Shoden

Shoden

Best for

Reduce daily stress

Large effect, needs confirmation for 4–12 weeks · 1 meta-analysis , n=974

19 papers · 16 claims · 93 outcomes scored · 14 positive

Outcomes

What shoden 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
7 meta-analyses n=974 Meta-analyzed 0–6000 mg 4–12 wk #2/41
Lower day-to-day anxiety Likely strong benefit
large
5 meta-analyses n=432 Meta-analyzed 120–600 mg 8–12 wk #3/48
Ease anxiety in older adults Likely strong benefit
large
5 meta-analyses n=432 Meta-analyzed 120–600 mg 8–12 wk #3/45
Reduce pre-competition anxiety Likely strong benefit
large
5 meta-analyses n=432 Meta-analyzed 120–600 mg 8–12 wk #3/45
Improve everyday quality of life Likely strong benefit
large
2 meta-analyses n=229 Meta-analyzed 120–600 mg 9 wk #1/61
Lift and steady your mood Large effect, needs confirmation
large
1 RCT n=90 125 mg 12 wk #2/20
Fall asleep faster Likely benefit
moderate
1 meta-analysis n=281 Meta-analyzed 120–600 mg #2/19
Reduce everyday fatigue Promising early signal
moderate
2 RCTs n=170 600–700 mg 8–9 wk #4/44
Stay asleep through the night Likely modest benefit
small
1 meta-analysis n=281 Meta-analyzed 120–600 mg #1/15
Improve overall sleep quality Likely modest benefit
small
3 meta-analyses n=203 Meta-analyzed 120–700 mg 8–12 wk #2/37
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 your memory Faint early signal
small
2 RCTs n=53 225–500 mg 4–8 wk #2/42
Strengthen planning and mental control Faint early signal
small
1 RCT n=53 250–500 mg 8 wk #7/28
Sharpen social processing Not enough research
1 RCT n=53 250–500 mg 8 wk
Build stronger muscles Not enough research
1 meta-analysis n=— Meta-analyzed 240–600 mg #8/38

Risk profile

Adverse events and known drug interactions

Safety events

hepatotoxicity (drug-induced liver injury) severe
adrenal hypofunction (adrenal insufficiency) severe
adrenal_insufficiency / HPA axis suppression severe
thyrotoxicosis moderate
gastrointestinal discomfort (poor digestion / abdominal bloating) moderate
cough and cold moderate
acute dystonia (cervical dystonia and oculogyric crisis) moderate
Cushingoid features (facial puffiness) moderate

Sources

  1. 1. Randomized placebo-controlled adjunctive study of an extract of withania somnifera for cognitive dysfunction in bipolar disorder. (2013)
  2. 2. An investigation into the stress-relieving and pharmacological actions of an ashwagandha (Withania somnifera) extract: A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study. (2019)
  3. 3. Effect of Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera) extract on sleep: A systematic review and meta-analysis. (2021)
  4. 4. Shoden promotes Relief from stress and anxiety: A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study on healthy subjects with high stress levels. (2024)
  5. 5. A New Ashwagandha Formulation (Zenroot™) Alleviates Stress and Anxiety Symptoms While Improving Mood and Sleep Quality: A Randomized, Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled Clinical Study. (2025)
  6. 6. Effects of multi-herb and ashwagandha root formulas on stress modulation: a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical study. (2026)
  7. 7. Acute and Repeated Ashwagandha Supplementation Improves Markers of Cognitive Function and Mood. (2024)
  8. 8. A Randomized, Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled, Crossover Study Examining the Hormonal and Vitality Effects of Ashwagandha ( Withania somnifera) in Aging, Overweight Males. (2019)
  9. 9. Hormonal Modulation with Withania somnifera: Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Randomized-controlled Trials. (2026)
  10. 10. Effects of Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera) on Physical Performance: Systematic Review and Bayesian Meta-Analysis. (2021)

Generated August 14, 2026

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