Effects of ashwagandha (Withania somnifera) on mental health in adults: A systematic review and dose-response meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials

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#humans #withania #randomized-controlled-trials-as-topic #mental-health #plant-extracts

Effects of ashwagandha (Withania somnifera) on mental health in adults: A systematic review and dose-response meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials

Alsanie et al., 2026 | Complement Ther Med | Meta Analysis

Citation

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 randomized controlled trials. Complement Ther Med. 2026-May;97:103325. doi:10.1016/j.ctim.2026.103325

Abstract

BACKGROUND: Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera), as an important herbal medicine, has been increasingly recognized for its role in mental health management, particularly in reducing stress and anxiety, and reflects the growing relevance of complementary and alternative medicine in addressing psychological well-being. The present study aims to investigate its effectiveness by pooling the evidence from existing randomized controlled trials (RCTs). METHODS: Major medical databases of PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science Core Collection were searched. Eligible studies were included. Meta-analysis, meta-regression, non-linear dose-response analysis, and subgroup analyses were conducted. Standardized mean differences (SMDs) were calculated. P-values < 0.05 were considered as statistically significant. The study protocol was registered in the PROSPERO database (CRD420251073134). RESULTS: Twenty-two studies met the eligibility criteria and were included. Meta-analysis revealed that supplementation with ashwagandha significantly improves stress (SMD = -5.88; 95 % CI: -8.15 to -3.60), depression (SMD = -5.68; 95 % CI: -8.43 to -2.94), and anxiety (SMD = -6.87; 95 % CI: -8.77 to -4.97). There was significant linear (coefficient = 0.005, P = 0.031) and non-linear (P-nonlinearity = 0.005) association between dosages of administered ashwagandha and stress levels. CONCLUSION: Current evidence suggests that ashwagandha supplementation holds promising potential in alleviating symptoms of stress, anxiety, and depression. However, to strengthen these findings and translate them into clinical recommendations, well-designed, high-quality trials are still needed to address existing heterogeneity and to establish the most effective dosages and intervention durations.

Key Findings

Twenty-two studies met the eligibility criteria and were included. Meta-analysis revealed that supplementation with ashwagandha significantly improves stress (SMD = -5.88; 95 % CI: -8.15 to -3.60), depression (SMD = -5.68; 95 % CI: -8.43 to -2.94), and anxiety (SMD = -6.87; 95 % CI: -8.77 to -4.97). There was significant linear (coefficient = 0.005, P = 0.031) and non-linear (P-nonlinearity = 0.005) association between dosages of administered ashwagandha and stress levels.

Outcomes Measured

  • anxiety
  • depression

Population

Field Value
Population See abstract
Sample Size See abstract
Age Range See abstract
Condition anxiety

MeSH Terms

  • Humans
  • Withania
  • Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic
  • Mental Health
  • Plant Extracts
  • Anxiety
  • Adult
  • Stress, Psychological
  • Depression
  • Phytotherapy

Evidence Classification

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

Provenance

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