HerbsAshwagandha

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.

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 root extract sustained-release (AshwaSR) capsules in healthy adult, stressed subjects: A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, parallel-group, 3-arm clinical trial.

observational

Thanawala S, Shah R, Alluri KV, Bhupathiraju K, Desomayanandanam P, Bhuvenendran A · Medicine (2026)

Participants: N/A
Duration: 60 days
Intervention: Ashwagandha root extract sustained-release (AshwaSR) capsules at 150 mg or 300 mg once daily for 60 days
Outcome: Perceived stress (Perceived Stress Scale), sleep quality, psychological well-being, eating behavior, serum cortisol levels
Effect Size: N/A
Population: Healthy adult stressed subjects with Perceived Stress Scale score 14 to 26, mean age 34.79 ± 8.16 years

Result:

PubMed: 41824889DOI: 10.1097/MD.0000000000047990

Mechanism Graph

Ashwagandha root extract modulates the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis
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Reduces cortisol secretion in response to stress
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Improves sleep quality through stress reduction and potential direct sleep-regulating effects
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Result: Reduced perceived stress and improved sleep quality

Limitations

  • ⚠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.

Products

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References

  1. 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
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.