What research says about ashwagandha and anxiety
Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera) has been studied for its potential role in reducing anxiety and stress in humans. Researchers reviewed clinical trials to understand how effective ashwagandha may be when used as a treatment option.
How the evidence was reviewed
Researchers searched multiple medical and scientific databases, including PubMed, SCOPUS, CINAHL, Google Scholar, and the AYUSH Research Portal. They focused only on human randomized controlled trials where ashwagandha was used to address anxiety or stress symptoms.
What the studies found
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Out of 62 screened studies, 5 human trials met strict inclusion criteria.
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Several studies compared different doses of ashwagandha extract with placebo.
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Most trials showed meaningful reductions in anxiety or stress scores in people taking ashwagandha.
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One study reported larger improvements with ashwagandha-based care compared to psychotherapy.
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Another study showed a substantial reduction in perceived stress compared to placebo.
Important limitations
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Study designs varied widely.
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Some trials showed potential risk of bias.
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Differences between studies made it hard to combine results into a single analysis.
Bottom line
Current human trials suggest that ashwagandha may help reduce anxiety and stress, often showing better results than placebo. However, differences in study quality mean the findings should be interpreted carefully, and more consistent research is still needed.