Efficacy and Safety of Ashwagandha Root Extract on Cognitive Functions in Healthy, Stressed Adults: A Randomized, Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled Study

Journal: Evidence-Based Complementary and Alternative Medicine Publication Year: 2021 | Article Number: 8254344 Authors: Gopukumar K. et al. Study Type: Human — Randomized, Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled Trial PMID: 34858513 | PMCID: PMC8632422 | DOI: 10.1155/2021/8254344

Sep 21, 2026 | 1 min read

Research Gist

This randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial studied 130 healthy adults aged 20 to 55 who were experiencing moderate stress. Participants took either a 300 mg sustained-release ashwagandha root extract capsule or a placebo once daily for 90 consecutive days. Researchers assessed memory, focus, stress levels, sleep quality and overall psychological well-being. Compared with placebo, the ashwagandha group showed improvements in memory and focus alongside lower stress levels, better sleep quality and improved well-being. No adverse events were reported during the study. The trial was registered with the Clinical Trials Registry of India. It connects ashwagandha's stress-balancing role with everyday cognitive performance.

Key Learnings

  • Memory and focus improved in the ashwagandha group compared with placebo.
  • Stress levels were lower and psychological well-being was better.
  • Sleep quality also improved over the 90-day period.
  • No adverse events were reported, and the trial was registered with CTRI.
  • The study used a sustained-release ashwagandha root extract (Prolanza™), not KSM-66 — results reflect ashwagandha root extract generally.