Effects of Ashwagandha (Withania Somnifera) on stress and anxiety: A systematic review and meta-analysis.

Venugopal Vijayakumar, Maheshkumar Kuppusamy, Velan Arumugam, Arthi Balakrishnan, Rudra B Bhandari, Deenadayalan Boopalan, Ramesh Ponnurangam, Venkateswaran Sankaralingam Thirupathy

Journal: Explore (New York, N.Y.) 2024;20(6):103062

PMID: 39348746

Full Text on Elsevier Science View on PubMed

Abstract

BACKGROUND

Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera) is an adaptogenic herb used to prevent and treat psychosomatic disorders. This systematic review and meta-analysis evaluated the effects and safety of Ashwagandha on psychosomatic functions related to stress and anxiety among patients.

METHODS

A comprehensive search was conducted in MEDLINE, EMBASE, PubMed, PsychINFO, and the Cochrane Library for articles published from January 2000 to January 2022. Randomized controlled trials that examined the effects of Ashwagandha on stress and anxiety were included. Two authors independently extracted all relevant data from the included studies. Both subjective and objective measures of stress and anxiety were assessed as outcome variables.

RESULT

Nine randomized controlled trials involving 558 patients were eligible for this study. The findings of the meta-analysis showed a significant effect of Ashwagandha formulations on the 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]), and serum cortisol levels (MD = -2.58, 95 % CI = [-4.99 to -0.16]) compared to the placebo group. Among the included studies, four reported mild to moderate adverse events.

CONCLUSION

The findings from the included studies indicate that Ashwagandha formulations have beneficial effects on stress and anxiety. The adverse effects associated with Ashwagandha are limited; however, further information is required to determine its safety with long-term administration.

Address: Department of Yoga, International Institute of Yoga and Naturopathy Medical sciences, The Tamil Nadu Dr. MGR Medical University, Chengalpattu-603001, Tamil Nadu, India.; Department of Yoga, Assistant Medical Officer/Lecturer Grade II, Government Yoga and Naturopathy Medical College and Hospital, Chennai, India.; Department of Naturopathy, International Institute of Yoga and Naturopathy Medical sciences, The Tamil Nadu Dr. MGR Medical University, Chengalpattu-603001, Tamil Nadu, India.; Department of Yoga Science, University of Patanjali, Haridwar, Uttarakhand 249405, India.; Independent Researcher, Chennai, Tamil Nadu, India.; Director (i/c), International Institute of Yoga and Naturopathy Medical sciences, The Tamil Nadu Dr. MGR Medical University, Chengalpattu-603001, Tamil Nadu, India.; Department of Physiology & Biochemistry, Government Yoga and Naturopathy Medical College and Hospital, Chennai 600106, India. Electronic address: [email protected].

DOI: 10.1016/j.explore.2024.103062

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MeSH Terms: Humans, Anxiety, Stress, Psychological, Withania, Plant Extracts, Phytotherapy, Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic