Ashwagandha

Ashwagandha

Best for

Reduce daily stress

Large effect, needs confirmation for 4–13 weeks · 2 meta-analyses , n=2.3k

53 papers · 16 claims · 182 outcomes scored · 15 positive

Outcomes

What ashwagandha actually does, by outcome

Each row is one outcome with effect size, evidence base, the dose that worked in trials, and time to first effect. Magnitude tiers come from native-unit MCID where available, Cohen's d otherwise.

Outcome Effect Evidence Dose Weeks Rank
Reduce daily stress Large effect, needs confirmation
large
18 meta-analyses n=2.3k Meta-analyzed 0–12000 mg 4–13 wk #2/41
Improve everyday quality of life Likely strong benefit
large
15 meta-analyses n=1.0k Meta-analyzed 1–600 mg 8–13 wk #1/61
Reduce everyday fatigue Large effect, needs confirmation
large
6 RCTs n=390 125–700 mg 8–12 wk #4/44
Stay asleep through the night Likely strong benefit
large
2 meta-analyses n=339 Meta-analyzed 120–600 mg 10 wk #1/15
Fall asleep faster Likely strong benefit
large
2 meta-analyses n=339 Meta-analyzed 120–600 mg 10 wk #2/19
Build stronger muscles Large effect, needs confirmation
large
7 meta-analyses n=242 Meta-analyzed 240–600 mg 4–12 wk #8/38
Lift and steady your mood Large effect, needs confirmation
large
2 RCTs n=90 125–600 mg 9–12 wk #2/20
Improve overall sleep quality Proven modest benefit
small
11 meta-analyses n=1.5k Meta-analyzed 10–12000 mg 4–13 wk #2/37
Lower day-to-day anxiety Faint early signal
small
12 meta-analyses n=1.4k Meta-analyzed 10–12000 mg 8–12 wk #3/48
Ease anxiety in older adults Faint early signal
small
12 meta-analyses n=1.4k Meta-analyzed 10–12000 mg 8–12 wk #3/45
Reduce pre-competition anxiety Faint early signal
small
12 meta-analyses n=1.4k Meta-analyzed 10–12000 mg 8–12 wk #3/45
Strengthen your memory Likely modest benefit
small
5 RCTs n=233 225–500 mg 4–13 wk #2/42
Ease your body's stress response Faint early signal
small
1 RCT n=90 125 mg 12 wk #1/2
Reduce emotional overwhelm Faint early signal
small
1 RCT n=60 240 mg 9 wk #4/7
Strengthen planning and mental control Not enough research
trivial
3 RCTs n=79 250–1000 mg 2–8 wk #7/28
Sharpen social processing Not enough research
1 RCT n=53 250–500 mg 8 wk

Risk profile

Adverse events and known drug interactions

Safety events

hepatotoxicity severe
acute-on-chronic liver failure severe
hepatic necrosis severe
drug-induced liver injury (herb-induced liver injury) severe
hepatotoxicity (drug-induced liver injury) severe
adrenal hypofunction (adrenal insufficiency) severe
intrahepatic cholestasis severe
adrenal_insufficiency / HPA axis suppression severe

Drug interactions

Hypnotics And Sedatives major additive
Anxiolytics major additive
Antiepileptics major increases toxicity
Immunosuppressants major decreases concentration
Antineoplastic Agents major increases toxicity
Antidepressants major additive
Morphine moderate increases effect
Paclitaxel moderate decreases effect
Levothyroxine moderate unknown
other moderate decreases concentration

Sources

  1. 1. 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. (2012)
  2. 2. Randomized placebo-controlled adjunctive study of an extract of withania somnifera for cognitive dysfunction in bipolar disorder. (2013)
  3. 3. An investigation into the stress-relieving and pharmacological actions of an ashwagandha (Withania somnifera) extract: A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study. (2019)
  4. 4. Efficacy and Safety of Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera) Root Extract in Insomnia and Anxiety: A Double-blind, Randomized, Placebo-controlled Study. (2019)
  5. 5. Adaptogenic and Anxiolytic Effects of Ashwagandha Root Extract in Healthy Adults: A Double-blind, Randomized, Placebo-controlled Clinical Study. (2019)
  6. 6. Effect of Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera) extract on sleep: A systematic review and meta-analysis. (2021)
  7. 7. Efficacy and Safety of Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera) Root Extract for Improvement of Sexual Health in Healthy Women: A Prospective, Randomized, Placebo-Controlled Study. (2022)
  8. 8. 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. (2023)
  9. 9. Effects of Withania somnifera Extract in Chronically Stressed Adults: A Randomized Controlled Trial. (2024)
  10. 10. Shoden promotes Relief from stress and anxiety: A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study on healthy subjects with high stress levels. (2024)

Generated August 14, 2026

Want personalized recommendations?

Show me what works for me