance.
Related Supplements
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Ashwagandha and what is it used for?
Ashwagandha is an adaptogenic herb primarily used to help the body manage stress and anxiety. There is moderate evidence suggesting it may also improve sleep quality and support athletic performance.
Does Ashwagandha help with anxiety and stress?
There is moderate evidence regarding its effects on stress. While research shows it can significantly reduce cortisol levels, results regarding its ability to reduce perceived feelings of anxiety remain conflicting.
Can Ashwagandha help me sleep better?
Yes, there is moderate evidence from clinical studies indicating that Ashwagandha extract can improve sleep quality in healthy adults.
Does Ashwagandha improve athletic performance?
There is moderate evidence suggesting that Ashwagandha may have potential benefits for athletic performance, specifically regarding improvements in VO2max.
What is the recommended dose of Ashwagandha?
The provided research does not specify a specific effective dose range for Ashwagandha. You should consult with a healthcare professional to determine the appropriate dosage for your needs.
Is Ashwagandha safe to take, and are there any side effects?
There are no documented drug interactions, but there is weak evidence that its ability to stimulate the immune system could potentially trigger flares in individuals with autoimmune skin diseases. Always consult a doctor if you have an autoimmune condition.
Who should avoid taking Ashwagandha?
Individuals with autoimmune skin diseases should be cautious due to weak evidence that the herb's immunostimulatory properties may cause flares. It is always best to speak with a medical professional before starting supplementation.
Answers generated from research evidence. Not medical advice.