Anxiety
Ashwagandha for Stress & Anxiety
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THEORY:
Stressful situations can cause
increases in levels of serum cortisol,
and increase levels of anxiety and
depression in otherwise healthy
adults. Ashwagandha is an adaptogen
known to promote homeostasis.
Can ashwagandha reduce stress
and anxiety, and improve general
well-being in otherwise healthy
adults under stress? -
PARAMETERS:
A single-center, prospective, double-
blind, randomized, placebo-controlled trial
at Asha Hospital, Hyderabad, India. A total
of 64 healthy adults received 300 mg twice
daily of ashwagandha (as KSM-66) or placebo
for eight weeks. Efficacy measured using
Perceived Stress Scale (PSS) score, serum
cortisol level, General Health Questionnaire-28
(GHQ-28) score, and Depression Anxiety Stress
Scale (DASS) score.
OUTCOME:
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PSS score was reduced 44%
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Serum cortisol levels were reduced 27.9%
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GHQ-28 scores were markedly reduced by72.9%
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DASS domain scores dropped 71.6%
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All changes were statistically significant compared to placebo.
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Researchers concluded: “High-concentration full-spectrum Ashwagandha root extract improves an individual’s resistance toward stress and thereby improves self-assessed quality of life.”
IMPACT:
Clinical depression costs over $51 billion in absenteeism from work and lost productivity, and $26 billion in direct treatment costs. 1 And it is projected that mental disease, including stress-related disorders, will be the second leading cause of disabilities by 2020.2 Ashwagandha is known to reduce serum cortisol levels; and reduces over-excitation
of neurons, producing calmness and increasing focus and mental well-being. The study results suggest ashwagandha (as KSM-66) safely and effectively reduces levels of stress and depression, as well as physiological markers of anxiety.
1. J Clin Psychiatry. 2003;64(12):1465-75
2. Metabolism. 2002;51(6 Suppl 1):49-53
