Ashwagandha
Ashwagandha is studied for stress, sleep, and performance outcomes. Benefits appear strongest for stress-related measures.
Overview
What is Ashwagandha?
Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera) is a herb that contains numerous bioactive compounds in its roots, including withanolides, which are thought to be responsible for most of its effects.
Supplementation can affect the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis, which is responsible for the body's ability to manage stress.
There is reliable evidence from high-quality human studies that ashwagandha leads to large reductions in stress, cortisol and anxiety.
Whilst there are many forms of ashwagandha available, most studies typically use a standardised form including KSM-66, Shoden, Noogandha or Sensoril. The most common of these being KSM-66.
Dosage
A typical dose of ashwagandha is around 300 to 600 mg per day.
Studies using ashwagandha for stress and anxiety typically use a dosage range of 150–300 mg twice per day, for a total daily dose of 300–600 mg.
Studies using ashwagandha for athletic performance have found benefits at a dosage range of 500–1000 mg per day.
Studies using ashwagandha for sleep have found greater benefits at doses of at least 600 mg per day compared to smaller doses.
Generally, taking ashwagandha at greater doses for longer periods of time is more effective than smaller doses for shorter periods. The time-point at which ashwagandha reaches maximal effectiveness is unknown, but benefits for stress appear to progressively increase until at least 30 days of treatment in young adults. It is generally advised to begin with a dosage at the lower end of the suggested range (300 mg/day).
Effect graph
Effect heatmap
SupplementDEX Database
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Database Snapshot
Most ashwagandha research is concentrated in a handful of conditions.
- Anxiety accounts for 13 of 66 studies (20%).
- Athletic Performance accounts for 7 of 66 studies (11%).
- Stress accounts for 7 of 66 studies (11%).
- Sparse coverage remains for Constipation, Male infertility, Rheumatoid arthritis (RA).
Dietary Sources
Dietary sources
Ashwagandha is typically consumed through supplements or herbal blends rather than as a regular dietary ingredient.
Safety
Market Contamination Report: Poor overall. Prefer lab-tested supplements where available. A 2023 study[56] found that adulteration with non-root parts including the flowering parts and stems of the ashwagandha plant is common, even in products claiming to use branded ingredients. Proprietary formulations do not necessarily indicate accurate withanolide content. Therefore lab tests are highly beneficial, but not a guarantee, for determining supplement safety.
Dose windows
Short-term
Ashwagandha use is generally well tolerated.
Long-term
The effects of long-term use of ashwagandha are not well understood.
Side effects
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Diarrhoea
Special populations
Pregnancy & breastfeeding
AvoidIn pregnant or lactating women, ashwagandha should be avoided[60].
Children
AvoidIn children, ashwagandha should be avoided.
Other notes
Numerous anecdotal reports suggest that ashwagandha use should be intermittently "cycled" to prevent the occurrence of anhedonia, a side effect manifesting as a progressive inability to experience joy and a reduction in motivation. To date, there are limited high-quality studies examining the accuracy of these widespread claims. One case report[59] from 2022 found that ashwagandha (21.4 mg withanolides taken for 10 weeks) led to a significantly blunted cortisol response that was resolved 2 weeks after discontinuing ashwagandha use.
Frequently Asked Questions
Takeaway
Ashwagandha is a herb that has a long history of use with benefits for stress, anxiety and athletic performance.
The side effects of ashwagandha are not uncommon and include nausea, anhedonia and gastric upset.
Some people may experience anhedonia, a progressive inability to experience joy and a reduction in motivation. This side effect has not been well studied but appears to resolve after discontinuation.
References
Sources67 references
SupplementDEX uses only high-quality sources to determine supplement effectiveness.
SupplementDEX Database · Anxiety
13 references1.SupplementDEX Database: Anxiety — Safety and efficacy of Withania somnifera for anxiety and insomnia: Systematic review and meta-analysis2024
A meta-analysis of 5 RCTs (254 participants) found ashwagandha significantly reduced Hamilton Anxiety Scale scores and improved sleep latency, total sleep time, PSQI, and sleep efficiency versus placebo.
2.SupplementDEX Database: Anxiety — 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 study2023
In adults under pandemic-related stress, ashwagandha root extract 500 mg/day for 60 days reduced stress and anxiety and lowered cortisol while improving sleep quality versus placebo.
3.SupplementDEX Database: Anxiety — A Standardized Withania somnifera (Linn.) Root Extract with Piperine Alleviates the Symptoms of Anxiety and Depression by Increasing Serotonin Levels: A Double-Blind, Randomized, Placebo-Controlled Study2023
In adults with depression and anxiety, ashwagandha 500 mg plus piperine 5 mg daily for 90 days improved HAM-A, HDRS, sleep, and quality-of-life scores and raised serum serotonin versus placebo.
4.SupplementDEX Database: Anxiety — Exploring the efficacy and safety of a novel standardized ashwagandha (Withania somnifera) root extract (Witholytin®) in adults experiencing high stress and fatigue in a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial2023
In overweight adults with self-reported stress and fatigue, a novel standardized ashwagandha extract 400 mg/day improved stress, fatigue, and sex hormone profiles versus placebo over the trial period.
5.SupplementDEX Database: Anxiety — Does Ashwagandha supplementation have a beneficial effect on the management of anxiety and stress? A systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials2022
A meta-analysis of 12 studies including 1002 participants (aged 25 to 48 yrs) found that ashwagandha significantly reduced stress level (SMD: -1.75, 95% CI: -2.29 to -1.22, P = 0.005, I 2 = 83.1%) and anxiety (SMD: -1.55, 95% CI: -2.37 to -0.74; P = 0.005, I 2 = 93.8%) compared to placebo, with low certainty. There was a beneficial effect on stress at doses of 300-600 mg/day and non-linear benefit for anxiety up to a dose of 12,000 mg/day.
6.SupplementDEX Database: Anxiety — The Perceived Impact of Ashwagandha on Stress, Sleep Quality, Energy, and Mental Clarity for College Students: Qualitative Analysis of a Double-Blind Randomized Control Trial2022
In 60 college students over 30 days, ashwagandha 700 mg/day improved perceived well-being, sustained energy, mental clarity, and sleep quality versus placebo.
7.SupplementDEX Database: Anxiety — The Impact of Ashwagandha on Stress, Sleep Quality, and Food Cravings in College Students: Quantitative Analysis of a Double-Blind Randomized Control Trial2022
In healthy college students over 30 days, ashwagandha 700 mg/day improved sleep, reduced perceived stress, and affected cravings versus placebo.
8.SupplementDEX Database: Anxiety — Efficacy of Withania somnifera supplementation on adult’s cognition and mood2021
In 60 stressed adults over 30 days, NooGandha ashwagandha 400 mg/day improved cognition, cortisol, mood, stress, and cravings versus placebo without adverse events.
9.SupplementDEX Database: Anxiety — An investigation into the stress-relieving and pharmacological actions of an ashwagandha (Withania somnifera) extract: A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study2019
A 60-day study including 60 participants found that ashwagandha (240 mg/day Shoden) significantly reduced anxiety (Hamilton Anxiety Rating Scale, P = 0.04) compared to placebo. There was a trend to benefit for DASS-21 scores (Self-Reported Depression, Anxiety & Stress Scales, P = 0.96) that was not statistically significant. Ashwagandha significantly reduced morning cortisol (P < 0.001) and DHEA-S (P = 0.004). There was a trend towards increased testosterone in males only.
10.SupplementDEX Database: Anxiety — Adaptogenic and Anxiolytic Effects of Ashwagandha Root Extract in Healthy Adults: A Double-blind, Randomized, Placebo-controlled Clinical Study2019
An 8-week study of 58 participants found that aqueous-extract ashwagandha (250 mg/day or 600 mg/day) significantly reduced serum cortisol and perceived stress levels compared to placebo. More reliable benefits were found in the 600 mg/day dose group. Ashwagandha significantly improved sleep quality compared to placebo.
11.SupplementDEX Database: Anxiety — Body Weight Management in Adults Under Chronic Stress Through Treatment With Ashwagandha Root Extract: A Double-Blind, Randomized, Placebo-Controlled Trial2017
In chronically stressed adults, standardized ashwagandha root extract reduced body weight and stress-related eating versus placebo over 8 weeks and was well tolerated.
12.SupplementDEX Database: Anxiety — 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 adults2012
In 64 adults with chronic stress, high-concentration ashwagandha root extract 300 mg twice daily for 60 days lowered stress scores and cortisol and improved quality of life versus placebo.
13.SupplementDEX Database: Anxiety — Naturopathic care for anxiety: a randomized controlled trial ISRCTN789589742009
In adults with anxiety, 12 weeks of naturopathic care including ashwagandha 300 mg twice daily reduced Beck Anxiety Inventory scores more than psychotherapy alone.
SupplementDEX Database · Stress
1 reference14.SupplementDEX Database: Stress — Efficacy and Safety of Ashwagandha Root Extract on Cognitive Functions in Healthy, Stressed Adults: A Randomized, Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled Study2021
In stressed adults over 90 days, sustained-release ashwagandha 300 mg/day improved CANTAB memory, lowered perceived stress and cortisol, and improved sleep versus placebo.
SupplementDEX Database · Athletic Performance
7 references15.SupplementDEX Database: Athletic Performance — Effects of Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera) standardized root extract on physical endurance and VO2max in healthy adults performing resistance training: An eight-week, prospective, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study2024
In 40 young adults doing resistance training for 8 weeks, ashwagandha 600 mg/day increased muscle strength, size, and recovery versus placebo.
16.SupplementDEX Database: Athletic Performance — Effects of Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera) on Physical Performance: Systematic Review and Bayesian Meta-Analysis2021
A systematic review and Bayesian meta-analysis concluded ashwagandha supplementation may benefit multiple physical performance outcomes, though study heterogeneity limits certainty.
17.SupplementDEX Database: Athletic Performance — Effects of Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera) on VO2max: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis2020
A meta-analysis found ashwagandha supplementation may increase VO2max in athletes and non-athletes, but evidence is limited and heterogeneous.
18.SupplementDEX Database: Athletic Performance — Effects of an Aqueous Extract of Withania somnifera on Strength Training Adaptations and Recovery: The STAR Trial2018
A 12-wk manufacturer-funded study including 38 recreationally active men found ashwagandha (500 mg/day Sensoril) led to significant improvements in 1-repetition max squat strength (Ash: +19.1 ± 13.0 kg vs. Placebo +10.0 ± 6.2 kg, P = 0.009) and bench press (Ash: +12.8 ± 8.2 kg vs. Placebo: +8.0 ± 6.0 kg, P = 0.048). Ashwagandha supplementation improved average squat power, peak bench press power, 7.5 km cycling time trial performance, and perceived recovery scores. Participants taking ashwagandha experienced favourable changes in abdominal fat to hip fat ratio (Ash: +0.0 ± 0.14 vs. Placebo: +0.09 ± 0.1, P = 0.03) compared to placebo.
19.SupplementDEX Database: Athletic Performance — Examining the effect of Withania somnifera supplementation on muscle strength and recovery: a randomized controlled trial2015
In 57 young men resistance training for 8 weeks, ashwagandha 300 mg twice daily increased muscle strength and upper-limb muscle size versus placebo.
20.SupplementDEX Database: Athletic Performance — Effects of eight-week supplementation of Ashwagandha on cardiorespiratory endurance in elite Indian cyclists2012
In 40 healthy cyclists over 8 weeks, ashwagandha 500 mg twice daily improved VO2max, METS, and time to exhaustion on treadmill testing versus placebo.
21.SupplementDEX Database: Athletic Performance — Effects of Withania somnifera (Ashwagandha) and Terminalia arjuna (Arjuna) on physical performance and cardiorespiratory endurance in healthy young adults2010
An 8-week study assigned 40 healthy young participants either 500 mg/day ashwagandha (n = 10), 500 mg/day Terminalia arjuna bark extract (n = 10), ashwagandha + Terminalia arjuna (n = 10), or placebo. The ashwagandha-only group experienced significant improvements in max sprint velocity, vertical jump power and VO2 max. Terminalia arjuna supplementation significantly improved VO2 max and reduced resting systolic blood pressure compared to placebo. The combination group experienced significant increases in max sprint velocity, average absolute power, average relative power, VO2 max and reduced systolic blood pressure (all parameters except balance and diastolic blood pressure).
SupplementDEX Database · Sleep
5 references22.SupplementDEX Database: Sleep — Effectiveness of Enriched Milk with Ashwagandha Extract and Tryptophan for Improving Subjective Sleep Quality in Adults with Sleep Problems: A Randomized Double-Blind Controlled Trial2024
In 52 adults with sleep problems over 90 days, milk enriched with ashwagandha 250–600 mg improved sleep VAS versus control, without clear added benefit from combining tryptophan.
23.SupplementDEX Database: Sleep — Effect of Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera) extract on sleep: A systematic review and meta-analysis2021
A meta-analysis of 5 studies including 400 participants found that ashwagandha exhibited a small but significant benefit for overall sleep quality. Ashwagandha significantly improved anxiety and alertness on waking but not quality of life. Greater benefits were seen in the subgroup of adults diagnosed with insomnia, using treatment dosages ≥ 600 mg/day for ≥8 weeks.
24.SupplementDEX Database: Sleep — A randomized, double blind, placebo controlled study to evaluate the effects of ashwagandha (Withania somnifera) extract on sleep quality in healthy adults2020
In 150 adults with non-restorative sleep, ashwagandha 120 mg/day (Shoden) for 6 weeks improved sleep quality, sleep efficiency, total sleep time, and quality of life versus placebo.
25.SupplementDEX Database: Sleep — Efficacy and Tolerability of Ashwagandha Root Extract in the Elderly for Improvement of General Well-being and Sleep: A Prospective, Randomized, Double-blind, Placebo-controlled Study2020
In elderly adults aged 65–80 over 12 weeks, ashwagandha 600 mg/day improved WHOQOL scores, sleep quality, and mental alertness versus placebo.
26.SupplementDEX Database: Sleep — Efficacy and Safety of Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera) Root Extract in Insomnia and Anxiety: A Double-blind, Randomized, Placebo-controlled Study2019
In 58 adults with insomnia and anxiety over 10 weeks, ashwagandha 300 mg twice daily improved sleep onset latency, efficiency, PSQI, and HAM-A anxiety scores versus placebo.
27.SupplementDEX Database: Attention deficit-hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) — A compound herbal preparation (CHP) in the treatment of children with ADHD: a randomized controlled trial2010
In 120 children with ADHD over 4 months, a compound herbal preparation including ashwagandha improved TOVA attention scores versus placebo.
SupplementDEX Database · Back pain
1 reference28.SupplementDEX Database: Back pain — Dietary supplementation with plant extracts for amelioration of persistent myofascial discomfort in the cervical and back regions: a randomized double-blind controlled study2024
In adults with persistent back pain over 12 weeks, a blend of rosemary, ashwagandha, and sesame extracts reduced pain intensity and improved mood, sleep, and quality of life versus placebo.
SupplementDEX Database · Bipolar disorder
1 reference29.SupplementDEX Database: Bipolar disorder — Randomized placebo-controlled adjunctive study of an extract of Withania somnifera for cognitive dysfunction in bipolar disorder2013
In 60 euthymic bipolar patients, adjunctive ashwagandha extract 500 mg/day improved auditory-verbal working memory versus placebo over 8 weeks.
SupplementDEX Database · Cerebellar ataxia
1 reference30.SupplementDEX Database: Cerebellar ataxia — Improvement of balance in progressive degenerative cerebellar ataxias after Ayurvedic therapy: a preliminary report2009
In 10 cerebellar ataxia patients, 14 days of Ayurvedic treatment including ashwagandha improved Biodex balance indices versus baseline.
31.SupplementDEX Database: Chemotherapy-related fatigue — Effect of Withania somnifera (Ashwagandha) on the development of chemotherapy-induced fatigue and quality of life in breast cancer patients2013
An open-label study in 100 cancer patients on chemotherapy found ashwagandha 2 g during treatment reduced cancer-related fatigue and improved quality of life versus historical controls.
32.SupplementDEX Database: Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) — Withania somnifera (L.) Dunal as Add-On Therapy for COPD Patients: A Randomized, Placebo-Controlled, Double-Blind Study2022
In 150 COPD patients over 12 weeks, add-on Withania somnifera root 3–6 g/day with standard therapy improved COPD outcomes more than conventional drugs alone in GOLD 2–3 disease.
33.SupplementDEX Database: Cognitive impairment — Effect of ashwagandha (Withania somnifera) extract with Sominone (Somin-On™) to improve memory in adults with mild cognitive impairment: A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study2025
In 40 adults with mild cognitive impairment over 60 days, ashwagandha extract with Sominone improved MoCA and MMSE memory scores versus placebo.
SupplementDEX Database · Constipation
2 references34.SupplementDEX Database: Constipation — A blend of Withania somnifera (L.) Dunal root and Abelmoschus esculentus (L.) Moench fruit extracts relieves constipation and improves bowel function: A proof-of-concept clinical investigation2024
In 500 adults aged 25–60, a blend of ashwagandha root and okra extract 300–500 mg/day improved sleep quality, stress, and anxiety versus placebo over the trial.
35.SupplementDEX Database: Constipation — A Novel Herbal Composition Alleviates Functional Constipation, Reduces Gastrointestinal Transit Time, and Improves Bowel Function in Adults: A Double-Blind, Randomized Clinical Study2024
In 135 adults with functional constipation, a proprietary ashwagandha-okra blend relieved constipation, reduced GI dysfunction, and improved quality of life versus placebo.
SupplementDEX Database · COVID-19
3 references36.SupplementDEX Database: COVID-19 — Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera) and Shunthi (Zingiber officinale) in mild and moderate COVID-19: An open-label randomized controlled exploratory trial2023
In 60 mild-to-moderate COVID-19 patients over 15 days, ashwagandha 500 mg plus ginger sped clinical recovery and was safe as add-on care versus standard treatment alone.
37.SupplementDEX Database: COVID-19 — Safety and efficacy of COROPROTECT kit as an add-on therapy in the management of mild-to-moderate COVID-19: A randomized, placebo-controlled trial2023
In 300 COVID-19 patients over 10 days, the Ayurvedic COROPROTECT kit (including ashwagandha) accelerated RT-PCR negativity, lowered inflammatory markers, and improved symptoms versus standard care.
38.SupplementDEX Database: COVID-19 — Phase III randomized clinical trial of BV-4051, an Ayurvedic polyherbal formulation in moderate SARS-CoV-2 infections and its impact on inflammatory biomarkers2022
In 19 COVID-19 outpatients over 14 days, Ayurvedic polyherbal BV-4051 including ashwagandha improved symptoms as an adjunct to standard care in a phase III trial.
SupplementDEX Database · Diabetes
1 reference39.SupplementDEX Database: Diabetes — Hypoglycemic, diuretic and hypocholesterolemic effect of winter cherry (Withania somnifera, Dunal) root2000
In 6 mild type 2 diabetics and 6 mild hypercholesterolemic subjects, ashwagandha root powder for 30 days showed hypoglycemic, diuretic, and cholesterol-lowering effects without adverse events.
SupplementDEX Database · Hair loss
1 reference40.SupplementDEX Database: Hair loss — Effects of Withania somnifera root extract serum application on hair health in healthy adults: A prospective, double-blind, randomized, parallel, placebo-controlled study2023
In 61 adults with hair loss, topical ashwagandha root extract serum improved hair growth parameters and quality of life versus placebo over the study period.
SupplementDEX Database · Hypothyroidism
1 reference41.SupplementDEX Database: Hypothyroidism — Efficacy and Safety of Ashwagandha Root Extract in Subclinical Hypothyroid Patients: A Double-Blind, Randomized Placebo-Controlled Trial2018
In 50 adults with subclinical hypothyroidism over 8 weeks, ashwagandha 600 mg/day normalized TSH, T3, and T4 in a subset and improved thyroid indices versus placebo.
SupplementDEX Database · Lichen planus
1 reference42.SupplementDEX Database: Lichen planus — Evaluation of Turmeric, Ashwagandha, and Aloe Vera in the Management of Oral Lichen Planus Lesion2024
In 30 oral lichen planus patients over 3 weeks, topical ashwagandha paste reduced lesion size and pain similarly to turmeric and aloe vera.
SupplementDEX Database · Male infertility
2 references43.SupplementDEX Database: Male infertility — Clinical Evaluation of the Spermatogenic Activity of the Root Extract of Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera) in Oligospermic Males: A Pilot Study2013
In 46 oligospermic men over 90 days, ashwagandha root extract 675 mg/day increased sperm count 167%, motility 57%, and semen volume 53% versus placebo.
44.SupplementDEX Database: Male infertility — Withania somnifera improves semen quality by regulating reproductive hormone levels and oxidative stress in seminal plasma of infertile males2010
In 75 infertile men, ashwagandha normalized stress-related oxidative markers and reversed low testosterone, LH, FSH, and prolactin versus infertile baseline.
SupplementDEX Database · Menopausal symptoms
1 reference45.SupplementDEX Database: Menopausal symptoms — Effect of an ashwagandha (Withania somnifera) root extract on climacteric symptoms in women during perimenopause: A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study2021
In 100 perimenopausal women, ashwagandha root extract 600 mg/day improved climacteric symptoms and quality of life versus placebo without changing serum testosterone.
46.SupplementDEX Database: Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) — Evaluation of the efficacy of Withania somnifera (Ashwagandha) root extract in patients with obsessive-compulsive disorder: A randomized double-blind placebo-controlled trial2016
In 30 OCD patients on SSRIs, adjunctive ashwagandha 120 mg/day improved Yale-Brown scores more than SSRIs alone over 6 weeks.
SupplementDEX Database · Osteoarthritis
1 reference47.SupplementDEX Database: Osteoarthritis — Treatment of osteoarthritis with a herbomineral formulation: a double-blind, placebo-controlled, cross-over study1991
In 42 osteoarthritis patients, herbomineral Articulin-F containing ashwagandha reduced pain and disability versus placebo over a crossover trial, without radiographic change.
SupplementDEX Database · Parkinson's disease
1 reference48.SupplementDEX Database: Parkinson's disease — Association of L-DOPA with recovery following Ayurveda medication in Parkinson's disease2000
In 13 Parkinson's disease patients, Ayurvedic concoctions including ashwagandha with L-DOPA improved symptoms after cleansing therapy over 28 days.
49.SupplementDEX Database: Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) — Evaluation of the efficacy and safety of a herbal formulation for rheumatoid arthritis - A non-inferiority randomized controlled trial2024
In 70 rheumatoid arthritis patients, herbal Qurs-e-Mafasil including ashwagandha was comparable to celecoxib for efficacy in a clinical evaluation.
50.SupplementDEX Database: Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) — Efficacy & safety evaluation of Ayurvedic treatment (Ashwagandha powder & Sidh Makardhwaj) in rheumatoid arthritis patients: a pilot prospective study2015
In 86 rheumatoid arthritis patients, Ayurvedic ashwagandha powder plus Sidh Makardhwaj improved tender and swollen joint counts versus baseline, though the uncontrolled design limits inference.
SupplementDEX Database · Sexual dysfunction
3 references51.SupplementDEX Database: Sexual dysfunction — Effect of standardized root extract of ashwagandha (Withania somnifera) on well-being and sexual performance in adult males: A randomized controlled trial2022
In 50 adult men over 8 weeks, ashwagandha 600 mg/day improved subjective sexual well-being and serum testosterone versus placebo without changing prolactin.
52.SupplementDEX Database: Sexual dysfunction — Efficacy and Safety of Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera) Root Extract for Improvement of Sexual Health in Healthy Women: A Prospective, Randomized, Placebo-Controlled Study2022
In 80 women with hypoactive sexual desire, ashwagandha 300 mg twice daily for 8 weeks improved Female Sexual Function Index and distress scores and increased satisfying sexual encounters versus placebo.
53.SupplementDEX Database: Sexual dysfunction — Efficacy and Safety of Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera) Root Extract in Improving Sexual Function in Women: A Pilot Study2015
In 50 women with sexual dysfunction, high-concentration ashwagandha 300 mg twice daily for 8 weeks improved FSFI arousal, lubrication, orgasm, and satisfaction scores versus placebo.
SupplementDEX Database · Smoking cessation
1 reference54.SupplementDEX Database: Smoking cessation — Nicotine Free Herbal Composition for Smoking De-Addiction - A Placebo Controlled, Double Blind, Randomized, Multicentric Clinical Study2023
In 103 smokers over 90 days, a nicotine-free herbal formula including ashwagandha reduced smoking, carboxyhemoglobin, and stress more than placebo.
SupplementDEX Database · Wrinkles
1 reference55.SupplementDEX Database: Wrinkles — A Study of Efficacy and Safety of Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera) Lotion on Facial Skin in Photoaged Healthy Adults2023
In 53 photoaged adults over 60 days, topical 8% ashwagandha lotion improved physician-rated wrinkles, hydration, elasticity, and transepidermal water loss versus placebo.
Other
12 references56.External source
57.Denmark ban on ashwagandha. See external sourceExternal source
58.Liver safety. See external sourceExternal source
59.Anhedonia case report. See external sourceExternal source
60.External source
61.External source
62.Alkaloids (CABI). See external sourceExternal source
63.External source
64.External source
65.External source
66.External source
67.External source