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Ashwagandha slashed cortisol by a large margin in a meta-analysis of 1,706 adults — but the same study found no effect on TSH, T3, or estradiol.
This is among the first pooled analyses on ashwagandha and cortisol, so the result is promising but far from settled — especially since the underlying trials weren't blinded, which can inflate perceived benefits.
A meta-analysis of 1,706 adults found that taking ashwagandha led to a large, statistically significant drop in cortisol, a stress hormone. However, the same analysis showed no changes in thyroid hormones (TSH, T3) or estradiol, meaning the hormonal effects are selective — and the lack of blinding in the included studies means we should treat the cortisol finding with caution.
Where this fits in the evidence
This is among the first studies we've indexed on Ashwagandha for Reduced Cortisol Levels — treat it as an early signal until more research accumulates.
The study
- Meta-Analysis
- n = 1,706
- 2026-02-25
- Planta medica
- PubMed: 41740946
- DOI: 10.1055/a-2802-8363
- Full study breakdown →
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