Role of Withania somnifera (Ashwagandha) in Stress Management: A Systematic Review of Randomized Controlled Trials
1, 1, 2, 1
- 1Department of Kriya Shairr, National Institute of Ayurveda, Deemed University, Jaipur, Rajasthan, INDIA.
- 2Department of Kiya Sharir, J S Ayurveda Mahavidhyalaya, Nadiad, Gujarat, INDIA.
CORRESPONDENCE
Meenakshi Mourya
Department of Kriya Shairr, National Institute of Ayurveda, Deemed University, Jaipur, Rajasthan, INDIA.
Received: 12-01-2026; Revised: 27-02-2026; Accepted: 08-04-2026.
Volume 15, Issue 1 · pp. 1-8 · 2026 · DOI: 10.5530/ajbls.20260084
ABSTRACT
Withania somnifera (Ashwagandha) is a well-recognized adaptogenic herb in Ayurveda, traditionally used to enhance stress tolerance and improve psychological well-being. Increasing clinical evidence suggests its role in modulating stress-related neuroendocrine pathways, particularly the Hypothalamic–Pituitary–Adrenal axis. This systematic review aimed to evaluate the efficacy and safety of Withania somnifera in stress management. A systematic literature search was conducted exclusively in the PubMed database following PRISMA guidelines. Randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical trials assessing the effects of Withania somnifera on stress-related outcomes were included. Two independent reviewers screened studies, extracted relevant data, and performed qualitative synthesis. Both subjective stress scales and objective biochemical markers were considered as outcome measures. Six randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trials met the inclusion criteria. The reviewed studies demonstrated consistent improvements in perceived stress, anxiety scores, cortisol levels, sleep quality, psychological well-being, autonomic function, and selected hormonal parameters following Withania somnifera supplementation. Most studies reported statistically significant reductions in stress-related scales and cortisol levels compared to placebo. The interventions were generally well tolerated, with only mild and transient adverse events reported. The findings of this systematic review indicate that Withania somnifera exerts beneficial effects on stress and related psychosomatic parameters and appears to be safe for short-term use. These results support its potential role as a natural adaptogen in stress management and integrative mental health care.
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Mourya, M., Yadav, S., Chudasama, H., & Parihar, S. (2026). Role of Withania somnifera (Ashwagandha) in Stress Management: A Systematic Review of Randomized Controlled Trials. Asian Journal of Biological and Life Sciences, 15(1), 1-8. https://doi.org/10.5530/ajbls.20260084
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