HerbsAshwagandha

Ashwagandha root extract improves ADHD symptoms and executive functioning in children and adolescents with mild ADHD

In a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial, 58 children and adolescents with mild ADHD received either 150 mg of ashwagandha root extract or placebo twice daily for 56 days. At Day 56, the ashwagandha group showed significantly lower ADHD-RS-IV total, inattention, and hyperactivity-impulsivity scores compared to placebo (P < 0.001), along with significant improvements in executive functioning (BRIEF-2) and patient-reported outcomes (PROMIS sleep disturbance and anxiety). No serious adverse events were reported.

Last updated: Aug 26, 2026•1 RCTs•📖 Read as article →

Evidence Score

Evidence Score44/100
Human RCT★★☆☆☆
Meta-analysis☆☆☆☆☆
Mechanism★★★★★
Safety★★★★☆
Confidencelow

Study Evidence

Study 1. Efficacy and safety of ashwagandha root extract in children and adolescents with mild attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder: a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial.

observational

Naik S, Muralidhar G, Rao BS, Agarwal S, Jain M · Journal of medicine and life (2026)

Participants: N/A
Duration: 56 days
Intervention: 150 mg ashwagandha root extract (ARE) gummies twice daily (300 mg/day) for 56 days
Outcome: ADHD-RS-IV total score and subscales (inattention, hyperactivity-impulsivity), BRIEF-2 executive function indices, PROMIS sleep disturbance and anxiety scores, safety markers
Effect Size: N/A (not reported in abstract)
Population: Children and adolescents (ages not specified) with clinically diagnosed mild ADHD

Result:

PubMed: 42602386DOI: 10.25122/jml-2026-0025

Mechanism Graph

Ashwagandha root extract may modulate stress and anxiety pathways, potentially reducing ADHD-related symptoms.
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Improved sleep disturbance and anxiety may contribute to better attention and executive function.
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The extract may have neuroprotective or neurotransmitter-balancing effects, though not detailed in abstract.
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Result: Significant improvements in ADHD symptoms and executive function compared to placebo.

Limitations

  • ⚠Sample size is small (n=58), limiting generalizability.
  • ⚠Duration is only 56 days; long-term efficacy and safety are unknown.
  • ⚠Study only included mild ADHD, not moderate or severe cases.
  • ⚠No effect size reported, making clinical significance unclear.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the recommended dose of ashwagandha for ADHD in children?▼

This study used 150 mg of ashwagandha root extract twice daily (300 mg/day) for 56 days in children and adolescents with mild ADHD.

How quickly does ashwagandha work for ADHD symptoms?▼

In this trial, significant improvements were observed after 56 days of supplementation, but the abstract does not report earlier time points.

Is ashwagandha safe for children with ADHD?▼

The study reported no serious adverse events and no clinically meaningful changes in safety markers over 56 days, suggesting a favorable safety profile in this population.

Does ashwagandha improve executive function in ADHD?▼

Yes, the study found significant improvements in BRIEF-2 behavioral, emotional, and cognitive regulation indices and the global executive composite in the ashwagandha group compared to placebo.

Products

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References

  1. 1.Naik S, Muralidhar G, Rao BS, Agarwal S, Jain M. "Efficacy and safety of ashwagandha root extract in children and adolescents with mild attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder: a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial.." Journal of medicine and life, 2026. PMID: 42602386 DOI: 10.25122/jml-2026-0025
Disclaimer: This content is for educational purposes only and is not medical advice. Evidence scores reflect the quality and quantity of available research, not clinical recommendations. Always consult a healthcare professional before starting any supplement or intervention.