Ashwagandha for Stress
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.
Ashwagandha for Stress
5 of 6 results reported a benefit, from 2 published studies.
2 randomised trials, 60 people · the chart counts everything measured
- 5 reported a benefit
- 1 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.
- Perceived stressNo clear benefit foundsee exact figuresAshwagandha did not significantly reduce stress levels compared to placebo in adults over 12 weeks.1 randomised trial2023 study ↗
Also measured in these studies (2)
These were measured alongside, but they are not what this condition is about.
- Fatigue symptomsReported a benefitsee exact figuresAshwagandha significantly reduced fatigue symptoms compared to placebo in adults over 12 weeks.1 randomised trial2023 study ↗
- Overall well-beingReported a benefitmeasurement not reportedAshwagandha improved perceived well-being vs placebo in 60 college students over 30 days.1 randomised trial2022 study ↗
3 laboratory markers also measured
- Free testosterone · lab markerReported a benefitsee exact figuresAshwagandha significantly increased free testosterone in men compared to placebo over 12 weeks.1 randomised trial2023 study ↗
- Heart rate variability · lab markerReported a benefitsee exact figuresAshwagandha significantly increased heart rate variability compared to placebo in adults over 12 weeks.1 randomised trial2023 study ↗
- Luteinising hormone · lab markerReported a benefitsee exact figuresAshwagandha significantly increased luteinizing hormone in men compared to placebo over 12 weeks.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 resultThe connection
Chronic stress, burnout and high cortisol — distinct from anxiety.
Also known as: Withania somnifera
Ashwagandha × Stress: 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 / Stress: 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 | 5 |
| No benefit | 1 |
Study designs behind these findings
What this means: Counts describe research quantity, not treatment effectiveness or certainty.
| Category | Findings (count) |
|---|---|
| Randomised trial | 6 |
- Studies
- 2
| Study | Outcome | Reported result | Uncertainty (as reported) | Study duration |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Exploring the efficacy and safety of a novel standardized ashwagandha (Withania somnifera) root extract (Witholytin®) in adults experiencing high stress and fatigue in a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial. (PMID 37740662) | Chalder Fatigue Scale | Not reported | p=0.016 | 12-week |
| Exploring the efficacy and safety of a novel standardized ashwagandha (Withania somnifera) root extract (Witholytin®) in adults experiencing high stress and fatigue in a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial. (PMID 37740662) | Free testosterone | Not reported | p=0.048 | 12-week |
| Exploring the efficacy and safety of a novel standardized ashwagandha (Withania somnifera) root extract (Witholytin®) in adults experiencing high stress and fatigue in a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial. (PMID 37740662) | Heart rate variability | Not reported | p=0.003 | 12-week |
| Exploring the efficacy and safety of a novel standardized ashwagandha (Withania somnifera) root extract (Witholytin®) in adults experiencing high stress and fatigue in a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial. (PMID 37740662) | Luteinizing hormone | Not reported | p=0.002 | 12-week |
| Exploring the efficacy and safety of a novel standardized ashwagandha (Withania somnifera) root extract (Witholytin®) in adults experiencing high stress and fatigue in a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial. (PMID 37740662) | Perceived Stress Scale | Not reported | p=0.867 | 12-week |
| The Perceived Impact of Ashwagandha on Stress, Sleep Quality, Energy, and Mental Clarity for College Students: Qualitative Analysis of a Double-Blind Randomized Control Trial. (PMID 35984870) | perceived well-being (energy, mental clarity, sleep quality, stress) | Not reported | Not reported | 30 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 37740662 2023 Randomised trial | Sample (as reported): Not reportedDuration: 12-week | Chalder Fatigue Scale | Not reported (p=0.016) | Benefit |
| PMID 37740662 2023 Randomised trial | Sample (as reported): Not reportedDuration: 12-week | Free testosterone | Not reported (p=0.048) | Benefit |
| PMID 37740662 2023 Randomised trial | Sample (as reported): Not reportedDuration: 12-week | Heart rate variability | Not reported (p=0.003) | Benefit |
| PMID 37740662 2023 Randomised trial | Sample (as reported): Not reportedDuration: 12-week | Luteinizing hormone | Not reported (p=0.002) | Benefit |
| PMID 37740662 2023 Randomised trial | Sample (as reported): Not reportedDuration: 12-week | Perceived Stress Scale | Not reported (p=0.867) | No benefit |
| PMID 35984870 2022 Randomised trial | Sample (as reported): 60Duration: 30 days | perceived well-being (energy, mental clarity, sleep quality, stress) | Not reported | Benefit |
Ashwagandha × Stress: the evidence base
Hand-selected PubMed studies, linked to the originals.
Ordered by strength of evidence, then result direction.
01Potential Bioactive Function of Microbial Metabolites as Inhibitors of Tyrosinase: A Systematic ReviewBarcenas-Giraldo S, et al. · International journal of molecular sciences · 2026PMID 41596661 ↗02Effects 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 ↗03Mechanism of Ganoderma lucidum polysaccharides in the mangement of diabetes and its complicationsXin Y, et al. · Frontiers in pharmacology · 2026PMID 42147328 ↗04Edible and Medicinal Fungi as Candidate Natural Antidepressants: Mechanisms and Nutritional ImplicationsGong P, et al. · Molecular nutrition & food research · 2025PMID 40289452 ↗05Levodopa and Plant-Derived Bioactive Compounds in Parkinson's Disease: Mechanisms, Efficacy, and Future PerspectivesAktaş E, et al. · CNS neuroscience & therapeutics · 2025PMID 40808332 ↗06Transcriptome-based meta-analysis of drought stress regulatory genes in tomatoMurtaza M, et al. · BMC plant biology · 2025PMID 41068586 ↗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.