All 3 studies reported beneficial effects of Ashwagandha on stress reduction, with effect sizes ranging from small to large (predominantly moderate). The most-studied dose range was 120-1000 mg/day, and effects were observed in both healthy individuals and clinical populations. The median study duration was 56 days (8 weeks), suggesting effects typically emerge after several weeks of supplementation.
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 3 studies) — conclusions should be considered preliminary. All studies are review articles, not primary trials, and no form-specific data was reported.
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 wiReported 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.
stress (SMD: -0.95 (95% CI: -1.46; -0.43) symptoms