Ashwagandha Science ashwagandhascience.org

Research summary

Ashwagandha for Stress and Cortisol

Key takeaway

Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera) is a plant used in traditional Ayurvedic medicine. Randomized trials and meta-analyses have examined its effects on perceived stress and serum cortisol in adults under stress.[1], [2], [3], [4], [5]

What this evidence does and does not show

Pooled certainty for stress outcomes has been rated low, and results vary between studies. In one trial of overweight, stressed adults, ashwagandha did not significantly reduce perceived stress versus placebo, although it was associated with reduced fatigue.[2], [3], [4], [5], [6]

What the stress research reports

Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera) is an evergreen shrub used in traditional Ayurvedic medicine. Supplements may contain extracts of its root, leaf, or both.[1]

In randomized placebo-controlled trials and meta-analyses, ashwagandha supplementation has been associated with reductions in perceived stress and serum cortisol in adults with elevated stress. Studied regimens included about 300 mg twice daily or 240 mg per day over roughly 60 days. Pooled certainty has been rated low, with substantial differences between study results. These studied regimens are not individual dose recommendations, and the findings do not replace medical advice.[2], [3], [4], [5]

Safety matters alongside possible benefits

Ashwagandha has been linked to rare liver injury reports and may interact with medicines. NCCIH advises avoiding it during pregnancy and breastfeeding and with hormone-sensitive prostate cancer; it is not recommended with thyroid or autoimmune disorders or before surgery. Discuss medical conditions, planned surgery, and medicines with a qualified healthcare professional before considering use. Do not change prescribed medicines based on supplement information.[1]

References

  1. Ashwagandha: Usefulness and Safety. NIH National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health. Retrieved 2026-09-30. Government health fact sheet View source →
  2. Effects of Ashwagandha (Withania Somnifera) on stress and anxiety: A systematic review and meta-analysis.. Explore (New York, N.Y.). 2024. Systematic review and meta-analysis View source →
  3. Does Ashwagandha supplementation have a beneficial effect on the management of anxiety and stress? A systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials.. Phytotherapy research : PTR. 2022. Systematic review and meta-analysis View source →
  4. A prospective, randomized double-blind, placebo-controlled study of safety and efficacy of a high-concentration full-spectrum extract of ashwagandha root in reducing stress and anxiety in adults.. Indian journal of psychological medicine. 2012. Primary study View source →
  5. An investigation into the stress-relieving and pharmacological actions of an ashwagandha (Withania somnifera) extract: A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study.. Medicine. 2019. Randomized controlled trial View source →
  6. 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.. Journal of psychopharmacology (Oxford, England). 2023. Randomized controlled trial View source →

Read the concise FAQ answer

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What does the research say about ashwagandha and stress?

Randomized trials and meta-analyses have studied ashwagandha for perceived stress and serum cortisol in adults with elevated stress. The findings describe group averages in specific studies and do not predict an individual response.

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