Adaptogenic and Anxiolytic Effects of Ashwagandha Root Extract in Healthy Adults: A Double-blind, Randomized, Placebo-controlled Clinical Study

Research Gist

Stress, restlessness and poor sleep often go together. This eight-week randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study looked at how a high-concentration ashwagandha root extract affects all three — and whether the dose makes a difference. Sixty healthy adults with high perceived stress were divided equally into three groups: 125 mg of extract twice daily, 300 mg twice daily, or an identical placebo. Stress was measured at the start, at four weeks and at eight weeks, while anxiety scores and blood cortisol — the body's main stress hormone — were measured at the start and end. Sleep quality was rated on a seven-point scale. Compared with placebo, ashwagandha reduced stress scores and cortisol and improved sleep quality, with the most consistent benefits seen at the higher dose. This was one of the first studies to compare two doses of a high-concentration root extract.