Effects of ashwagandha (Withania somnifera) on mental health in adults: A systematic review and dose-response meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials
Alsanie SA, Alhodieb FS, Askarpour M
Complementary therapies in medicine · 2 citations
How it was studied
- Design
- Meta-analysis (indexed by PubMed)
- Studied in
- People
- Main outcome
- Health markers and function
Who paid for it
- Funding
- Independent funding
- University or hospital
- Qassim University
- Grants
- Qassim University ((QU-APC 2025).)
Based on 1 listed funder(s).
Publication
- Published
- 2026-02-03 · Complement Ther Med · vol. 97 · p. 103325
- Publisher
- Elsevier BV
- Cited
- 5 citations · more than 100% of similar papers · 20.9× the field average
- Impact
- Top 10% most cited in its field
- References
- 50 works
- Access
- Open access (journal) · CC-BY
- Research areas
- Phytochemicals and Medicinal Plants · Pharmacology and Nanomedicine Research · Pomegranate: compositions and health benefits
- Keywords
- Randomized controlled trial, Intervention (counseling), Mental health, Alternative medicine, Psychological intervention
- MeSH
- humans, withania, plant extracts, stress, psychological, anxiety, mental health, randomized controlled trials as topic
3 authors
From SA, IR
- Saleh A. AlsanieQassim University
- Fahad Saad AlhodiebQassim University
- Moein Askarpour · correspondingKerman University of Medical Sciences
Abstract
Background
Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera), as an important herbal medicine, has been increasingly recognized for its role in mental health management, particularly in reducing stress and anxiety, and reflects the growing relevance of complementary and alternative medicine in addressing psychological well-being. The present study aims to investigate its effectiveness by pooling the evidence from existing randomized controlled trials (RCTs).
Methods
Major medical databases of PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science Core Collection were searched. Eligible studies were included. Meta-analysis, meta-regression, non-linear dose-response analysis, and subgroup analyses were conducted. Standardized mean differences (SMDs) were calculated. P-values < 0.05 were considered as statistically significant. The study protocol was registered in the PROSPERO database (CRD420251073134).
Results
Twenty-two studies met the eligibility criteria and were included. Meta-analysis revealed that supplementation with ashwagandha significantly improves stress (SMD = -5.88; 95 % CI: -8.15 to -3.60), depression (SMD = -5.68; 95 % CI: -8.43 to -2.94), and anxiety (SMD = -6.87; 95 % CI: -8.77 to -4.97). There was significant linear (coefficient = 0.005, P = 0.031) and non-linear (P-nonlinearity = 0.005) association between dosages of administered ashwagandha and stress levels.
Conclusion
Current evidence suggests that ashwagandha supplementation holds promising potential in alleviating symptoms of stress, anxiety, and depression. However, to strengthen these findings and translate them into clinical recommendations, well-designed, high-quality trials are still needed to address existing heterogeneity and to establish the most effective dosages and intervention durations.
Abstract via Europe PMC. Copyright remains with the authors or publisher (CC BY).
Community trust
Loading…
How much do you trust this study's findings?
Comments
Sign in to rate, comment on or flag this study.Sign inSomething wrong here?
Flag this study if its information, labels or funding look wrong. An editor reviews every flag.
Sign in to rate, comment on or flag this study.Sign inEducational information about published research. Not medical advice, and not a recommendation to start or stop anything.