Effects of Withania somnifera on Cortisol Levels in Stressed Human Subjects: A Systematic Review

Della et al., 2023 | Nutrients | Systematic Review

Citation

Della Porta Matteo, Maier Jeanette A, Cazzola Roberta. Effects of Withania somnifera on Cortisol Levels in Stressed Human Subjects: A Systematic Review. Nutrients. 2023-Dec-05;15(24). doi:10.3390/nu15245015

Abstract

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 optimal use as a supplement are not yet fully understood. The objective of this systematic review is to assess the impact of WS supplementation on cortisol levels in stressed humans by analyzing clinical trials conducted prior to May 2023. METHODS: The assessment was carried out following the guidelines of Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) by exploring the databases of EMBASE, PubMed, Google Scholar, CENTRAL, and Scopus. RESULTS: Of the 4788 articles identified, only 9 studies met the selection criteria. The selected studies varied in terms of design, results, formulations, dosages, and treatment duration (30-112 days), and involved subjects with varying degrees of stress. WS supplementation decreases cortisol secretion with no significant adverse effects. Nonetheless, none of the studies evaluated the potential impact of cortisol reduction on adrenal function and long-term effects. CONCLUSIONS: Brief-term supplementation with WS appears to have a stress-reducing effect in stressed individuals. However, since the long-term effects of WS supplementation are not yet fully understood, WS supplements should be used under medical supervision.

Key Findings

Of the 4788 articles identified, only 9 studies met the selection criteria. The selected studies varied in terms of design, results, formulations, dosages, and treatment duration (30-112 days), and involved subjects with varying degrees of stress. WS supplementation decreases cortisol secretion with no significant adverse effects. Nonetheless, none of the studies evaluated the potential impact of cortisol reduction on adrenal function and long-term effects.

Outcomes Measured

• cortisol levels
• inflammatory markers

Population

MeSH Terms

• Humans
• Plant Extracts
• Withania
• Hydrocortisone
• Plants, Medicinal
• Antioxidants

Evidence Classification

• Level: Systematic Review
• Publication Types: Systematic Review, Journal Article
• Vertical: ashwagandha-stress

Provenance

• PMID: 38140274
• DOI: 10.3390/nu15245015
• PMCID: PMC10745833
• Verified: 2026-04-09 via PubMed E-utilities API

Source extracted via PubMed E-utilities API on 2026-04-09