HerbsAshwagandha

Ashwagandha root extract sustained-release (AshwaSR) reduces perceived stress and improves sleep quality in healthy stressed adults

In a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial, AshwaSR 150 mg and 300 mg capsules significantly reduced Perceived Stress Scale scores by 38.6% and 41.6% respectively from baseline to day 60 (P < .001). Both doses also significantly improved sleep quality, psychological well-being, and eating behavior compared to placebo, with the 300 mg dose additionally reducing serum cortisol levels (P < .05).

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

Evidence Score

Evidence Score42/100
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 acts as an adaptogen
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Sustained-release formulation provides prolonged exposure
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Modulation of hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis reduces cortisol levels
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Result: Reduced perceived stress and improved sleep quality

Limitations

  • ⚠Abstract does not report effect sizes or confidence intervals for sleep quality improvements
  • ⚠Short duration (60 days) limits assessment of long-term efficacy and safety
  • ⚠Single-center design may limit generalizability

Frequently Asked Questions

What is AshwaSR?▼

AshwaSR is a sustained-release formulation of Ashwagandha root extract, tested at 150 mg and 300 mg once daily.

How much did stress levels decrease in the study?▼

Perceived Stress Scale scores decreased by 38.6% in the 150 mg group and 41.6% in the 300 mg group over 60 days.

Did AshwaSR improve sleep quality?▼

Yes, both doses significantly improved sleep quality compared to placebo (P < .001).

Was the supplement safe?▼

No safety concerns were reported during the 60-day trial.

Products

Affiliate links coming soon. We only recommend products that match the doses and forms used in the cited research.

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.