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Clinical evidence for the adaptogenic effects of Withania somnifera and Rhodiola rosea - A systematic review with molecular interpretation of psychometric outcomes.

  • 2025-12-09
  • Annals of agricultural and environmental medicine : AAEM 33(1)
    • Joanna Łuszczak
    • Janusz Kocki

Study Design

Type
Systematic Review
Sample size
n = 590
Population
healthy individuals and patients with stress-related or functional disorders
Methods
Systematic literature search; 24 RCTs included

Introduction and objective

Adaptogens are plant-derived substances that enhance the body's resilience to physical and psychological stress, with Withania somnifera and Rhodiola rosea being among the most studied representatives. The aim of this review is to evaluate the adaptogenic effects of W. somnifera and R. rosea based on randomized controlled trials (RCTs).

Review methods

A systematic literature search was performed using the key words: 'ashwagandha', 'Withania somnifera', 'Rhodiola rosea', and 'plant adaptogen'. Twenty-four studies met the inclusion criteria - 19 on W. somnifera and 5 on R. rosea.

Brief description of the state of knowledge

The analyzed trials involved 10-590 participants, aged 18-75 years, both healthy individuals and patients with stress-related or functional disorders. Interventions included standardized extracts at daily doses of 120-1000 mg for W. somnifera and 290-1500 mg for R. rosea, with supplementation lasting 3-16 weeks. Reported benefits included reduction of stress and anxiety, alleviation of depressive symptoms, improved sleep quality, enhancement of cognitive functions, increased muscle strength and recovery, and favourable hormonal changes. Methodological heterogeneity, short intervention periods, and small sample sizes remain limitations.

Summary

Evidence from RCTs confirms that W. somnifera and R. rosea exert multi-dimensional adaptogenic effects, improving psychophysical health and supporting stress resilience. Their mechanisms involve regulation of the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis, neurotransmission, immune and hormonal pathways. Further long-term, high-quality clinical trials, supplemented with molecular and systemic approaches, are required to consolidate their role in integrative, evidence-based medicine.

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