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Ashwagandha root extract improves sleep quality in pregnant women

In a 12-week RCT, Ashwagandha root extract (ARE) 300 mg twice daily plus standard care significantly improved subjective sleep quality at all visits (p=0.036), sleep duration at weeks 8 and 12 (p<0.001), and sleep disturbances at week 12 (p=0.028) compared to standard care alone in pregnant women in their second trimester. No adverse events were reported.

Last updated: Jul 7, 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 (Withania somnifera) root extract in pregnant women: a prospective, randomized, comparative, open-label, 12-week study.

observational

Ajgaonkar A, Tayade H, Nayak A · Frontiers in global women's health (2026)

Participants: N/A
Duration: 12 weeks
Intervention: Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera) root extract 300 mg twice daily plus standard hematinic therapy
Outcome: Sleep quality (subjective sleep quality, sleep duration, sleep disturbances) and perceived stress
Effect Size: N/A (p-values reported; no effect size like Cohen's d provided)
Population: Pregnant women in the second trimester (n=70 randomized, 63 completed)

Result:

PubMed: 41767760DOI: 10.3389/fgwh.2026.1767865

Mechanism Graph

Ashwagandha root extract has adaptogenic properties
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Reduces perceived stress (p<0.001) which may improve sleep
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Modulates cortisol and stress pathways
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Result: Improved sleep quality, duration, and reduced disturbances

Limitations

  • ⚠Open-label design may introduce bias
  • ⚠Small sample size (n=70) limits generalizability
  • ⚠Sleep outcomes were secondary endpoints, not primary focus

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Ashwagandha safe to take during pregnancy?▼

In this 12-week study, no adverse events or serious adverse events were reported, and liver, kidney, and thyroid function remained stable, suggesting short-term safety in the second trimester.

How much Ashwagandha was given to improve sleep?▼

Participants received 300 mg of Ashwagandha root extract twice daily (total 600 mg per day) for 12 weeks.

What sleep improvements were seen with Ashwagandha?▼

Significant improvements were observed in subjective sleep quality at all visits, sleep duration at weeks 8 and 12, and sleep disturbances at week 12.

Did Ashwagandha also help with stress in pregnant women?▼

Yes, perceived stress scores reduced significantly more in the Ashwagandha group (-10.50) compared to standard care (-5.35) at week 12 (p<0.001).

Products

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References

  1. 1.Ajgaonkar A, Tayade H, Nayak A. "Efficacy and safety of Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera) root extract in pregnant women: a prospective, randomized, comparative, open-label, 12-week study.." Frontiers in global women's health, 2026. PMID: 41767760 DOI: 10.3389/fgwh.2026.1767865
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.