Withania somnifera (Ashwagandha) improves anxiety symptoms in individuals with mental disorders
A systematic review and meta-analysis of 14 RCTs (360 treated, 353 controls) found that Withania somnifera significantly reduced anxiety symptoms (outlier-corrected SMD: -1.13, 95% CI: -1.65 to -0.60) compared to controls. The effect was confirmed using Bayesian analysis for anxiety but not for depression. No significant differences in safety or tolerability were found.
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Withania somnifera (Ashwagandha) improves anxiety symptoms in individuals with mental disorders The current body of evidence comprises 1 study and 1 meta-analysis. EvidenceHub rates the overall confidence at 49/100 (low).
The Claim
Withania somnifera (Ashwagandha) improves anxiety symptoms in individuals with mental disorders
This conclusion is most relevant to: Individuals of any age with any mental disorder (primarily anxiety disorders).
What the Research Shows
The conclusion draws on 1 linked study. Highlights from the cited literature:
- ▸The effect of Withania somnifera (Ashwagandha) on mental health symptoms in individuals with mental disorders: systematic review and meta-analysis. (BJPsych open, 2025) —
How It Works
The proposed biological pathway:
- ▸Withania somnifera acts as an adaptogen with reported antistress properties
- ▸It has anti-inflammatory and cognition-facilitating effects
- ▸These properties may modulate stress response pathways
- ▸Result: Reduction in anxiety symptoms
Who Might Benefit
Evidence fit by population:
- ▸Individuals of any age with any mental disorder (primarily anxiety disorders)
Recommended Dose
600 mg/day (median)
Limitations & Caveats
Important context when interpreting this evidence:
- ▸Small number of studies (14) with substantial between-study heterogeneity
- ▸Outlier effects present, requiring correction for anxiety analysis
- ▸Bayesian analysis confirmed effect for anxiety but not for depression, limiting generalizability
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the recommended dose of Ashwagandha for anxiety?▼
The median dose used in the included trials was 600 mg/day, but individual dosing should be guided by a healthcare provider.
How long does it take for Ashwagandha to improve anxiety?▼
The median follow-up time in the studies was 8 weeks, suggesting benefits may be observed within that timeframe.
Is Ashwagandha safe for people with mental disorders?▼
No significant difference in safety or tolerability was found between Ashwagandha and comparators, but individual responses may vary.
Does Ashwagandha also help with depression or sleep?▼
The meta-analysis found improvements in depression and sleep quality, but the Bayesian analysis did not confirm the depression effect, so more research is needed.
References
- 1.Marchi M, Grenzi P, Travascio A, Uberti D, De Micheli E, Quartaroli F, Laquatra G, Pingani L, Ferrari S, Galeazzi GM. “The effect of Withania somnifera (Ashwagandha) on mental health symptoms in individuals with mental disorders: systematic review and meta-analysis..” BJPsych open, 2025. PMID: 41140145 DOI: 10.1192/bjo.2025.10885