ASHWAGANDHA
Ayurvedic herb used to reduce stress and anxiety, with emerging evidence for endocrine and neuropsychiatric benefits.
Multiple systematic reviews and meta-analyses of randomized controlled trials show that Ashwagandha root extract significantly reduces perceived stress, anxiety scores, and serum cortisol compared to placebo. A dose-response analysis indicated favorable effects on anxiety up to 12,000 mg/day and on stress at 300-600 mg/day, though certainty of evidence was rated low due to heterogeneity. A double-blind RCT demonstrated that 600 mg daily for 8 weeks normalized thyroid indices in subclinical hypothyroid patients. Preclinical studies suggest neuroprotective, anti-inflammatory, and immunomodulatory properties, but significant variability in extract preparations prevents consensus on optimal dosing. Long-term safety data remain limited, and potential herb-drug interactions require further investigation.