herb × Mental Health
Ashwagandha for Anxiety
Adaptogenic root herb whose withanolide compounds are thought to blunt HPA-axis cortisol release; clinical trials link standardised extracts to reduced perceived stress and anxiety scores.
3published research: study records
15published research: findings
Not formally gradedcertainty of the research
Published research
What studies found
Ashwagandha for Anxiety
11 of 15 results reported a benefit, from 3 published studies.
3 studies, including a review of trials · the chart counts everything measured
- 11 reported a benefit
- 4 no clear benefit
Colour keyReported a benefitNo clear benefitUnclearPossible harmAmber is for highlights, such as where the most research is. It never means a result was good.
- Anxiety symptomsLarge effectmuch better than the comparison group1 review of trials3 of 3 results reported a benefit2022 study ↗
Also measured in these studies (5)
These were measured alongside, but they are not what this condition is about.
- Stress levelsLarge effectmuch better than the comparison group1 review of trials2 of 2 results reported a benefit2022 study ↗
- Overall sleepModerate effectmoderately better than the comparison group1 review of trials2021 study ↗
- Quality of lifeMixed results1 review of trials · no comparable figure reported1 of 2 results reported a benefit2021 study ↗
- Alertness on wakingReported a benefitmeasurement not reportedAshwagandha improved mental alertness on rising versus placebo in 400 participants.1 review of trials2021 study ↗
- Multitasking and concentrationReported a benefitmeasurement not reportedCognitive scores improved significantly vs placebo in 50 people over 60 days.1 randomised trial2023 study ↗
5 laboratory markers also measured
- Antioxidant level (glutathione) · lab markerNo clear benefit foundmeasurement not reportedNo significant difference in glutathione vs placebo in 50 people over 60 days.1 randomised trial2023 study ↗
- Blood nitric oxide · lab markerNo clear benefit foundmeasurement not reportedNo significant difference in nitric oxide vs placebo in 50 people over 60 days.1 randomised trial2023 study ↗
- Oxidative stress marker (MDA) · lab markerNo clear benefit foundmeasurement not reportedNo significant difference in malondialdehyde vs placebo in 50 people over 60 days.1 randomised trial2023 study ↗
- Serotonin level (urine) · lab markerReported a benefitmeasurement not reportedSerotonin levels increased significantly vs placebo in 50 people over 60 days.1 randomised trial2023 study ↗
- Stress hormone (cortisol) · lab markerReported a benefitmeasurement not reportedCortisol levels reduced significantly vs placebo in 50 people over 60 days.1 randomised trial2023 study ↗
These are the figures the studies reported, not a prediction for any one person. Where several studies measured the same thing in the same unit, we show a simple average and say so. Every result is listed below.
See every resultWhy Ashwagandha for Anxiety?
The connection
Generalised anxiety, social anxiety and panic disorder.
Also known as: Withania somnifera
Published research
Ashwagandha × Anxiety: at a glance
Every published result for this pair, extracted and audited.
These charts count reported findings from published studies, grouped by reported benefit and study design. Study design is not a certainty grade.
Ashwagandha / Anxiety: reported findings; one study may contribute several findings.
What the evidence shows
What this means: Counts describe research quantity, not treatment effectiveness or certainty.
| Category | Findings (count) |
|---|---|
| Benefit | 11 |
| No benefit | 4 |
Study designs behind these findings
What this means: Counts describe research quantity, not treatment effectiveness or certainty.
| Category | Findings (count) |
|---|---|
| Meta-analysis | 6 |
| Randomised trial | 9 |
- Studies
- 3
| Study | Outcome | Reported result | Uncertainty (as reported) | Study duration |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Does Ashwagandha supplementation have a beneficial effect on the management of anxiety and stress? A systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials. (PMID 36017529) | anxiety | -1.55 SMD | 95% CI: -2.37, -0.74; p = .005; I2 = 93.8% | Not reported |
| Does Ashwagandha supplementation have a beneficial effect on the management of anxiety and stress? A systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials. (PMID 36017529) | stress level | -1.75 SMD | 95% CI: -2.29, -1.22; p = .005; I2 = 83.1% | Not reported |
| Effect of Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera) extract on sleep: A systematic review and meta-analysis. (PMID 34559859) | anxiety level | Not reported | Not reported | Not reported |
| Effect of Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera) extract on sleep: A systematic review and meta-analysis. (PMID 34559859) | mental alertness on rising | Not reported | Not reported | Not reported |
| Effect of Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera) extract on sleep: A systematic review and meta-analysis. (PMID 34559859) | overall sleep | -0.59 Standardized Mean Difference | 95% Confidence Interval -0.75 to -0.42 | Not reported |
| Effect of Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera) extract on sleep: A systematic review and meta-analysis. (PMID 34559859) | quality of life | Not reported | Not reported | Not reported |
| A standardized Ashwagandha root extract alleviates stress, anxiety, and improves quality of life in healthy adults by modulating stress hormones: Results from a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study. (PMID 37832082) | CANTAB multitasking, concentration, and decision taking time | Not reported | Not reported | 60 days |
| A standardized Ashwagandha root extract alleviates stress, anxiety, and improves quality of life in healthy adults by modulating stress hormones: Results from a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study. (PMID 37832082) | Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD-7) | Not reported | Not reported | 60 days |
| A standardized Ashwagandha root extract alleviates stress, anxiety, and improves quality of life in healthy adults by modulating stress hormones: Results from a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study. (PMID 37832082) | Morning salivary cortisol | Not reported | Not reported | 60 days |
| A standardized Ashwagandha root extract alleviates stress, anxiety, and improves quality of life in healthy adults by modulating stress hormones: Results from a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study. (PMID 37832082) | Perceived Stress Scale (PSS) | Not reported | Not reported | 60 days |
| A standardized Ashwagandha root extract alleviates stress, anxiety, and improves quality of life in healthy adults by modulating stress hormones: Results from a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study. (PMID 37832082) | Quality of Life (QOL) | Not reported | Not reported | 60 days |
| A standardized Ashwagandha root extract alleviates stress, anxiety, and improves quality of life in healthy adults by modulating stress hormones: Results from a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study. (PMID 37832082) | Serum glutathione (GSH) | Not reported | Not reported | 60 days |
| A standardized Ashwagandha root extract alleviates stress, anxiety, and improves quality of life in healthy adults by modulating stress hormones: Results from a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study. (PMID 37832082) | Serum malondialdehyde (MDA) | Not reported | Not reported | 60 days |
| A standardized Ashwagandha root extract alleviates stress, anxiety, and improves quality of life in healthy adults by modulating stress hormones: Results from a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study. (PMID 37832082) | Serum nitric oxide (NO) | Not reported | Not reported | 60 days |
| A standardized Ashwagandha root extract alleviates stress, anxiety, and improves quality of life in healthy adults by modulating stress hormones: Results from a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study. (PMID 37832082) | Urinary serotonin | Not reported | Not reported | 60 days |
Study results, as reported by the publications
Every measured outcome, one row per finding - numbers exactly as reported. Units are preserved where supplied; missing units are not inferred.
| Study and type | Reported sample and duration | Outcome measured | Reported result | What studies found |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| PMID 36017529 2022 Meta-analysis | Sample (as reported): 1,002Duration: Not reported | anxiety | -1.55 SMD (95% CI: -2.37, -0.74; p = .005; I2 = 93.8%) | Benefit |
| PMID 36017529 2022 Meta-analysis | Sample (as reported): 1,002Duration: Not reported | stress level | -1.75 SMD (95% CI: -2.29, -1.22; p = .005; I2 = 83.1%) | Benefit |
| PMID 34559859 2021 Meta-analysis | Sample (as reported): 400Duration: Not reported | anxiety level | Not reported | Benefit |
| PMID 34559859 2021 Meta-analysis | Sample (as reported): 400Duration: Not reported | mental alertness on rising | Not reported | Benefit |
| PMID 34559859 2021 Meta-analysis | Sample (as reported): 400Duration: Not reported | overall sleep | -0.59 Standardized Mean Difference (95% Confidence Interval -0.75 to -0.42) | Benefit |
| PMID 34559859 2021 Meta-analysis | Sample (as reported): 400Duration: Not reported | quality of life | Not reported | No benefit |
| PMID 37832082 2023 Randomised trial | Sample (as reported): 50Duration: 60 days | CANTAB multitasking, concentration, and decision taking time | Not reported | Benefit |
| PMID 37832082 2023 Randomised trial | Sample (as reported): 50Duration: 60 days | Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD-7) | Not reported | Benefit |
| PMID 37832082 2023 Randomised trial | Sample (as reported): 50Duration: 60 days | Morning salivary cortisol | Not reported | Benefit |
| PMID 37832082 2023 Randomised trial | Sample (as reported): 50Duration: 60 days | Perceived Stress Scale (PSS) | Not reported | Benefit |
| PMID 37832082 2023 Randomised trial | Sample (as reported): 50Duration: 60 days | Quality of Life (QOL) | Not reported | Benefit |
| PMID 37832082 2023 Randomised trial | Sample (as reported): 50Duration: 60 days | Serum glutathione (GSH) | Not reported | No benefit |
| PMID 37832082 2023 Randomised trial | Sample (as reported): 50Duration: 60 days | Serum malondialdehyde (MDA) | Not reported | No benefit |
| PMID 37832082 2023 Randomised trial | Sample (as reported): 50Duration: 60 days | Serum nitric oxide (NO) | Not reported | No benefit |
| PMID 37832082 2023 Randomised trial | Sample (as reported): 50Duration: 60 days | Urinary serotonin | Not reported | Benefit |
Published research
Ashwagandha × Anxiety: the evidence base
Hand-selected PubMed studies, linked to the originals.
6studies referenced
6journals
2024–2026publication range
Ordered by strength of evidence, then result direction.
01Effects of ashwagandha (Withania somnifera) on mental health in adults: A systematic review and dose-response meta-analysis of randomized controlled trialsAlsanie SA, et al. · Complementary therapies in medicine · 2026PMID 41644067 ↗02Transdiagnostic reduction in cortical choline-containing compounds in anxiety disorders: a (1)H-magnetic resonance spectroscopy meta-analysisMaddock RJ, et al. · Molecular psychiatry · 2025PMID 40913113 ↗03Effects of Different Cannabinoid Formulations on Anxiety-Related Disorders, and Tourette Syndrome: A Systematic Review and Meta-AnalysisRaminelli AO, et al. · Cannabis and cannabinoid research · 2025PMID 40956670 ↗04Effectiveness of Cannabidiol to Manage Chronic Pain: A Systematic ReviewMohammed SYM, et al. · Pain management nursing : official journal of the American Society of Pain Management Nurses · 2024PMID 37953193 ↗05Psychosocial and medication interventions to stop or reduce alcohol consumption during pregnancyMinozzi S, et al. · The Cochrane database of systematic reviews · 2024PMID 38682758 ↗06Therapeutic potential of cannabidiol (CBD) in anxiety disorders: A systematic review and meta-analysisHan K, et al. · Psychiatry research · 2024PMID 38924898 ↗Community experiences
Contributors volunteered; this does not establish treatment effectiveness or population incidence.
Reported changes
No publishable community breakdown is available. This does not establish that no reports exist.
Important: This page reflects observational, aggregate-only community reporting and independent published research. It is not medical advice, and it does not claim any compound treats, cures, or is effective for any condition. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional before starting, stopping, or changing any supplement or treatment.