Journal article
An investigation into the stress-relieving and pharmacological actions of an ashwagandha (Withania somnifera) extract
Medicine, Vol.98(37)
2019
Abstract
Background: Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera (L.) Dunal) is a herb traditionally used to reduce stress and enhance wellbeing. The aim of this study was to investigate its anxiolytic effects on adults with self-reported high stress and to examine potential mechanisms associated with its therapeutic effects.
Methods: In this 60-day, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study the stress-relieving and pharmacological activity of an ashwagandha extract was investigated in stressed, healthy adults. Sixty adults were randomly allocated to take either a placebo or 240 mg of a standardized ashwagandha extract (Shoden) once daily. Outcomes were measured using the Hamilton Anxiety Rating Scale (HAM-A), Depression, Anxiety, and Stress Scale -21 (DASS-21), and hormonal changes in cortisol, dehydroepiandrosterone-sulphate (DHEA-S), and testosterone.
Results: All participants completed the trial with no adverse events reported. In comparison with the placebo, ashwagandha supplementation was associated with a statistically significant reduction in the HAM-A (P = .040) and a near-significant reduction in the DASS-21 (P = .096). Ashwagandha intake was also associated with greater reductions in morning cortisol (P < .001), and DHEA-S (P = .004) compared with the placebo. Testosterone levels increased in males (P = .038) but not females (P = .989) over time, although this change was not statistically significant compared with the placebo (P = .158).
Conclusions: These findings suggest that ashwagandha's stress-relieving effects may occur via its moderating effect on the hypothalamus-pituitary-adrenal axis. However, further investigation utilizing larger sample sizes, diverse clinical and cultural populations, and varying treatment dosages are needed to substantiate these findings.
Details
- Title
- An investigation into the stress-relieving and pharmacological actions of an ashwagandha (Withania somnifera) extract
- Authors/Creators
- A.L. Lopresti (Author/Creator) - Murdoch UniversityS.J. Smith (Author/Creator) - Murdoch UniversityH. Malvi (Author/Creator) - Heamatology Centre Bhopal, Bhopal, Madhya Pradesh.R. Kodgule (Author/Creator) - Kasturba Hospital
- Publication Details
- Medicine, Vol.98(37)
- Publisher
- Wolters Kluwer
- Identifiers
- 991005540013907891
- Copyright
- © 2019 the Author(s).
- Murdoch Affiliation
- College of Science, Health, Engineering and Education
- Language
- English
- Resource Type
- Journal article
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