Ashwagandha root extract reduces perceived stress and anxiety in healthy adults

Published 2023

Study Design

Population
59 healthy adults with moderate stress
Design
Randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled
Dosage
240 mg/day ashwagandha root extract (standardized)
Duration
60 days

Citation

Nutrients (2023).

Authors: Sandeep Jayawardena, et al.

Affiliation: Research institutions in New Zealand/Sri Lanka (multi-center)

Find the original study here →DOI Reference

Plain takeaway

Two months of standardized ashwagandha reduced perceived stress and anxiety and improved sleep vs placebo.

Study context

Hypothesis: Ashwagandha root extract (standardized) reduces perceived stress and anxiety vs placebo.

Objective: Evaluate effects on Perceived Stress Scale (PSS), anxiety, sleep quality, and safety.

Methods & Controls

Participants received ashwagandha or placebo; endpoints included PSS, anxiety scales, sleep metrics, and biomarkers.

Controls: Matching placebo; blinding maintained.

Key outcomes

  • ↓ PSS vs placebo (primary endpoint)
  • Improvements in anxiety/sleep metrics vs placebo
  • Well tolerated

Summary & Interpretation

This 60-day RCT in 59 moderately stressed adults found that standardized ashwagandha (240 mg/day) reduced perceived stress (PSS) versus placebo and improved anxiety and sleep-related measures. The intervention was well tolerated. Results align with prior stress/anxiety data for ashwagandha, though modest sample size and single-dose design suggest further dose-ranging and durability work.

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