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Ashwagandha and stress and anxiety: what the evidence says

Based on the evidence, standardized ashwagandha root extracts lower stress and anxiety scores more than placebo in many small trials, though most are short, from India, and several were run by the extract makers.

4/5 Moderate

At least one well-run randomized trial in people on this outcome, with a positive result. How we score

This is ashwagandha's best-studied use. At least six pooled analyses of randomized trials found lower anxiety or stress scores than on placebo: a 2022 analysis of 12 trials and 1,002 people, a 2024 analysis of 9 placebo trials (Hamilton anxiety 2.19 points lower) and a 2025 analysis of 14 trials in people with diagnosed mental disorders all point the same way.

The weak points are consistent too. Reviewers rated the certainty of the evidence low, the trials disagree wildly in effect size (one 2026 analysis reports effects several times larger than any other), most last 6 to 12 weeks, and most were run in India with branded extracts (KSM-66, Shoden, Sensoril, Zenroot, AshwaSR), several by the companies that sell them.

Trials run in the US and Australia are more mixed: of six that measured stress, four found no difference from placebo (including a 12-week Australian trial of Witholytin and a 2026 US trial in schizophrenia), one was borderline and one was positive. A 2025 analysis found that cortisol falls reliably while perceived stress, pooled over 6 trials, did not change significantly.

One industry trial of Sensoril in 120 people with generalized anxiety disorder finished in 2012 and has never reported results (see Beyond Google). Unreported trials tend to be the disappointing ones, so the published picture may be too rosy.

Ashwagandha is not a tested replacement for prescribed anxiety treatment. If you take antidepressants, sedatives, thyroid medicine or immune-suppressing drugs, talk to your doctor first; stopping it abruptly has been linked to rebound symptoms in one case report.

We screened all 255 records PubMed returned and read 89 abstracts in full: every record PubMed tags as a human study (71) plus 18 trials PubMed had not labelled. We kept 33 that measured anxiety, stress or a closely related outcome in people taking ashwagandha alone.

The evidence ladder higher rungs count for more

Meta-analyses of trialspooled randomized trials8
Human studiestrials and population studies25
Case reportssingle people0
Animal studiesmostly rodents67
Lab studiescells, test tubes51

The studies in people, read one by one

Result	Type	What they did	What they found
Positive	Systematic review / meta-analysis, 2022 1,002 people	Meta-analysis of 12 randomized trials of ashwagandha extract against placebo Measured: Anxiety and stress scores	Anxiety SMD -1.55 (95% CI -2.37 to -0.74), stress SMD -1.75 (-2.29 to -1.22) against placebo, with very high heterogeneity (I2 93.8% and 83.1%); certainty of evidence rated low. PubMed 36017529
Positive	Systematic review / meta-analysis, 2024 558 people	Meta-analysis of 9 randomized placebo-controlled trials Measured: Perceived Stress Scale, Hamilton Anxiety Scale, serum cortisol	Perceived stress -4.72 points (95% CI -8.45 to -0.99), Hamilton anxiety -2.19 (-3.83 to -0.55), cortisol -2.58 (-4.99 to -0.16) against placebo; 4 trials reported mild to moderate side effects. PubMed 39348746
Mixed	Systematic review / meta-analysis, 2025 488 people	Meta-analysis of randomized trials from 2012-2024 (7 on cortisol, 6 on perceived stress) Measured: Cortisol and perceived stress	Cortisol fell by 1.16 ug/dL (95% CI -1.64 to -0.69), but perceived stress did not change significantly (SMD -0.355, 95% CI -1.188 to 0.47, P = 0.40). PubMed 40746175
Positive	Systematic review / meta-analysis, 2025 713 people	Meta-analysis of 14 randomized trials in people with a diagnosed mental disorder, mostly anxiety disorders (PROSPERO-registered) Measured: Anxiety, depression, stress, sleep quality, tolerability	Anxiety SMD -1.13 (95% CI -1.65 to -0.60) after removing outliers; stress SMD -0.95; confirmed by a Bayesian model for anxiety but not depression; no difference in side effects. PubMed 41140145
Positive	Systematic review / meta-analysis, 2024 254 people	Meta-analysis of 5 placebo-controlled randomized trials in anxiety and/or insomnia Measured: Hamilton Anxiety Scale	Hamilton anxiety score 5.96 points lower (95% CI -10.34 to -1.59, P = 0.008), with extreme heterogeneity (I2 98%). PubMed 39083548
Positive	Systematic review / meta-analysis, 2022	Network meta-analysis of 29 trials of 12 herbs for anxiety Measured: Hamilton Anxiety Scale	Ashwagandha lowered the Hamilton anxiety score by 4.90 points against placebo (95% credible interval -9.70 to -0.17), but its trials were small. PubMed 35378276
Positive	Systematic review / meta-analysis, 2014	Systematic review of 5 human trials (no pooling possible) Measured: Anxiety and stress scales	All 5 trials favoured ashwagandha, but every one had unclear or high risk of bias and designs differed too much to combine. PubMed 25405876
Positive	Systematic review / meta-analysis, 2026	Dose-response meta-analysis of 22 randomized trials Measured: Stress, anxiety, depression	Reported stress SMD -5.88 and anxiety SMD -6.87, far larger than any other pooled analysis we read, with stress improving as the dose rose. PubMed 41644067
Positive	Randomized trial, 2012 64 people	Placebo-controlled trial, 300 mg high-concentration root extract (KSM-66) twice daily for 60 days, adults with chronic stress, India Measured: Stress questionnaires, serum cortisol	All stress scales improved more than on placebo (P < 0.0001) and serum cortisol fell more (P = 0.0006); side effects mild and similar in both groups. PubMed 23439798
Positive	Randomized trial, 2019 60 people	Placebo-controlled trial, 125 mg or 300 mg root extract twice daily for 8 weeks, stressed healthy adults, India Measured: Perceived Stress Scale, cortisol	Perceived stress fell more than on placebo at 250 mg a day (P < 0.05) and 600 mg a day (P < 0.001). PubMed 32021735
Positive	Randomized trial, 2019 60 people	Placebo-controlled trial, 240 mg Shoden extract daily for 60 days, stressed healthy adults Measured: Hamilton anxiety, DASS-21, morning cortisol	Hamilton anxiety fell more than on placebo (P = 0.040); the DASS-21 difference was not significant (P = 0.096); morning cortisol fell more (P < 0.001). PubMed 31517876
Positive	Randomized trial, 2000 39 people	Placebo-controlled trial of an ethanolic extract in people with ICD-10 anxiety disorders, 6 weeks, India Measured: Response to treatment	At 6 weeks 88.2% on ashwagandha met the response criteria against 50% on placebo. PubMed 21407960
Positive	Randomized trial, 2021 40 people	Placebo-controlled trial, 1 g root extract daily added to SSRIs for 6 weeks, generalized anxiety disorder, Iran Measured: Hamilton Anxiety Scale	Hamilton anxiety fell 14 points on ashwagandha against 8 on placebo (P < 0.05); no side effects reported. PubMed 32282308
No effect	Randomized trial, 2023	Placebo-controlled trial, 200 mg Witholytin extract twice daily for 12 weeks, overweight adults aged 40-75 with stress and fatigue, Australia Measured: Perceived Stress Scale (primary), fatigue	Perceived stress improved, but no more than on placebo (P = 0.867); fatigue improved more than on placebo (P = 0.016). PubMed 37740662
No effect	Randomized trial, 2022 60 people	Placebo-controlled trial, 225 or 400 mg root-and-leaf extract (NooGandha) for 30 days, stressed adults, USA Measured: Anxiety, stress, depression questionnaires, cortisol	Self-reported anxiety, stress and depression improved over time in all groups with no difference between groups; cortisol fell within the 225 mg group. PubMed 34838432
No effect	Randomized trial, 2022 60 people	Placebo-controlled trial, 700 mg full-spectrum root extract daily for 30 days, college students, USA Measured: Perceived stress, restorative sleep, food cravings	The group-by-time test for sleep and stress together was not significant; follow-up tests found better final sleep (58.4 vs 48.2) but no stress difference attributable to the extract. PubMed 35984871
Positive	Randomized trial, 2024 131 people	Placebo-controlled dose trial, 125, 250 or 500 mg aqueous root-and-leaf extract for 8 weeks, adults with high stress, India (funded by extract maker Natreon) Measured: Perceived Stress Scale, stress biomarkers	The authors report stress reduction at all three doses, dose-dependent; the abstract gives no effect sizes, and 98 of 131 were analysed. PubMed 38732539
Positive	Randomized trial, 2023 54 people	Placebo-controlled trial, 500 mg root extract with piperine nightly for 60 days, healthy adults with mild to moderate stress, India (authors from the extract maker Sami-Sabinsa) Measured: Perceived stress, GAD-7, cortisol	Perceived stress, GAD-7 anxiety and quality of life improved more than on placebo; morning salivary cortisol fell more. PubMed 37832082
Positive	Randomized trial, 2024 70 people	Placebo-controlled trial, 500 mg root extract with piperine for 90 days, mild to moderate depression and anxiety, India (authors from Sami-Sabinsa) Measured: Hamilton anxiety and depression scales	Hamilton anxiety and depression scores improved more than on placebo at days 30, 60 and 90 (P < 0.001). PubMed 37878284
Positive	Randomized trial, 2025 90 people	Placebo-controlled trial, 125 mg Zenroot extract for 84 days, adults with mild to moderate stress, India Measured: Perceived stress, Beck anxiety, cortisol	Perceived stress and Beck anxiety improved more than on placebo from day 28 (P < 0.05); serum cortisol did not differ between groups. PubMed 40875185
Positive	Randomized trial, 2026 135 people	Placebo-controlled trial, 150 or 300 mg sustained-release extract (AshwaSR) for 60 days, stressed healthy adults, India (authors from maker Nutriventia) Measured: Perceived Stress Scale, cortisol	Perceived stress fell 38.6% and 41.6% from baseline in the two doses and more than on placebo (P < 0.05); cortisol fell at 300 mg. PubMed 41824889
Positive	Randomized trial, 2021 130 people	Placebo-controlled trial, 300 mg sustained-release extract daily for 90 days, stressed adults, India Measured: Memory (primary), perceived stress, cortisol	Perceived stress 13.0 vs 18.7 on placebo at the end (P < .0001); cortisol lower (P = 0.0443). PubMed 34858513
Mixed	Randomized trial, 2026 141 people	Three-arm placebo-controlled trial: a proprietary root extract, a standard root extract, or placebo, 300 mg twice daily for 8 weeks Measured: Cortisol (primary), stress and anxiety scales	All three groups, placebo included, improved; the proprietary extract beat both placebo and the standard extract, and the abstract does not report the standard extract beating placebo. PubMed 41815853
Positive	Randomized trial, 2026 186 people	Placebo-controlled trial of a full-spectrum ashwagandha product or a three-herb formula for 60 days, adults with high stress (authors from Gaia Herbs R&D) Measured: Perceived Stress Scale, anxiety	The ashwagandha arm lowered perceived stress more than placebo (P < 0.0001) and anxiety (P = 0.0015). PubMed 41656269
Positive	Randomized trial, 2024 60 people	Placebo-controlled trial, 60 or 120 mg Shoden extract for 60 days, generalized anxiety disorder with high morning cortisol, India Measured: Hamilton Anxiety Scale	Hamilton anxiety fell 59% in both doses against a 0.83% rise on placebo (P < 0.0001); cortisol fell 66-67%. PubMed 39286132
Mixed	Randomized trial, 2026 60 people	Placebo-controlled trial, 30 mg Ashwa.30 extract for 28 days, stressed adults, Australia Measured: DASS stress score	Self-reported stress fell more than on placebo in the main analysis (P = 0.046) but not in the per-protocol analysis; most other measures showed no difference. PubMed 42593642
Positive	Randomized trial, 2017 52 people	Placebo-controlled trial, 300 mg root extract twice daily for 8 weeks, adults under chronic stress, India Measured: Perceived Stress Scale, cortisol, food cravings	The authors report significant improvement in perceived stress and the secondary measures; the abstract gives no effect sizes. PubMed 27055824
Positive	Randomized trial, 2025 100 people	Placebo-controlled trial, 300 mg root extract twice daily for 24 weeks, adults with excess weight, India Measured: Body weight (primary), perceived stress	Perceived stress improved more than on placebo (P < 0.05); mild side effects in 7 on ashwagandha and 6 on placebo. PubMed 41635453
Positive	Randomized trial, 2026 60 people	Placebo-controlled trial, 300 mg Ashwagen extract twice daily for 60 days, stress and anxiety with high blood pressure, India Measured: Hamilton anxiety, GAD-7, perceived stress, cortisol	Hamilton anxiety fell 26.94%, GAD-7 50.77% and perceived stress 30.47% on ashwagandha, reported as better than placebo; cortisol fell 28.99%. PubMed 42105298
Positive	Randomized trial, 2009 81 people	Randomized trial: naturopathic care (diet advice, breathing, multivitamin and 300 mg ashwagandha twice daily) vs psychotherapy with placebo, 12 weeks, Canada Measured: Beck Anxiety Inventory	Anxiety fell 56.5% in the naturopathic group against 30.5% with psychotherapy (P = 0.003); ashwagandha was one part of a package, so its own share is unknown. PubMed 19718255
Positive	Randomized trial, 2018 66 people	Placebo-controlled trial, 1,000 mg/day Sensoril added to antipsychotics for 12 weeks, schizophrenia, USA Measured: Symptoms (PANSS); perceived stress	Perceived stress improved more than on placebo (Cohen d 0.58); a later analysis of the same trial found anxiety-depression scores improved (d 0.686). PubMed 29995356
No effect	Randomized trial, 2026 47 people	Placebo-controlled trial, extract added to antipsychotics for 12 weeks, schizophrenia, USA (UCLA and Maryland) Measured: Symptoms (PANSS), perceived stress	No greater reduction than placebo in symptoms or perceived stress; the authors say a larger sample would not likely have changed the result. PubMed 42464773
Positive	Randomized trial, 2016 30 people	Placebo-controlled trial, 120 mg/day root extract added to SSRIs for 6 weeks, obsessive-compulsive disorder, Iran Measured: Y-BOCS (an anxiety-related disorder)	OCD score fell by a median 8 points against 2 on placebo (P < 0.001). PubMed 27515872

Where the sources agree, and where they don’t

1 of 6 kinds of source point toward a benefit, 1 toward no effect or harm, 3 are mixed, and 1 has no data yet. Agreement between independent kinds of evidence matters more than the number of papers in any one of them.

Kind of source	Points to	Detail
Meta-analyses of trials	Positive	anxiety and stress scores lower; certainty rated low
Cortisol vs how stressed people feel	Mixed	cortisol falls; pooled perceived stress (6 trials) did not
Trials run in the US and Australia	Mixed	1 positive, 1 mixed, 4 no difference from placebo
Unpublished industry trial (120 people)	No data	finished 2012, never reported
FDA reports	Negative	28 of 173 list anxiety, insomnia or similar
Public reports	Mixed	7 of 16 helped, 4 mixed, 4 no effect, 1 worse

Beyond Google: 12 findings about Ashwagandha from trial registries, FDA reports and patent offices that a normal search rarely shows. See them

What people report

We read public first-person posts and counted every outcome, good or bad. 16 reports about this condition, read on 2026-10-28; 6 mention side effects.

7Helped
4No effect
1Got worse
4Mixed
0Too early

Why these counts prove nothing on their own: people who post are not a random sample, most take other treatments at the same time, and nobody checks the diagnosis. We show them because they tell researchers what to test next.

Read all 16 reports

No effect Tried it for anxiety and noticed little difference; found L-theanine worked better. Mumsnet, 2024-10-18 (No dose or duration given.)
Helped Noticed a difference in anxiety on a KSM-66 product that also contained L-theanine, with magnesium alongside. Mumsnet, 2024-10-21 (Three other calming ingredients at the same time; unsure it would help severe anxiety.)
Mixed It helped her anxiety, but indigestion and stomach aches made her stop. Side effects: indigestion, stomach aches. Mumsnet, 2024-10-21 (No dose or duration given.)
No effect Says it did not really do anything for them. Mumsnet, 2025-09-07 (One-line report; no dose or duration.)
Helped Thinks it helped somewhat, but the effect was very subtle. Mumsnet, 2025-09-07 (The poster is unsure there was any effect at all.)
Helped Anxiety returning in perimenopause eased within two weeks; she has kept taking it for a couple of years. Mumsnet, 2025-09-07 (No dose given; perimenopause symptoms change on their own.)
Mixed Very helpful for anxiety when taken in the morning, but a night-time dose leaves them feeling worse. Side effects: feels worse when taken at night. Mental Health Forum, 2024-07-07 (The timing explanation is the poster's own theory.)
Worse After three to four months, a two-day stimulant-like episode then a crash; symptoms persisted after stopping at eight months. Side effects: stimulant-like episode, crash, palpitations, exhaustion. HealthUnlocked, 2026-04 (Long prior illness and many supplements make the cause hard to judge. Date approximate (six months ago).)
Mixed Over two to three months felt calmer and more focused, but had headaches and an irritable rebound hours after doses. Side effects: headache, irritability hours after dosing. LongeCity forum, 2014-05-28 (Also on a prescribed stimulant; one product was of unknown quality.)
Mixed KSM-66 eased anxiety and overthinking, but brought new pimples and more irritability. Side effects: acne, irritability. LongeCity forum, 2019-06-14 (Several other supplements taken together.)
Helped Anxiety largely lifted within two days of plain root powder; it returned when doses were missed and eased on restarting. Side effects: mild headache. LongeCity forum, 2013-02-17 (On two prescription drugs; later stopped the antidepressant abruptly, which complicates the picture.)
No effect About three months with no difference either when starting or after stopping. Mumsnet, 2026-09-19 (No dose given.)
No effect A high-strength product did nothing for them. Mumsnet, 2026-09-19 (One-line report.)
Helped Makes a big difference: less anxiety and stress, more energy. Mumsnet, 2026-09-19 (Short report; no dose or duration.)
Helped Makes a big difference: less anxiety and better sleep. Mumsnet, 2026-09-21 (Short report; no dose or duration.)
Helped Very helpful over two years; anxiety and poor sleep come back when she misses a few days. Mumsnet, 2023 (Exact post date not captured (thread from October 2023); also takes magnesium.)

Every other paper we found

PubMed returned 255 papers for this search on 2026-10-28. We read the human studies above ourselves. The rest are sorted by type automatically from PubMed's labels, which are sometimes wrong. We removed 10 papers that only share a word with this search (study protocols with no results, fly and worm experiments, a sheep study, a correction notice, and multi-remedy Ayurvedic case reports or reviews where ashwagandha was one of many ingredients).

Animal studies 65

Protective effects of Withania somnifera (Ashwagandha) against chronic unpredictable mild stress-induced testicular damage in adolescent rats. J Mol Histol, 2026
Effect of Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera) on cardiac aquaporins in adolescent rats under a chronic unpredictable mild stress model. Pol J Vet Sci, 2026
Anxiety-related behavioural responses to light-dark transitions in zebrafish larvae treated with a Withaniasomnifera (L.) Dunal water extract and selected withanolides. J Ethnopharmacol, 2026
Mouse neuronal dendritic complexity and resilience to stress-induced depression in Drosophila melanogaster are enhanced by Withania somnifera alkaloids. J Ethnopharmacol, 2026
Antidepressant-like effects of Ashwagandha (Withania Somnifera) on chronic unpredictable mild stress-induced depression in adolescent rats. Psychopharmacology (Berl), 2026
Attenuation Effect of Withania somnifera Extract on Restraint Stress-Induced Anxiety-like Behavior and Hippocampal Alterations in Mice. Int J Mol Sci, 2025
Effect of Withania somnifera on Expression of Selected Genes in Hippocampus of Male Wistar Rats Subjected to Chronic Unpredictable Mild Stress. Int J Appl Basic Med Res, 2025
Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera (L.) dunal) root extract containing withanolide a alleviates depression-like behavior in mice by enhancing the brain-derived neurotrophic factor pathway under unexpected chronic mild stress. J Ethnopharmacol, 2025
Evaluation of the Anxiolytic and Antidepressant Effects of Standardized Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera) Root Extract in Wistar Rats. Prev Nutr Food Sci, 2024
Withania somnifera (Ashwagandha) Improves Spatial Memory, Anxiety and Depressive-like Behavior in the 5xFAD Mouse Model of Alzheimer's Disease. Antioxidants (Basel), 2024
Effects of ashwagandha (Withania somnifera) root extract on aging-related changes in healthy geriatric dogs: A randomized, double-blinded placebo-controlled study. Vet Med Sci, 2024
Amelioration by Withania somnifera of neurobehavioural and immunological markers in time dependent sensitization induced post traumatic stress disorder in rats. Indian J Pharmacol, 2024
Modulation by Withania somnifera of stress-induced anxiogenesis and airway inflammation in rats. J Complement Integr Med, 2024
Withania somnifera ameliorates sexual arousal and impotence in stressed sexually sluggish male rats by modulating neurotransmitters and NO/cGMP/PDE5α pathway. J Ethnopharmacol, 2024
Sub-acute toxicity of Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera) root extract in wistar rats. Toxicol Rep, 2023
Anti oxidative/neuro-inflammation properties of Withania somnifera root extract on rotenone induced stress in rat brain. Bioinformation, 2023
Efficacy and Anti-Inflammatory Activity of Ashwagandha Sustained-Release Formulation on Depression and Anxiety Induced by Chronic Unpredictable Stress: in vivo and in vitro Studies. J Exp Pharmacol, 2023
Effect of Broad-Spectrum Hemp Extract on Neurobehavioral Activity on the Immobilization Stress-Induced Model in Sprague Dawley Rats. ScientificWorldJournal, 2023
Can Traditional Treatment Such as Ashwagandha Be Beneficial in Treating Depression? Altern Ther Health Med, 2023
Anticonvulsant activity of methanolic extract of Withania cogulans in mice. Metab Brain Dis, 2021
The biologically active compound of Withania somnifera (L.) Dunal, docosanyl ferulate, is endowed with potent anxiolytic properties but devoid of typical benzodiazepine-like side effects. J Psychopharmacol, 2021
Induction of stress resistance and extension of lifespan in Chaenorhabditis elegans serotonin-receptor knockout strains by withanolide A. Phytomedicine, 2021
A standardized polyherbal preparation POL-6 diminishes alcohol withdrawal anxiety by regulating Gabra1, Gabra2, Gabra3, Gabra4, Gabra5 gene expression of GABAA receptor signaling pathway in rats. BMC Complement Med Ther, 2021
Effect of Withania somnifera (L.) Dunal aqueous root extract on reinstatement using conditioned place preference and brain GABA and dopamine levels in alcohol dependent animals. J Ethnopharmacol, 2021
Pharmacological and pharmacokinetic effect of a polyherbal combination with Withania somnifera (L.) Dunal for the management of anxiety. J Ethnopharmacol, 2021
Withaferin A protects against endoplasmic reticulum stress-associated apoptosis, inflammation, and fibrosis in the kidney of a mouse model of unilateral ureteral obstruction. Phytomedicine, 2020
Withania somnifera Extract Enhances Energy Expenditure via Improving Mitochondrial Function in Adipose Tissue and Skeletal Muscle. Nutrients, 2020
Withania somnifera root powder protects againist post-traumatic stress disorder-induced memory impairment. Mol Biol Rep, 2019
Triethylene glycol-like effects of Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera (L.) Dunal) root extract devoid of withanolides in stressed mice. Ayu, 2018
Withania somnifera as a Potential Anxiolytic and Anti-inflammatory Candidate Against Systemic Lipopolysaccharide-Induced Neuroinflammation. Neuromolecular Med, 2018
Withania somnifera as a potential candidate to ameliorate high fat diet-induced anxiety and neuroinflammation. J Neuroinflammation, 2017
Role of Elsholtzia communis in counteracting stress by modulating expression of hspa14, C/EBP homologous protein, nuclear factor (erythroid-derived 2)-like-2 factor, Caspase-3, and brain-derived neurotrophic factor in rat hippocampus. Indian J Pharmacol, 2017
Intermittent fasting combined with supplementation with Ayurvedic herbs reduces anxiety in middle aged female rats by anti-inflammatory pathways. Biogerontology, 2017
Withania somnifera leaf alleviates cognitive dysfunction by enhancing hippocampal plasticity in high fat diet induced obesity model. BMC Complement Altern Med, 2017
Withania somnifera as a potential anxiolytic and immunomodulatory agent in acute sleep deprived female Wistar rats. Mol Cell Biochem, 2017
Anxiolytic, antidepressant, and antistress activities of the aqueous extract of Cinnamomum tamala Nees and Eberm in rats. Indian J Pharmacol, 2016
Low dose effects of a Withania somnifera extract on altered marble burying behavior in stressed mice. J Intercult Ethnopharmacol, 2016
Effect of Withinia Somnifera and Shilajit on Alcohol Addiction in Mice. Pharmacogn Mag, 2016
Withania somnifera Leaf Extract Ameliorates Benzo[a]pyrene-Induced Behavioral and Neuromorphological Alterations by Improving Brain Antioxidant Status in Zebrafish (Danio rerio). Zebrafish, 2016
Propensity of Withania somnifera to Attenuate Behavioural, Biochemical, and Histological Alterations in Experimental Model of Stroke. Cell Mol Neurobiol, 2016
Gastro-protective and Anti-stress Efficacies of Monomethyl Fumarate and a Fumaria indica Extract in Chronically Stressed Rats. Cell Mol Neurobiol, 2016
Direct evidence for GABAergic activity of Withania somnifera on mammalian ionotropic GABAA and GABAρ receptors. J Ethnopharmacol, 2015
Protective effects of Andrographis paniculata extract and pure andrographolide against chronic stress-triggered pathologies in rats. Cell Mol Neurobiol, 2014
WsSGTL1 gene from Withania somnifera, modulates glycosylation profile, antioxidant system and confers biotic and salt stress tolerance in transgenic tobacco. Planta, 2014
Upregulation of phase II enzymes through phytochemical activation of Nrf2 protects cardiomyocytes against oxidant stress. Free Radic Biol Med, 2013
Influence of Withania somnifera on obsessive compulsive disorder in mice. Asian Pac J Trop Med, 2012
Behavioural and neurochemical evaluation of Perment an herbal formulation in chronic unpredictable mild stress induced depressive model. Indian J Exp Biol, 2011
Evaluation of the Anxiolytic Activity of NR-ANX-C (a Polyherbal Formulation) in Ethanol Withdrawal-Induced Anxiety Behavior in Rats. Evid Based Complement Alternat Med, 2011
Effect of Pueraria tuberosa tuber extract on chronic foot shock stress in Wistar rats. Nepal Med Coll J, 2010
Restoration of stress-induced altered T cell function and corresponding cytokines patterns by Withanolide A. Int Immunopharmacol, 2009
Neuroprotective effects of Withania somnifera dunal.: A possible mechanism. Neurochem Res, 2009
Comparative behavioural profile of newer antianxiety drugs on different mazes. Indian J Exp Biol, 2008
Effect of Withania somnifera Dunal in ethanol-induced anxiolysis and withdrawal anxiety in rats. Indian J Exp Biol, 2008
Protective effect of Withania somnifera dunal root extract against protracted social isolation induced behavior in rats. Indian J Physiol Pharmacol, 2007
Protective effect of Withania somnifera Dunal on the behavioral and biochemical alterations in sleep-disturbed mice (Grid over water suspended method). Indian J Exp Biol, 2007
The neuroprotective effect of Withania somnifera root extract in MPTP-intoxicated mice: an analysis of behavioral and biochemical variables. Cell Mol Biol Lett, 2007
Augmentation and proliferation of T lymphocytes and Th-1 cytokines by Withania somnifera in stressed mice. Int Immunopharmacol, 2006
Effect of 1-oxo-5beta, 6beta-epoxy-witha-2-ene-27-ethoxy-olide isolated from the roots of Withania somnifera on stress indices in Wistar rats. J Altern Complement Med, 2003
Adaptogenic activity of Withania somnifera: an experimental study using a rat model of chronic stress. Pharmacol Biochem Behav, 2003
Effect of poly herbal formulation, EuMil, on neurochemical perturbations induced by chronic stress. Indian J Exp Biol, 2002
Effect of poly herbal formulation, EuMil, on chronic stress-induced homeostatic perturbations in rats. Indian J Exp Biol, 2002
Anti-oxidant effect of Withania somnifera glycowithanolides in chronic footshock stress-induced perturbations of oxidative free radical scavenging enzymes and lipid peroxidation in rat frontal cortex and striatum. J Ethnopharmacol, 2001
Stress induced neuron degeneration and protective effects of Semecarpus anacardium Linn. and Withania somnifera Dunn. in hippocampus of albino rats: an ultrastructural study. Indian J Exp Biol, 2000
Anxiolytic-antidepressant activity of Withania somnifera glycowithanolides: an experimental study. Phytomedicine, 2000
Effect of ashwagandha on lipid peroxidation in stress-induced animals. J Ethnopharmacol, 1998

Lab studies 48

Medicinal Plants in the Management of Anxiety Disorders: Clinical Evidence, Mechanisms, and Safety Considerations. Curr Pharm Des, 2026
Withania somnifera ameliorates endoplasmic reticulum stress in human hepatocellular carcinoma HepG2 cells. Drug Metab Pers Ther, 2026
Deciphering the anxiolytic mechanism of glycowithenolides from Withania somnifera: insights from network pharmacology, molecular docking, and simulation studies. In Silico Pharmacol, 2026
Exploring Phytoleads and Traditional Herbal Therapies: A Comparative Review on Stress Management. Curr Pharm Des, 2026
Correction: Osmotic stress triggers calcium-mediated expression of the Aquaporin (TIP2;1) gene in Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera L. Dunal). Mol Biol Rep, 2026
Osmotic stress triggers calcium-mediated expression of the aquaporin (TIP2;1) gene in ashwagandha (Withania somnifera L. Dunal). Mol Biol Rep, 2025
Short-duration UV-B exposure mitigates salinity stress in Withania somnifera (L.) Dunal and boosts secondary metabolite production. J Photochem Photobiol B, 2025
Withaferin A and Withanolide A-mediated silver nanoparticles target bacterial motility, metabolism, and stress adaptation in E. coli. Nanomedicine, 2025
Whole-genome sequencing shows modulation of neurodegenerative genes by Withania somnifera in human SK-N-SH cells. Front Mol Neurosci, 2025
Temperature stress and its effects on phytochemical dynamics and antioxidant activity in Withania somnifera (L). dunal. Physiol Mol Biol Plants, 2025
Evaluation of reversible cytochrome P450 inhibition by Withania somnifera leaf and root extracts. Drug Metab Dispos, 2025
Dietary Effect of Withania somnifera Root Powder on Growth, Hematobiochemical Parameters, Immunity, and Disease Resistance to Aeromonas hydrophila in Cyprinus carpio. Aquac Nutr, 2024
Withania somnifera osmotin (WsOsm) confers stress tolerance in tobacco and establishes novel interactions with the defensin protein (WsDF). Physiol Plant, 2024
Withaferin A, a natural thioredoxin reductase 1 (TrxR1) inhibitor, synergistically enhances the antitumor efficacy of sorafenib through ROS-mediated ER stress and DNA damage in hepatocellular carcinoma cells. Phytomedicine, 2024
Differential regulation of key triterpene synthase gene under abiotic stress in Withania somnifera L. Dunal and its co-relation to sterols and withanolides. Plant Physiol Biochem, 2024
Withania somnifera mitochondrial atp4 gene editing alters the ATP synthase b subunit, independent of salt stress. Saudi J Biol Sci, 2023
Study of Drug Target Identification and Associated Molecular Mechanisms for the Therapeutic Activity and Hair Follicle Induction of Two Ashwagandha Extracts Having Differential Withanolide Constitutions. J Nutr Metab, 2023
Physiological and biochemical traits positively modulate tissue-specific withanolides and untargeted metabolites in Withania somnifera (L.) dunal under salinity stress. Plant Physiol Biochem, 2023
Ashwagandha: An Effective Phytomedicine for Reducing Stress and Anxiety. Holist Nurs Pract, 2023
Sleep-promoting activity of amylase-treated Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera L. Dunal) root extract via GABA receptors. J Food Drug Anal, 2023
Ashwagandha Modulates Stress, Sleep Dynamics, and Mental Clarity. J Med Food, 2022
Unveiling the effect of Withania somnifera on neuronal cytoarchitecture and synaptogenesis: A combined in vitro and network pharmacology approach. Phytother Res, 2022
Role of Standardized Plant Extracts in Controlling Alcohol Withdrawal Syndrome-An Experimental Study. Brain Sci, 2021
Withanone Ameliorates Stress Symptoms in Caenorhabditis Elegans by Acting through Serotonin Receptors. Pharmacopsychiatry, 2021
Overexpression of WssgtL3.1 gene from Withania somnifera confers salt stress tolerance in Arabidopsis. Plant Cell Rep, 2021
Adaptogenic and Immunomodulatory Activity of Ashwagandha Root Extract: An Experimental Study in an Equine Model. Front Vet Sci, 2020
ROS management is mediated by ascorbate-glutathione-α-tocopherol triad in co-ordination with secondary metabolic pathway under cadmium stress in Withania somnifera. Plant Physiol Biochem, 2019
Biochemical, molecular, and elemental profiling of Withania somnifera L. with response to zinc stress. Environ Sci Pollut Res Int, 2019
Anti-Stress and Glial Differentiation Effects of a Novel Combination of Cucurbitacin B and Withanone (CucWi-N): Experimental Evidence. Ann Neurosci, 2018
Stress, inflammation and natural treatments. J Biol Regul Homeost Agents, 2018
Bacterial endophytes modulates the withanolide biosynthetic pathway and physiological performance in Withania somnifera under biotic stress. Microbiol Res, 2018
Modulations in primary and secondary metabolic pathways and adjustment in physiological behaviour of Withania somnifera under drought stress. Plant Sci, 2018
Alleviation of Heat Stress by a Polyherbal Formulation, Phytocee™: Impact on Zootechnical Parameters, Cloacal Temperature, and Stress Markers. Pharmacognosy Res, 2018
Endophyte-Mediated Modulation of Defense-Related Genes and Systemic Resistance in Withania somnifera (L.) Dunal under Alternaria alternata Stress. Appl Environ Microbiol, 2018
Adaptogenic potential of Oxitard in experimental chronic stress and chronic unpredictable stress induced dysfunctional homeostasis in rodents. J Ayurveda Integr Med, 2017
A WRKY transcription factor from Withania somnifera regulates triterpenoid withanolide accumulation and biotic stress tolerance through modulation of phytosterol and defense pathways. New Phytol, 2017
Simultaneous inhibition of the ubiquitin-proteasome system and autophagy enhances apoptosis induced by ER stress aggravators in human pancreatic cancer cells. Autophagy, 2016
Virus-induced gene silencing of Withania somnifera squalene synthase negatively regulates sterol and defence-related genes resulting in reduced withanolides and biotic stress tolerance. Plant Biotechnol J, 2015
Investigation of CYP3A4 and CYP2D6 Interactions of Withania somnifera and Centella asiatica in Human Liver Microsomes. Phytother Res, 2015
Effect of iron stress on Withania somnifera L.: antioxidant enzyme response and nutrient elemental uptake of in vitro grown plants. Ecotoxicology, 2015
Effect of cadmium stress on inductive enzymatic and nonenzymatic responses of ROS and sugar metabolism in multiple shoot cultures of Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera Dunal). Protoplasma, 2014
Copper-stress induced alterations in protein profile and antioxidant enzymes activities in the in vitro grown Withania somnifera L. Physiol Mol Biol Plants, 2013
Sterol glycosyltransferases-identification of members of gene family and their role in stress in Withania somnifera. Mol Biol Rep, 2012
Ashwagandha for anxiety disorders. World J Biol Psychiatry, 2009
Purification and characterization of a novel glucosyltransferase specific to 27beta-hydroxy steroidal lactones from Withania somnifera and its role in stress responses. Biochim Biophys Acta, 2007
Purification and physico-kinetic characterization of 3beta-hydroxy specific sterol glucosyltransferase from Withania somnifera (L) and its stress response. Biochim Biophys Acta, 2007
Monograph. Withania somnifera. Altern Med Rev, 2004
Adaptogenic activity of Siotone, a polyherbal formulation of Ayurvedic rasayanas. Indian J Exp Biol, 2000

Reviews 53

Plant Part-Specific Differences in Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera): A Comparative Evaluation of Root and Leaf Evidence for Safety and Regulation. Food Sci Nutr, 2026
Ayurveda Treatments for Insomnia: A Narrative Review. J Clin Med, 2026
Phyto adaptogens in stress management and health optimization: Current understanding and future perspectives. Complement Med Res, 2026
Ayurvedic Dravya-Based Herbal Products for Cognition, Stress, Sleep, and Psychiatric Symptoms: A Node-Resolved Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis. J Integr Complement Med, 2026
Modulation of monoaminergic neurotransmission in substance use disorders: a neuropharmacological perspective focusing on plant-derived metabolites. Front Pharmacol, 2026
Ayurvedic Herbs as neurogenesis modulators: Current understanding on their potential therapeutic relevance in enhancing neuroplasticity and cognition in aging and neurodegeneration. Neurochem Int, 2026
Back to the Roots: Safety and Tolerability of Standardised Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera) Root Extract in Healthy Adults-A Systematic Review of Biomarkers and Adverse Events. Pharmaceuticals (Basel), 2026
Alternative and Complementary Therapies: A Review Exploring the Role of Yoga and Ayurveda-based Herbal Medicines in Alleviating Hypothyroidism and Its Neuropsychiatric Manifestations. Ann Neurosci, 2026
The interplay of Ashwagandha with hormonal dynamics and gut microbiota in women with breast cancer: a tri-axial perspective. J Nat Med, 2026
Effects of ashwagandha supplementation on athletic performance and recovery: A narrative review. Nutr Health, 2026
Rhodiola rosea, Ginkgo biloba, and Ashwagandha as novel antidepressant supplements: converging monoaminergic, neurotrophic, anti-inflammatory, and brain health pathways in depressive disorders. Front Nutr, 2026
Efficacy and Safety of Herbal Supplements with Anxiolytic, Antidepressant, and Sedative Action: A Review of Clinical Data and Toxicological Risks. Pharmaceuticals (Basel), 2026
System-Level, Molecular and Cellular Mechanisms of Selected Plant Adaptogens-A Review. Nutrients, 2026
Modulating the thermo-immuno-endocrine axis to alleviate heat stress in poultry: A pharmacological perspective. J Therm Biol, 2026
New and emerging treatments for anxiety disorders. BMJ, 2026
The Clinical Implications of Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera L.) with a Special Reference to Side Effects-A Review. Nutrients, 2026
Exploring the role of diet in modulating stress and emotional health: a review on mental nutrition and cognitive resilience. J Sci Food Agric, 2026
Withania somnifera in Women's Hormonal Modulation: A Narrative Review With Implications for Polycystic Ovary Syndrome and Premenstrual Syndrome. Cureus, 2026
Integrative Natural Approaches for Age-Related Testosterone Decline: A Synergistic Framework Combining Exercise, Nutrition, and Bioactive Compounds. Cureus, 2026
Evaluation of Potential Hormonal Activities of Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera). Phytother Res, 2026
Ashwagandha as an Adaptogenic Herb: A Comprehensive Review of Immunological and Neurological Effects. Cureus, 2025
Medicinal Plants for Child Mental Health: Clinical Insights, Active Compounds, and Perspectives for Rational Use. Children (Basel), 2025
Neuroprotective and cognitive-enhancing potentials of herbal remedies: Focus on St. John's wort, green tea, and Ashwagandha. Neurotoxicol Teratol, 2025
Biopsychological Effects of Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera) in Athletes and Healthy Individuals: A Systematic Review. Muscles, 2025
Herbal Medicines in Autism Spectrum Disorder: Therapeutic Potential, Plant Components, and Dosage Guidelines. Altern Ther Health Med, 2025
Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera) and Its Effects on Well-Being-A Review. Nutrients, 2025
Preclinical Evidence of Withania somnifera and Cordyceps spp.: Neuroprotective Properties for the Management of Alzheimer's Disease. Int J Mol Sci, 2025
Adaptogens in Long-Lasting Brain Fatigue: An Insight from Systems Biology and Network Pharmacology. Pharmaceuticals (Basel), 2025
Withania somnifera (Ashwagandha) supplementation: a review of its mechanisms, health benefits, and role in sports performance. Nutr Metab (Lond), 2025
Investigating the Impact of Ashwagandha and Meditation on Stress Induced Obesogenic Eating Behaviours. J Am Nutr Assoc, 2025
Withania somnifera and Trigonella foenum-graecum as ingredients of testosterone-boosting supplements: Possible clinical implications. Adv Clin Exp Med, 2025
The benefits of ashwagandha (Withania somnifera) supplements on brain function and sports performance. Front Nutr, 2024
Addressing GI Health Through the Bidirectional Modulation of the Gut-Brain Axis With Herbal Extracts: A Narrative Review. Cureus, 2024
Anti-Neuroinflammatory Effects of Adaptogens: A Mini-Review. Molecules, 2024
Let's Get to the Root of Ashwagandha: What Health Care Professionals Need to Know. J Psychosoc Nurs Ment Health Serv, 2024
Can Ashwagandha Benefit the Endocrine System?-A Review. Int J Mol Sci, 2023
Therapeutic Implications of Some Natural Products for Neuroimmune Diseases: A Narrative of Clinical Studies Review. Evid Based Complement Alternat Med, 2023
Evaluating anticancer properties of Withaferin A-a potent phytochemical. Front Pharmacol, 2022
Potential clinical applications of Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera) in medicine and neuropsychiatry. Expert Rev Clin Pharmacol, 2022
Clinical Evidence for the Effectiveness of Herbal Medicines in the Treatment of an Obsessive- Compulsive Disorder: A Review Study. Curr Drug Discov Technol, 2022
Withania somnifera (L.) Dunal (Ashwagandha): A comprehensive review on ethnopharmacology, pharmacotherapeutics, biomedicinal and toxicological aspects. Biomed Pharmacother, 2021
The effects of twenty-one nutrients and phytonutrients on cognitive function: A narrative review. J Clin Transl Res, 2021
Effects of Withania somnifera (Ashwagandha) on Stress and the Stress- Related Neuropsychiatric Disorders Anxiety, Depression, and Insomnia. Curr Neuropharmacol, 2021
Medicinal Plants for Insomnia Related to Anxiety: An Updated Review. Planta Med, 2021
Withania somnifera in Neurological Disorders: Ethnopharmacological Evidence, Mechanism of Action and its Progress in Delivery Systems. Curr Drug Metab, 2021
Withania somnifera (L.) Dunal - Modern perspectives of an ancient Rasayana from Ayurveda. J Ethnopharmacol, 2021
Medicinal Plants in the Treatment of Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder: A Review. Curr Drug Discov Technol, 2021
Ashwagandha in brain disorders: A review of recent developments. J Ethnopharmacol, 2020
Neurodegenerative diseases and Withania somnifera (L.): An update. J Ethnopharmacol, 2020
Natural Withanolides in the Treatment of Chronic Diseases. Adv Exp Med Biol, 2016
Unique Medicinal Properties of Withania somnifera: Phytochemical Constituents and Protein Component. Curr Pharm Des, 2016
An overview on ashwagandha: a Rasayana (rejuvenator) of Ayurveda. Afr J Tradit Complement Altern Med, 2011
Scientific basis for the use of Indian ayurvedic medicinal plants in the treatment of neurodegenerative disorders: ashwagandha. Cent Nerv Syst Agents Med Chem, 2010

Other papers, not yet read by us 45

Other conditions Ashwagandha has been studied for

Ashwagandha and sleep and insomnia 4/5 Moderate
Ashwagandha and testosterone and male fertility 4/5 Moderate

Checked against PubMed on 2026-10-28. Everything we know about Ashwagandha