Studies

Explore research connecting ingredients and health goals.

24 ingredient–goal connections

GoalReported findings
SupportiveMixedNo effectAdverseUnclassified

Stress ReliefandAshwagandha

47published studies

Supportive

The available research supports a possible stress-relieving effect of ashwagandha in adults with elevated stress. Several controlled trials of standardized root or root-and-leaf extracts found improvements in self-reported stress or anxiety alongside lower cortisol, a hormone involved in the stress response. Some also reported better sleep or well-being. These results are most relevant to the stressed populations and specific extracts studied.

The findings are not uniform. Other trials did not show clear advantages over placebo for perceived stress, and pooled evidence includes lower cortisol without a clear improvement in how stressed people felt. A change in a biological marker therefore should not be treated as proof of meaningful stress relief. Differences in formulations and study methods make the expected benefit difficult to pin down. Short-term tolerability was generally reassuring in the supplied trials, but sustained effectiveness and long-term safety remain insufficiently established.

47 linked studies · 13 sampled for detail · Sep 27, 2026

Study types

  • Randomized trial25
  • Meta-analysis9
  • Systematic review8
  • Single-arm trial2
  • Guideline / consensus1
  • Narrative review1
  • Qualitative study1

Published by year

  • 02010
  • 02011
  • 02012
  • 12013
  • 12014
  • 12015
  • 02016
  • 12017
  • 02018
  • 12019
  • 32020
  • 32021
  • 92022
  • 22023
  • 72024
  • 52025
  • 132026

Findings over time

Numbers above bars show study counts.

202613 studies

  • Supportive13
  • Mixed0
  • No effect0
  • Adverse0
  • Unclassified0

Population over time

Reported participants by publication year. Select a year to see the total and reporting coverage.

— Participant count not reported.

20265,106 reported participants

Counts reported by 10 of 13 studies. 3 without a reported count.

Totals sum reported counts across studies and reviews; participants may overlap between sources.

Explore this goal

Showing 5 top-ranked studies for Ashwagandha and Stress Relief.

Top studies

Ashwagandha · Stress ReliefHighest ranked first
  1. An investigation into the stress-relieving and pharmacological actions of an ashwagandha (Withania somnifera) extract: A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study.
    2019Randomized trial60 participants

    Medicine

    Finding Compared with placebo, supplementation significantly reduced HAM-A scores, while the DASS-21 reduction was near-significant rather than conventionally significant.

    SupportiveView source for An investigation into the stress-relieving and pharmacological actions of an ashwagandha (Withania somnifera) extract: A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study. (opens in a new tab)
  2. Shoden promotes Relief from stress and anxiety: A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study on healthy subjects with high stress levels.
    2024Randomized trial60 participants

    Heliyon

    Finding HAMA anxiety scores decreased 59% with either extract dose versus a negligible placebo increase, with p < 0.0001.

    SupportiveView source for Shoden promotes Relief from stress and anxiety: A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study on healthy subjects with high stress levels. (opens in a new tab)
  3. Efficacy and Safety of Ashwagandha Root Extract on Cognitive Functions in Healthy, Stressed Adults: A Randomized, Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled Study.
    2022Randomized trial130 participants

    Evidence-based complementary and alternative medicine : eCAM

    Finding Compared with placebo, Ashwagandha SR was associated with lower PSS-10, cortisol, and PSQI scores and higher happiness scores; the authors interpreted this as lower stress and better sleep quality and psychological well-being.

    SupportiveView source for Efficacy and Safety of Ashwagandha Root Extract on Cognitive Functions in Healthy, Stressed Adults: A Randomized, Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled Study. (opens in a new tab)
  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.
    2013Randomized trial64 participants

    Indian journal of psychological medicine

    Finding At day 60, the extract group had significantly lower scores on all reported stress-assessment scales than placebo.

    SupportiveView source for 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. (opens in a new tab)
  5. Adaptogenic and Anxiolytic Effects of Ashwagandha Root Extract in Healthy Adults: A Double-blind, Randomized, Placebo-controlled Clinical Study.
    2020Randomized trial60 participants

    Cureus

    Finding Perceived stress scores significantly decreased with both 250 mg/day and 600 mg/day Ashwagandha.

    SupportiveView source for Adaptogenic and Anxiolytic Effects of Ashwagandha Root Extract in Healthy Adults: A Double-blind, Randomized, Placebo-controlled Clinical Study. (opens in a new tab)

Counts reflect published studies in our database, not the strength of a benefit. A study may appear in more than one connection.