Ashwagandha

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    Last Updated: April 7, 2025

    Ashwagandha has been called the king of Ayurvedic herbs. It’s best known for reducing stress and anxiety. It may also modestly enhance various aspects of physical performance, increase testosterone levels, and improve reproductive health, but more research is needed to confirm these effects.

    Ashwagandha is most often used for Mental Health. The Examine Database covers Anxiety, Infertility, and 32 other conditions and goals.

    137 references on this page
    4,885 participants in 36 trials and 2 meta-analyses

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    What is ashwagandha?

    Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera), also known as Indian ginseng, is an herb used in Ayurveda, the traditional medicine of India. Its root has a horsey smell and is said to confer the strength and virility of a horse. In Sanskrit, ashva means “horse” and gandha means “smell.”[13] Various parts of the plant are used, but the most common supplemental form is an extract of its roots. Its use as part of the Ayurvedic system usually involves more than just the herb alone.

    Ashwagandha is classified as an adaptogen, meaning it’s purported to enhance the body’s resilience to stress. Rodent and cell culture studies suggest that ashwagandha may provide a wide range of health benefits,[49][50] but evidence in human studies has thus far varied depending on the health state and population of interest.[9][40][31][44][46][6]

    What are the known traditional, historical, and cultural uses of ashwagandha?

    What are ashwagandha’s main benefits?

    Ashwagandha’s reputation for being a panacea may have originated from its purported influence on the stress response and related conditions.[51] Ashwagandha is best known for its anxiolytic (antianxiety) and stress-relieving effects, including reductions in cortisol.[52][53][25][10][54][13][55][25][10][30][54] In addition, a growing body of evidence supports the efficacy of ashwagandha for improving total sleep time and sleep quality in people with and without insomnia.[5]

    Ashwagandha has shown promise in research as a cardiorespiratory and musculoskeletal performance enhancement for both athletes and non-athletes.[26][47][45][11][43][46][6] Similarly, ashwagandha may also improve immune health, women’s health, men’s health, and sexual health. Unfortunately, because of inconsistencies in the research, it has been difficult to draw any direct conclusions.[56][4][57][22][28][33][7][29]

    Does ashwagandha affect hormone health?Does ashwagandha affect general mental and brain health?Does ashwagandha affect specific mental health conditions?Does ashwagandha affect brain health?Does ashwagandha affect immune health?Does ashwagandha affect physical fitness and body composition?Does ashwagandha affect cardiometabolic health?What else has ashwagandha been studied for?

    What are ashwagandha’s main drawbacks?

    Though ashwagandha appears to be safe overall, there is still a potential for adverse effects, including thyroid issues, liver toxicity, immune stimulation, and electrolyte imbalances. Although clinical studies have not shown an increased risk of adverse events, case reports raise concerns.[12] For example, case reports have suggested adverse effects such as rash, itching, or thyroid dysregulation may occur with ashwagandha use, but the same adverse events were not seen in a safety study with a larger sample size.[58][59][60][61][62]

    Concerns have also been raised regarding the occurrence of liver toxicity with ashwagandha use, although this has not been observed in clinical safety trials. In two 2024 case reports, liver injury was recorded when ashwagandha capsules were taken at dosages up to 1,350 mg per day for durations ranging from 30 hours to 6 months.[63][64] In other reports, liver toxicity was usually reported within 2 to 12 weeks of ashwagandha use, and liver function returned to normal in all but one case following medical support and stopping ashwagandha.[65][66][67][68][69][70]

    Additionally, ashwagandha may influence immune and hormonal systems, which could put specific populations at a greater risk. In one case report, a kidney transplant recipient developed organ rejection after using ashwagandha for two weeks.[71] In another case report, a patient with high blood pressure developed hyponatremia (low sodium in the blood) and adrenal insufficiency with abnormally low cortisol levels after taking a combination of supplements that included ashwagandha.[72][73]

    Case studies suggest that ashwagandha could have serious side effects, though there are often minimal details on dosage or formulation. However, larger clinical studies, especially those with standardized formulations and dose regimens, indicate that milder adverse events (e.g., drowsiness or sedation) can still occur.[60][74][50][75] In a more recent systematic review and meta-analysis, the majority of randomized controlled trials reported no adverse events, but several reported effects such as diarrhea, nausea, abdominal pain, rashes, and abnormal liver or kidney function tests.[12] More research is needed to fully understand the risks associated with ashwagandha. However, it is crucial that individuals, especially with pre-existing conditions or who are taking other medications, consult with their healthcare professional before starting any supplement regimens.

    How does ashwagandha work?

    Ashwagandha contains numerous bioactive compounds, namely alkaloids, flavonoids, glycosides, steroids, and steroidal lactones.[50] Withanolides are a type of steroidal lactone that are considered to be responsible for most of the plant’s benefits.

    One proposed theory is that ashwagandha affects the HPA axis, which is seen in its ability to affect cortisol levels.[76] A majority of the studies on ashwagandha focus on stress and stress-related conditions, which are frequently associated with cortisol, other neuroendocrine hormones, and neurotransmitters. Much research has been devoted to understanding the ability of ashwagandha to mitigate the effects of both healthy and detrimental stress, which, in turn, could affect other outcomes and or health states. Anxiety, depression, fertility, obesity, sleep, exercise recovery, immune health, and cognition are just a few examples. The HPA stress response may also explain some of the varied results seen in the body of evidence. This variance could be the result of ashwagandha affecting the HPA axis differently in different people. It may also be due to the complex relationship between stress and health conditions. If stress isn’t the precipitating factor for a negative health state, ashwagandha may not be an effective treatment for it, either.

    The strongest evidence to date suggests ashwagandha has cortisol-lowering and corticosteroid-lowering effects.[76][13][55][25][54][30][10][77][14][78] In studies where cortisol was lowered, other outcomes, such as anxiety, weight management, fertility, cognition, sleep, and/or quality of life, have also shown some improvement.[30][10][14][55][77][13][25][54]

    What are other names for Ashwagandha?

    Note that Ashwagandha is also known as:

    • Withania somnifera
    • Indian ginseng
    • Smell of Horse
    • Winter cherry
    • Dunal
    • Solanaceae

    Ashwagandha should not be confused with:

    • Withania coagulans (Different Plant)
    • Panax ginseng
    • Panax quinquefolius

    Dosage information

    Formulation:

    Various parts of the ashwagandha plant are used, but the most common supplemental form is an extract of its roots that may come in a capsule, liquid extraction, tablets, or tea. When ashwagandha is used as part of the Ayurvedic system, it usually involves more than just the herb alone.

    Because withanolides are considered to be the major active component in ashwagandha, some extracts are standardized to contain a certain or minimum amount. Clinical trials have used standardized extracts containing anywhere from 1.5% to 35% withanolides, but many studies do not disclose this information, and the optimal amount of withanolides is not yet clear.[1][2][3][4][5][6][7] Note that while studies may use standardized extracts or proprietary formulas, variations in extraction methods, formulation, or composition can affect the physiological response.

    Range of dosages studied:

    Studies on ashwagandha have used daily dosages ranging from 120 to 12,000 mg of a root extract. The most common dosing protocol is 150 to 600 mg daily, and this may be divided into one to three doses.[8][9][5]

    Effective Dosages:

    Stress

    Adults: In studies in adults (ages 18–65+), ashwagandha given in dosages from 120 to 600 mg per day, for 4 to 12 weeks’ duration, has shown effectiveness for the relief of stress and reduction of cortisol. In these studies, both capsules and root powder were taken once or twice daily with water.[10][11][10][9][12][13][14][15]

    Sleep

    Adults: In studies in adults (ages 18–65+) both with and without insomnia, ashwagandha given in dosages from 120 to 1,250 mg per day (most commonly 600 mg per day) for 4 to 12 weeks’ duration has shown effectiveness for improving alertness/fatigue, sleep quality, sleep duration, and sleep disturbances.[5] Standardized capsules of root extract were used in the overwhelming majority of studies, taken once or twice daily in combination with milk or water.[8][16][10][17][18][19][5]

    Special considerations: The trials used different standardized extracts, some coming from root only and others from both root and leaves. This may result in different phytochemical profiles.

    Hormonal health

    Men: Men (ages 18–64) who took ashwagandha in dosages from 600 to 5,000 mg per day for 8–12 weeks’ duration saw increases in sexual function, fertility, and testosterone levels. Root extract capsules or powder were taken once or twice daily.[7][20][21][22][23][24][25][26][27][14][5]

    Women: Women (ages 18–64) who took 300 mg of ashwagandha root extract twice a day saw increases in estrogen and sexual function as well as decreases in follicle-stimulating hormone, luteinizing hormone, and menopausal symptoms.[28][29]

    Mood and Brain Health

    Adults: In studies in adults (ages 18–65+) both with and without anxiety/depression, ashwagandha given in dosages from 120 to 1,000 mg per day (with one outlier giving 12,000 mg per day) for 4 to 12 weeks’ duration was effective for reducing symptoms of anxiety and improving cognition. Capsules of root extract were taken once or twice daily in combination with milk or water.[9][5][30][10][12][8][31][13][1][32][33][34][35][36][37][38][39][40][41]

    Special considerations: Just one trial used 12,000 mg per day, which is 20 times the dose most commonly seen in trials (600 mg per day).[9]

    Immune Function

    Adults: In studies in adults (ages 18–65+) without known health conditions, ashwagandha given in dosages ranging from 60 to 1,000 mg per day (once or twice daily) for 4 to 16 weeks’ duration has been effective in altering markers of immune function. Capsules, root powder, and tablets were used in these studies that saw increased lymphocytes (CD3, CD4, and CD8), immunoglobulin A,immunoglobulin G, immunoglobulin M, interleukin 4, and natural killer cells and decreased signs of oxidation and inflammation.[42][11][4][43][20][44]

    Exercise and Fitness

    Adults: In studies in both trained and untrained adults (ages 18–64), ashwagandha given in dosages from 120 to 1,250 mg per day for 2 to 8 weeks’ duration has shown effectiveness for improving aerobic exercise metrics, exercise recovery, and physical strength. In these studies, capsules were taken once or twice per day.[6][45][46][47][48][11][5][26]

    Other Considerations:

    It is unknown if ashwagandha loses its potency with daily long-term use, but due to its possible drug-like effects on neurotransmission, this possibility cannot be ruled out. It’s also unknown if taking breaks from ashwagandha or taking it every other day prolongs its effectiveness. Whether ashwagandha is taken with milk or water could potentially affect its absorption. More research is needed to confirm whether dosages above 600 mg daily yield greater benefits.

    Examine Database: Ashwagandha

    Anxiety
    Infertility
    Stress
    General Athletic Performance
    Muscle Size & Strength
    Aerobic Exercise Performance
    Insomnia
    Low Testosterone
    Male Sexual Dysfunction
    Body Composition
    General Cardiovascular Health
    Cognitive Improvement
    Metabolic Health
    Schizophrenia
    High Cholesterol
    Obesity
    Osteoarthritis
    Type 2 Diabetes
    Bipolar Disorder
    Chemotherapy Side-Effects
    Cycling Performance
    Generalized Anxiety Disorder
    Hypothyroidism
    Immune Health
    Mood Improvement
    Muscle Recovery
    Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder
    Oligospermia
    Overweight
    Running Performance
    Sexual Health
    Weight Loss & Maintenance
    Joint Pain
    Chronic Nonspecific Knee Pain

    Research FeedRead all studies

    Frequently asked questions

    What is ashwagandha?

    Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera), also known as Indian ginseng, is an herb used in Ayurveda, the traditional medicine of India. Its root has a horsey smell and is said to confer the strength and virility of a horse. In Sanskrit, ashva means “horse” and gandha means “smell.”[13] Various parts of the plant are used, but the most common supplemental form is an extract of its roots. Its use as part of the Ayurvedic system usually involves more than just the herb alone.

    Ashwagandha is classified as an adaptogen, meaning it’s purported to enhance the body’s resilience to stress. Rodent and cell culture studies suggest that ashwagandha may provide a wide range of health benefits,[49][50] but evidence in human studies has thus far varied depending on the health state and population of interest.[9][40][31][44][46][6]

    What are the known traditional, historical, and cultural uses of ashwagandha?

    Withania somnifera (of the family Solanaceae) is a highly esteemed medicinal herb in Ayurveda and is most popularly known as ashwagandha, although other common names include the King of Ayurveda,[79][80] Indian ginseng (not related to Panax ginseng), and wintercherry.[81] The herb is classified as rasayana in Ayurvedic medicine, which suggests it has the ability to affect health, wellness, and vitality. It is also classified as bhalya (increases strength) and vajikara (aphrodisiac).[82] In modern terms, it is called an adaptogen for similar reasons.[37]

    Beyond those uses, it has been traditionally used as an analgesic, astringent, antispasmodic, and immunostimulant while being used to treat inflammation, cancer, stress, fatigue, diabetes, and cardiovascular complications.[83][84] The adaptogenic properties of ashwagandha have been emphasized for treating people with stress-related insomnia, debility, and nervous exhaustion.[85] Ashwagandha has also been reported to have immunostimulant properties that may help to mitigate the negative effects of stress on the immune system.[85]

    What are ashwagandha’s main benefits?

    Ashwagandha’s reputation for being a panacea may have originated from its purported influence on the stress response and related conditions.[51] Ashwagandha is best known for its anxiolytic (antianxiety) and stress-relieving effects, including reductions in cortisol.[52][53][25][10][54][13][55][25][10][30][54] In addition, a growing body of evidence supports the efficacy of ashwagandha for improving total sleep time and sleep quality in people with and without insomnia.[5]

    Ashwagandha has shown promise in research as a cardiorespiratory and musculoskeletal performance enhancement for both athletes and non-athletes.[26][47][45][11][43][46][6] Similarly, ashwagandha may also improve immune health, women’s health, men’s health, and sexual health. Unfortunately, because of inconsistencies in the research, it has been difficult to draw any direct conclusions.[56][4][57][22][28][33][7][29]

    Does ashwagandha affect hormone health?

    Ashwagandha has shown mixed effects on hormone health measures such as cortisol, testosterone, estrogen, luteinizing hormone, follicle-stimulating hormone, prolactin, and thyroid hormones in human studies.

    In chronically stressed adults who take ashwagandha (300–500 mg for 60–90 days), cortisol was reduced by 20% to 50% from baseline values, and the effect was higher for those with higher levels of stress.[13][14]

    Ashwagandha’s effects on hormones are not limited to cortisol. Preliminary evidence suggests that 500 to 600 mg of ashwagandha root extract per day may increase testosterone levels in men when taken for 3 to 6 months. Improvements in testosterone levels, luteinizing hormone, follicle-stimulating hormone, sperm quality parameters, quality of life, and sexual functioning have been seen with ashwagandha use.[21][7][22][23][24][20] Effects on testosterone are more pronounced in men with infertility and low testosterone levels, though ashwagandha may also boost testosterone levels in men without infertility or low testosterone as well.[25][26][22][27][23][14] Ashwagandha enhanced seminal parameters in infertile men (e.g., sperm count, motility, quality, and vitality), suggesting that it may help to improve fertility. It’s possible that increases in seminal antioxidant capacity may be partially responsible for these effects.[14][23][20][24]

    Ashwagandha may also have beneficial effects on hormone health in women. Though current evidence suggests these beneficial effects are less pronounced than those seen in men, there still isn’t enough evidence to say this conclusively. Ashwagandha apparently also improves sexual function in women, but it’s not clear yet whether subjective well-being is similarly enhanced.[86] One study did find that ashwagandha use in menopausal women increased estrogen levels while simultaneously lowering follicle-stimulating hormone and luteinizing hormone levels to produce an overall improvement in menopausal symptom-related quality of life.[28]

    Does ashwagandha affect general mental and brain health?

    Because stress levels are associated with neuroendocrine function, ashwagandha may affect general mental and brain health by reducing stress.[87][88][89][90] In studies where ashwagandha improved subjective signs and symptoms of stress, factors such as anxiety, cognition, and sleep quality also improved, along with cortisol.[30][9][10][12][8] It should be noted that the efficacy of ashwagandha is more pronounced in people reporting both a negative health state and high stress levels.[91][13] Effectiveness for sleep has been mirrored in some human studies, where a significant increase in sleep quality (among other sleep related parameters such as improvements in sleep latency, sleep efficiency, sleep duration, alertness, and reduced sleep disturbance) occurred when ashwagandha (120–700 mg) was taken daily for periods ranging from 1 to 3 months.[18][16][5][17][19] It should be noted, however, that prior studies using higher doses of ashwagandha extract (750–2,000 mg, alone or combined with other herbs) did not result in further significant improvements in sleep.[92][93][94]

    Does ashwagandha affect specific mental health conditions?

    Ashwagandha’s potential to influence the HPA axis and affect neurotransmitter activity may explain some of its proposed effects on mental health, but more research is needed to better understand the underlying mechanisms.[51] In human studies, 200 to 400 mg of ashwagandha daily over the course of 30 to 60 days reduced symptoms of depression in participants with elevated levels of stress.[25][30]

    Ashwagandha may also exert some anxiety-reducing effects as a result of the antistress properties. Lower doses of ashwagandha also appear to increase the effects of some anxiolytics, including alcohol.[95][96][97][98][99][100][101][102][103] Reduced anxiety has been observed with dosages from 300 mg to 12,000 mg per day of ashwagandha over periods ranging from 4 to 8 weeks. For general stress reduction that hasn’t reached the point of diagnosed anxiety, 300 to 600 mg daily appears to be sufficient.[9][31][13][1][32][33][34]

    Does ashwagandha affect brain health?

    Ashwagandha may have beneficial effects on brain health by promoting the formation of neurons and enhancing neuroprotection, but the clinical evidence is somewhat mixed. In studies where ashwagandha (200–400 mg daily for 1–3 months) enhanced CNS activity and cognition, other factors such as cortisol, quality of life, sleep quality, and subjective measures of stress also improved, as would be expected. However, outcomes such as appetite, anxiety symptoms, short-term memory, serum BDNF, impulsivity, and alertness also saw some benefits in these studies, but to a much lesser extent that can’t be generalized to the broader population at this time.[30][35][10][36][37][38]

    Does ashwagandha affect immune health?

    It is uncertain whether ashwagandha affects immune health by reducing stress, but chronic stress tends to suppress immune function.[104][89][51] Ashwagandha’s general immunomodulatory capability (at a dosage of 60–500 mg daily for 1–4 weeks) has been explored through direct assessment of immune parameters (immunoglobulin A, immunoglobulin M, immunoglobulin G, cytokines, natural killer cells, and lymphocytes) with encouraging results for fighting infection.[4][105][56][106][107][108] These findings, however, still require replication with more robust methodological approaches.

    When examining the prevention or treatment of respiratory infection, studies tended to take a more complete ayurvedic approach by using ashwagandha alongside additional therapies and/or herbs. Although these studies have promising initial results, the methods and interventions used were variable, and more research is needed.[105][109][110][107][108]

    A few clinical trials in adults with and without health conditions appear to suggest that antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties provide the main effects on immune health. Ashwagandha use (500–5,000 mg daily for 8–12 weeks) correlated with increases in antioxidants and decreases in oxidation markers such as malondialdehyde, along with improvements in exercise recovery, fertility, lung function, oxygen uptake, perceived stress, and quality of life.[11][20][43] Several studies have also explored ashwagandha (500–1,000 mg daily for 8–12 weeks) for treating arthritis, where anti-inflammatory capacity was the proposed mechanism of action, though this mechanism and effect still has yet to be confirmed.[111][112][113]

    Does ashwagandha affect physical fitness and body composition?

    Oral supplementation of ashwagandha in people with no health conditions appears to improve cardiorespiratory parameters during exercise, notably VO2max.[48] Increases in power output in sedentary people with no health conditions who start resistance training (750–1,250 mg of ashwagandha daily for one month) and also those who undergo no training (600 mg of ashwagandha daily for two months) have been reported.[94][26] Ashwagandha (120–1,250 mg daily for 2–12 weeks) reportedly also improves VO2max, upper body strength and lower body strength, lower body power, and recovery in both trained and untrained athletes.[6][45][46][47][48][11][5][26] Ashwagandha has also been shown to improve endurance performance by increasing levels of hemoglobin[6] (the protein in red blood cells responsible for transporting oxygen to the rest of the body), but more studies are needed to confirm this effect. Ashwagandha (600–1,250 mg daily for 1–2 months) in sedentary people with no health conditions may increase lean mass and decrease fat mass, but the results thus far have been mixed.[94][26]

    Does ashwagandha affect cardiometabolic health?

    Ashwagandha has no clear influence on blood pressure in people without pre-existing health conditions, but the evidence is limited.[48]

    A reduction in LDL cholesterol has been seen in people with no health conditions who took ashwagandha (750–1,250 mg for one month), though there was no indication of changes in triglycerides in these same individuals over the same period.[94] A mild reduction in triglycerides has been associated with oral ingestion of ashwagandha when taken by people with metabolic syndrome.[94][114]

    Similarly, there appears to be a mild reduction in blood glucose with ashwagandha use (1,200 mg daily for 30 days) by people with metabolic syndrome (insulin resistance).[114]

    What else has ashwagandha been studied for?

    Cancer therapy is a newer frontier for exploring ashwagandha as a potential therapy. Preclinical studies on withaferin A (an isolated constituent of ashwagandha) indicate it may inhibit or control cancer metastasis in animal and cell models.[115][116][117][118] In humans undergoing chemotherapy for breast cancer, ashwagandha as a whole-herb supplement has demonstrated an increase in well-being and physical/emotional function, and a reduction in fatigue, insomnia, and pain.[91]

    What are ashwagandha’s main drawbacks?

    Though ashwagandha appears to be safe overall, there is still a potential for adverse effects, including thyroid issues, liver toxicity, immune stimulation, and electrolyte imbalances. Although clinical studies have not shown an increased risk of adverse events, case reports raise concerns.[12] For example, case reports have suggested adverse effects such as rash, itching, or thyroid dysregulation may occur with ashwagandha use, but the same adverse events were not seen in a safety study with a larger sample size.[58][59][60][61][62]

    Concerns have also been raised regarding the occurrence of liver toxicity with ashwagandha use, although this has not been observed in clinical safety trials. In two 2024 case reports, liver injury was recorded when ashwagandha capsules were taken at dosages up to 1,350 mg per day for durations ranging from 30 hours to 6 months.[63][64] In other reports, liver toxicity was usually reported within 2 to 12 weeks of ashwagandha use, and liver function returned to normal in all but one case following medical support and stopping ashwagandha.[65][66][67][68][69][70]

    Additionally, ashwagandha may influence immune and hormonal systems, which could put specific populations at a greater risk. In one case report, a kidney transplant recipient developed organ rejection after using ashwagandha for two weeks.[71] In another case report, a patient with high blood pressure developed hyponatremia (low sodium in the blood) and adrenal insufficiency with abnormally low cortisol levels after taking a combination of supplements that included ashwagandha.[72][73]

    Case studies suggest that ashwagandha could have serious side effects, though there are often minimal details on dosage or formulation. However, larger clinical studies, especially those with standardized formulations and dose regimens, indicate that milder adverse events (e.g., drowsiness or sedation) can still occur.[60][74][50][75] In a more recent systematic review and meta-analysis, the majority of randomized controlled trials reported no adverse events, but several reported effects such as diarrhea, nausea, abdominal pain, rashes, and abnormal liver or kidney function tests.[12] More research is needed to fully understand the risks associated with ashwagandha. However, it is crucial that individuals, especially with pre-existing conditions or who are taking other medications, consult with their healthcare professional before starting any supplement regimens.

    How does ashwagandha work?

    Ashwagandha contains numerous bioactive compounds, namely alkaloids, flavonoids, glycosides, steroids, and steroidal lactones.[50] Withanolides are a type of steroidal lactone that are considered to be responsible for most of the plant’s benefits.

    One proposed theory is that ashwagandha affects the HPA axis, which is seen in its ability to affect cortisol levels.[76] A majority of the studies on ashwagandha focus on stress and stress-related conditions, which are frequently associated with cortisol, other neuroendocrine hormones, and neurotransmitters. Much research has been devoted to understanding the ability of ashwagandha to mitigate the effects of both healthy and detrimental stress, which, in turn, could affect other outcomes and or health states. Anxiety, depression, fertility, obesity, sleep, exercise recovery, immune health, and cognition are just a few examples. The HPA stress response may also explain some of the varied results seen in the body of evidence. This variance could be the result of ashwagandha affecting the HPA axis differently in different people. It may also be due to the complex relationship between stress and health conditions. If stress isn’t the precipitating factor for a negative health state, ashwagandha may not be an effective treatment for it, either.

    The strongest evidence to date suggests ashwagandha has cortisol-lowering and corticosteroid-lowering effects.[76][13][55][25][54][30][10][77][14][78] In studies where cortisol was lowered, other outcomes, such as anxiety, weight management, fertility, cognition, sleep, and/or quality of life, have also shown some improvement.[30][10][14][55][77][13][25][54]

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    Examine Database References

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    2. Schizophrenia symptoms - Chengappa KNR, Brar JS, Gannon JM, Schlicht PJAdjunctive Use of a Standardized Extract of Withania somnifera (Ashwagandha) to Treat Symptom Exacerbation in Schizophrenia: A Randomized, Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled StudyJ Clin Psychiatry.(2018 Jul 10)
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    7. Red Blood Cell Count - Ziegenfuss TN, Kedia AW, Sandrock JE, Raub BJ, Kerksick CM, Lopez HLEffects of an Aqueous Extract of Withania somnifera on Strength Training Adaptations and Recovery: The STAR TrialNutrients.(2018 Nov 20)
    8. Oxygen Uptake - Shenoy S, Chaskar U, Sandhu JS, Paadhi MMEffects of eight-week supplementation of Ashwagandha on cardiorespiratory endurance in elite Indian cyclistsJ Ayurveda Integr Med.(2012 Oct)
    9. vLDL-C - Auddy, B, et alA Standardized Withania Somnifera Extract Significantly Reduces Stress-Related Parameters in Chronically Stressed Humans: A Double-Blind, Randomized, Placebo-Controlled StudyJ Am Nut Assn.()
    10. Heart Rate - Choudhary D, Bhattacharyya S, Joshi KBody Weight Management in Adults Under Chronic Stress Through Treatment With Ashwagandha Root Extract: A Double-Blind, Randomized, Placebo-Controlled TrialJ Evid Based Complementary Altern Med.(2017 Jan)
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    12. Stress Signs and Symptoms - Camellia Akhgarjand, Farzaneh Asoudeh, Amir Bagheri, Zahra Kalantar, Zahra Vahabi, Sakineh Shab-Bidar, Hamid Rezvani, Kurosh DjafarianDoes Ashwagandha supplementation have a beneficial effect on the management of anxiety and stress? A systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trialsPhytother Res.(2022 Aug 25)
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    14. Testosterone - Gupta A, Mahdi AA, Shukla KK, Ahmad MK, Bansal N, Sankhwar P, Sankhwar SNEfficacy of Withania somnifera on seminal plasma metabolites of infertile males: a proton NMR study at 800 MHzJ Ethnopharmacol.(2013 Aug 26)
    15. Testosterone - Abbas Ali Mahdi, Kamla Kant Shukla, Mohammad Kaleem Ahmad, Singh Rajender, Satya Narain Shankhwar, Vishwajeet Singh, Deepansh DalelaWithania somnifera Improves Semen Quality in Stress-Related Male FertilityEvid Based Complement Alternat Med.(2009 Sep 29)
    16. Testosterone - Ahmad MK, Mahdi AA, Shukla KK, Islam N, Rajender S, Madhukar D, Shankhwar SN, Ahmad SWithania somnifera improves semen quality by regulating reproductive hormone levels and oxidative stress in seminal plasma of infertile malesFertil Steril.(2010 Aug)
    17. Testosterone - Ambiye VR, Langade D, Dongre S, Aptikar P, Kulkarni M, Dongre AClinical Evaluation of the Spermatogenic Activity of the Root Extract of Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera) in Oligospermic Males: A Pilot StudyEvid Based Complement Alternat Med.(2013)
    18. Sperm Quality - Nasimi Doost Azgomi R, Nazemiyeh H, Sadeghi Bazargani H, Fazljou SMB, Nejatbakhsh F, Moini Jazani A, Ahmadi AsrBadr Y, Zomorrodi AComparative evaluation of the effects of Withania somnifera with pentoxifylline on the sperm parameters in idiopathic male infertility: A triple-blind randomised clinical trialAndrologia.(2018 Sep)
    19. Anxiety Symptoms - Andrade C, Aswath A, Chaturvedi SK, Srinivasa M, Raguram RA double-blind, placebo-controlled evaluation of the anxiolytic efficacy ff an ethanolic extract of withania somniferaIndian J Psychiatry.(2000 Jul)
    20. Anxiety Symptoms - Langade D, Kanchi S, Salve J, Debnath K, Ambegaokar DEfficacy and Safety of Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera) Root Extract in Insomnia and Anxiety: A Double-blind, Randomized, Placebo-controlled StudyCureus.(2019 Sep 28)
    21. Anxiety Symptoms - K Chandrasekhar, Jyoti Kapoor, Sridhar AnishettyA 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 adultsIndian J Psychol Med.(2012 Jul)
    22. Anxiety Symptoms - Cooley K, Szczurko O, Perri D, Mills EJ, Bernhardt B, Zhou Q, Seely DNaturopathic care for anxiety: a randomized controlled trial ISRCTN78958974PLoS One.(2009 Aug 31)
    23. Bipolar Disorder Symptoms - Chengappa KN, Bowie CR, Schlicht PJ, Fleet D, Brar JS, Jindal RRandomized placebo-controlled adjunctive study of an extract of withania somnifera for cognitive dysfunction in bipolar disorderJ Clin Psychiatry.(2013 Nov)
    24. Working Memory - Choudhary D, Bhattacharyya S, Bose SEfficacy and Safety of Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera (L.) Dunal) Root Extract in Improving Memory and Cognitive FunctionsJ Diet Suppl.(2017 Nov 2)
    25. Reaction Time - Pingali U, Pilli R, Fatima NEffect of standardized aqueous extract of Withania somnifera on tests of cognitive and psychomotor performance in healthy human participantsPharmacognosy Res.(2014 Jan)
    26. Subjective Well-Being - Sud Khyati S, Thaker Anup BA RANDOMIZED DOUBLE BLIND PLACEBO CONTROLLED STUDY OF ASHWAGANDHA ON GENERALIZED ANXIETY DISORDERInternational Ayurvedic Medical Journal .()
    27. Fatigue Symptoms - Adrian L Lopresti, Peter D Drummond, Stephen J SmithA Randomized, Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled, Crossover Study Examining the Hormonal and Vitality Effects of Ashwagandha ( Withania somnifera) in Aging, Overweight MalesAm J Mens Health.(Mar-Apr 2019)
    28. Erections - Mamidi P, Thakar ABEfficacy of Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera Dunal. Linn.) in the management of psychogenic erectile dysfunctionAyu.(2011 Jul)
    29. Thyroid-Stimulating Hormone - Sharma AK, Basu I, Singh SEfficacy and Safety of Ashwagandha Root Extract in Subclinical Hypothyroid Patients: A Double-Blind, Randomized Placebo-Controlled TrialJ Altern Complement Med.(2018 Mar)
    30. Cortisol - Lopresti AL, Smith SJ, Malvi H, Kodgule RAn investigation into the stress-relieving and pharmacological actions of an ashwagandha (Withania somnifera) extract: A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled studyMedicine (Baltimore).(2019 Sep)
    31. Natural Killer Cell Activity - Jeremy Mikolai, Andrew Erlandsen, Andrew Murison, Kimberly A Brown, William L Gregory, Padma Raman-Caplan, Heather L ZwickeyIn vivo effects of Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera) extract on the activation of lymphocytesJ Altern Complement Med.(2009 Apr)
    32. OCD Symptoms - Jahanbakhsh SP, Manteghi AA, Emami SA, Mahyari S, Gholampour B, Mohammadpour AH, Sahebkar AEvaluation of the efficacy of Withania somnifera (Ashwagandha) root extract in patients with obsessive-compulsive disorder: A randomized double-blind placebo-controlled trialComplement Ther Med.(2016 Aug)
    33. Anxiety Symptoms - Kae Ling Cheah, Mohd Noor Norhayati, Lili Husniati Yaacob, Razlina Abdul RahmanEffect of Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera) extract on sleep: A systematic review and meta-analysisPLoS One.(2021 Sep 24)
    34. Sexual Function - Dongre S, Langade D, Bhattacharyya SEfficacy and Safety of Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera) Root Extract in Improving Sexual Function in Women: A Pilot StudyBiomed Res Int.(2015)
    35. Pain - Ramakanth GS, Uday Kumar C, Kishan PV, Usharani PA randomized, double blind placebo controlled study of efficacy and tolerability of Withaina somnifera extracts in knee joint painJ Ayurveda Integr Med.(2016 Jul - Sep)
    36. Blood glucose - B Andallu, B RadhikaHypoglycemic, diuretic and hypocholesterolemic effect of winter cherry (Withania somnifera, Dunal) rootIndian J Exp Biol.(2000 Jun)
    37. Quality of Life - Choudhary B, Shetty A, Langade DGEfficacy of Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera [L.] Dunal) in improving cardiorespiratory endurance in healthy athletic adultsAyu.(2015 Jan-Mar)
    38. Insomnia Signs and Symptoms - Biswal BM, Sulaiman SA, Ismail HC, Zakaria H, Musa KIEffect of Withania somnifera (Ashwagandha) on the development of chemotherapy-induced fatigue and quality of life in breast cancer patientsIntegr Cancer Ther.(2013 Jul)