Across 4 studies, all reported beneficial effects of ashwagandha on anxiety, with a predominant moderate effect size. 3 of the 4 studies found statistically significant results. The most robust evidence comes from a meta-analysis showing a large effect (SMD: -1.13) in clinical populations at a median dose of 600 mg/day over 56 days, and a systematic review (590 participants) found moderate benefits across mixed populations at doses of 120–1000 mg/day.
Caveats: Available evidence is overwhelmingly positive — clinical literature in this area is subject to publication bias (null-result studies are less likely to be published or indexed). Evidence base is small (only 4 studies) — conclusions should be considered preliminary. Form data were not extracted, so differential effects by form cannot be assessed; most studies did not specify the ashwagandha form used.
No significant difference between Withania somnifera and the comparators was found for safety and tolerability.
from: The effect of Withania somnifera (Ashwagandha) on mental health symptoms in individuals wiMost of these treatments have shown at least some efficacy.
from: New and emerging treatments for anxiety disorders.Reported benefits included reduction of stress and anxiety
WS root and leaf extracts exhibited noteworthy anti-stress and anti-anxiety activity in animal and human studies.
Novel stand-alone treatments include … natural supplements-including ashwagandha and L-theanine. … Most of these treatments have shown at least some efficacy.
our investigation showed Withania somnifera effectiveness in improving anxiety (outlier-corrected SMD: -1.13 (95% CI: -1.65; -0.60))