Effects of Ashwagandha (Withania Somnifera) on stress and anxiety: A systematic review and meta-analysis.
Level 1 - systematic review of randomized trials
Systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials
PubMed 39348746 · doi:10.1016/j.explore.2024.103062
What was done
Systematic review and meta-analysis searching MEDLINE, EMBASE, PubMed, PsychINFO, and Cochrane Library (January 2000 to January 2022) for randomized controlled trials evaluating Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera) formulations on stress and anxiety. Two authors independently extracted subjective and objective outcome measures comparing Ashwagandha to placebo.
What was found
Nine randomized controlled trials with 558 participants were included. Compared to placebo, Ashwagandha significantly reduced: - Perceived Stress Scale (PSS): MD = -4.72 (95% CI = -8.45 to -0.99) - Hamilton Anxiety Scale (HAS): MD = -2.19 (95% CI = -3.83 to -0.55) - Serum cortisol levels: MD = -2.58 (95% CI = -4.99 to -0.16) Four included studies reported mild to moderate adverse events.
Why it matters
This meta-analysis aggregates trial evidence showing Ashwagandha improves both subjective stress and anxiety measures as well as biological cortisol levels. It provides pooled quantitative estimates for clinical evaluation.
Limits
The total sample size across nine studies is small (558 patients). The abstract does not specify dosing, formulation standardization, study durations, units of measurement for cortisol, or long-term safety data.
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