Exploring the Therapeutic Potential of Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera) in Alleviating Stress and Anxiety

Abstract

Background: Stress is a known causative factor in modulating cognitive health, on which the overall well-being and quality of life are dependent. Long-term stress has shown to disrupt the balance of the hypothalamic–pituitary–adrenal (HPA) axis. Adaptogens, such as Withania somnifera (Ashwagandha), are commonly used in ayurvedic medicine for stress relief and ameliorating HPA-axis dysfunction. Aims & Objectives: To collect available literature in Ayurveda and modern science along with research had been studied published in International Journals till date. Methods: A comprehensive search was conducted in MEDLINE, EMBASE, PubMed, PsychINFO and the Cochrane Library. Randomized controlled trials that examined the effects of Ashwagandha on stress and anxiety were included. Both subjective and objective measures of stress and anxiety were assessed as outcome variables. Conclusion: The findings from the included studies indicated that Ashwagandha formulations had beneficial effects on stress and anxiety. The adverse effects associated with Ashwagandha are limited; however, further information is required to determine its safety with long-term administration.