Ashwagandha root extract sustained-release (AshwaSR) 150 mg and 300 mg capsules reduce perceived stress and improve sleep quality in healthy stressed adults.
In a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial, healthy adults with moderate stress (Perceived Stress Scale score 14-26) taking AshwaSR 150 mg or 300 mg daily for 60 days showed significant reductions in perceived stress (38.6% and 41.6% reduction, respectively) and significant improvements in sleep quality compared to placebo. Serum cortisol was significantly reduced only in the 300 mg group.
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Ashwagandha root extract sustained-release (AshwaSR) 150 mg and 300 mg capsules reduce perceived stress and improve sleep quality in healthy stressed adults. The current body of evidence comprises 1 study, including 1 randomized controlled trial. EvidenceHub rates the overall confidence at 44/100 (low).
The Claim
Ashwagandha root extract sustained-release (AshwaSR) 150 mg and 300 mg capsules reduce perceived stress and improve sleep quality in healthy stressed adults.
This conclusion is most relevant to: Healthy adult stressed subjects with Perceived Stress Scale score 14 to 26, mean age 34.79 years.
What the Research Shows
The conclusion draws on 1 linked study. Highlights from the cited literature:
- ▸Efficacy and safety of Ashwagandha root extract sustained-release (AshwaSR) capsules in healthy adult, stressed subjects: A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, parallel-group, 3-arm clinical trial. (Medicine, 2026) —
How It Works
The proposed biological pathway:
- ▸Ashwagandha root extract modulates the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis
- ▸Reduces cortisol secretion in response to stress
- ▸Improves sleep quality through stress reduction and potential direct sleep-regulating effects
- ▸Result: Reduced perceived stress and improved sleep quality
Who Might Benefit
Evidence fit by population:
- ▸Healthy adult stressed subjects with Perceived Stress Scale score 14 to 26, mean age 34.79 years
Recommended Dose
150 mg or 300 mg once daily
Limitations & Caveats
Important context when interpreting this evidence:
- ▸Abstract does not report effect sizes or confidence intervals, limiting precision of the findings
- ▸Short duration (60 days) does not assess long-term efficacy or safety beyond the study period
Frequently Asked Questions
What is AshwaSR?▼
AshwaSR is a sustained-release formulation of Ashwagandha root extract designed for once-daily dosing.
How much did sleep quality improve in the study?▼
The abstract reports significant improvement in sleep quality from baseline to day 60 for both AshwaSR groups (P<.001) compared to placebo, but does not provide specific numerical values for the sleep measure.
Is AshwaSR safe for stressed adults?▼
Yes, the study reported no safety concerns over 60 days of administration in healthy adult stressed subjects.
Which dose was more effective for reducing cortisol?▼
Only the 300 mg group showed a statistically significant reduction in serum cortisol levels on day 60 (P<.05); the 150 mg group did not show significant cortisol reduction.
References
- 1.Thanawala S, Shah R, Alluri KV, Bhupathiraju K, Desomayanandanam P, Bhuvenendran A. “Efficacy and safety of Ashwagandha root extract sustained-release (AshwaSR) capsules in healthy adult, stressed subjects: A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, parallel-group, 3-arm clinical trial..” Medicine, 2026. PMID: 41824889 DOI: 10.1097/MD.0000000000047990