HerbsAshwagandha

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.

Last updated: Aug 26, 2026•0 RCTs•1 Meta-analyses•📖 Read as article →

Evidence Score

Evidence Score49/100
Human RCT☆☆☆☆☆
Meta-analysis★★★☆☆
Mechanism★★★★★
Safety★★★★☆
Confidencelow

Study Evidence

Study 1. The effect of Withania somnifera (Ashwagandha) on mental health symptoms in individuals with mental disorders: systematic review and meta-analysis.

observational

Marchi M, Grenzi P, Travascio A, Uberti D, De Micheli E, Quartaroli F, Laquatra G, Pingani L, Ferrari S, Galeazzi GM · BJPsych open (2025)

Participants: N/A
Duration: 8 weeks (median)
Intervention: Oral Withania somnifera (median dose 600 mg/day) for a median of 8 weeks
Outcome: Anxiety symptom severity (standardized mean difference)
Effect Size: SMD: -1.13 (outlier-corrected), 95% CI: -1.65 to -0.60
Population: Individuals of any age with any mental disorder (primarily anxiety disorders)

Result:

PubMed: 41140145DOI: 10.1192/bjo.2025.10885

Mechanism Graph

Withania somnifera acts as an adaptogen with reported antistress properties
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It has anti-inflammatory and cognition-facilitating effects
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These properties may modulate stress response pathways
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Result: Reduction in anxiety symptoms

Limitations

  • ⚠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.

Products

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References

  1. 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
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.