HerbsAshwagandha

Withania somnifera improves anxiety symptoms in individuals with mental disorders

This systematic review and meta-analysis of 14 RCTs found that Withania somnifera significantly reduced anxiety symptoms compared to controls, with an outlier-corrected standardized mean difference of -1.13 (95% CI: -1.65 to -0.60). The effect was confirmed using Bayesian analysis for anxiety, but not for depression. The median dose was 600 mg/day over 8 weeks.

Last updated: Jul 7, 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
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Reported antistress and anti-inflammatory properties
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May modulate cortisol and neurotransmitter systems
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Result: Reduction in anxiety symptoms

Limitations

  • ⚠Small number of included studies (14) and substantial between-study heterogeneity
  • ⚠Outlier effects required correction, and Bayesian analysis confirmed anxiety effect but not depression effect

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the recommended dose of Ashwagandha for anxiety?▼

The median dose used in the reviewed studies was 600 mg/day, administered orally for a median of 8 weeks.

Is Ashwagandha effective for depression?▼

The meta-analysis showed a significant effect on depression symptoms (SMD: -1.28), but this was not confirmed by Bayesian analysis, so evidence is less robust than for anxiety.

How safe is Ashwagandha for mental health conditions?▼

No significant difference in safety and tolerability was found between Ashwagandha and comparators, suggesting it is generally well-tolerated.

Does Ashwagandha improve sleep quality?▼

Yes, the study found a significant improvement in sleep quality (SMD: -1.35, 95% CI: -1.79 to -0.91), though the authors note further 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.