Ashwagandha for Anxiety and Depression

A 2025 study found that a 125mg extract of ashwagandha root significantly improved anxiety and stress scores on questionnaire compared to placebo over 84 days. Another study in 2024 found that a 500mg standardized extract of ashwagandha root daily significantly improved mild to moderate anxiety and depression vs placebo over 90 days. Ashwagandha is thought to increase serotonin levels. Ashwagandha may cause gastrointestinal issues among other side effects. Prolonged use at high doses can lead to liver injury.

Mahadevan M, Gopukumar K, Gupta R, Morde A, Patni P, Srinivas SS, Bhuvanendran A, Phanindra A. A New Ashwagandha Formulation (Zenroot™) Alleviates Stress and Anxiety Symptoms While Improving Mood and Sleep Quality: A Randomized, Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled Clinical Study. Adv Ther. 2025 Oct;42(10):5238-5254. doi: 10.1007/s12325-025-03327-z. Epub 2025 Aug 28. PMID: 40875185; PMCID: PMC12474591.

Majeed M, Nagabhushanam K, Murali A, Vishwanathan DT, Mamidala RV, Mundkur L. A Standardized Withania somnifera (Linn.) Root Extract with Piperine Alleviates the Symptoms of Anxiety and Depression by Increasing Serotonin Levels: A Double-Blind, Randomized, Placebo-Controlled Study. J Integr Complement Med. 2024 May;30(5):459-468. doi: 10.1089/jicm.2023.0279. Epub 2023 Oct 25. PMID: 37878284.

“Office of Dietary Supplements - Ashwagandha: Is It Helpful for Stress, Anxiety, or Sleep?” Ods.od.nih.gov, ods.od.nih.gov/factsheets/Ashwagandha-HealthProfessional/.