Body Weight Management in Adults Under Chronic Stress Through Treatment With Ashwagandha Root Extract: A Double-Blind, Randomized, Placebo-Controlled Trial
Body Weight Management in Adults Under Chronic Stress Through Treatment With Ashwagandha Root Extract: A Double-Blind, Randomized, Placebo-Controlled Trial
Choudhary et al., 2017 | J Evid Based Complementary Altern Med | Rct
Citation
Choudhary Dnyanraj, Bhattacharyya Sauvik, Joshi Kedar. Body Weight Management in Adults Under Chronic Stress Through Treatment With Ashwagandha Root Extract: A Double-Blind, Randomized, Placebo-Controlled Trial. J Evid Based Complementary Altern Med. 2017-Jan;22(1):96-106
Abstract
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 standardized root extract of Ashwagandha through a double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled trial. A total of 52 subjects under chronic stress received either Ashwagandha (300 mg) or placebo twice daily. Primary efficacy measures were Perceived Stress Scale and Food Cravings Questionnaire. Secondary efficacy measures were Oxford Happiness Questionnaire, Three-Factor Eating Questionnaire, serum cortisol, body weight, and body mass index. Each subject was assessed at the start and at 4 and 8 weeks. The treatment with Ashwagandha resulted in significant improvements in primary and secondary measures. Also, the extract was found to be safe and tolerable. The outcome of this study suggests that Ashwagandha root extract can be used for body weight management in adults under chronic stress.
Key Findings
The outcome of this study suggests that Ashwagandha root extract can be used for body weight management in adults under chronic stress.
Outcomes Measured
- anxiety
- cortisol levels
Population
| Field | Value |
|---|---|
| Population | See abstract |
| Sample Size | 52 |
| Age Range | See abstract |
| Condition | anxiety |
MeSH Terms
- Adult
- Body Weight
- Chronic Disease
- Double-Blind Method
- Female
- Humans
- Hydrocortisone
- Male
- Middle Aged
- Phytotherapy
- Plant Extracts
- Stress, Psychological
- Weight Gain
- Young Adult
Evidence Classification
- Level: Rct
- Publication Types: Journal Article, Randomized Controlled Trial
- Vertical: ashwagandha-stress
Provenance
- PMID: 27055824
- DOI: (not available)
- PMCID: PMC5871210
- Verified: 2026-04-09 via PubMed E-utilities API
Source extracted via PubMed E-utilities API on 2026-04-09