The Science Behind Ashwagandha

Discover evidence-based benefits of this powerful adaptogen, backed by peer-reviewed research and clinical studies. Learn how ashwagandha can support stress management, sleep quality, cognitive function, and physical performance.

Science-Backed Benefits

Ashwagandha has been extensively studied for its adaptogenic properties. Here are the key benefits supported by clinical research.

Stress & Anxiety Relief

Clinical studies show ashwagandha significantly reduces cortisol levels and perceived stress scores.

  • Reduces cortisol levels by up to 30%*¹
  • Improves stress resilience and adaptation*²
  • Supports healthy anxiety management*³
  • Enhances overall mood and well-being*⁴
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Sleep Quality Enhancement

Research demonstrates ashwagandha's ability to improve sleep onset, duration, and quality.

  • Reduces time to fall asleep*⁵
  • Increases total sleep duration*⁵
  • Improves sleep quality scores*⁵
  • Supports natural sleep cycles*⁶
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Cognitive Function

Studies show improvements in memory, attention, and information processing speed.

  • Enhances working memory*⁷
  • Improves attention and focus*⁷
  • Supports executive function*⁷
  • May protect against cognitive decline*⁸
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Physical Performance

Clinical trials demonstrate improvements in strength, endurance, and recovery.

  • Increases muscle strength and mass*⁹
  • Improves cardiovascular endurance*¹⁰
  • Reduces exercise-induced muscle damage*⁹
  • Enhances recovery between workouts*⁹
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Latest Research

Stay informed with the most recent clinical studies and research findings on ashwagandha.

Expert Authors

Our content is researched and written by qualified experts with extensive experience in natural health and cellular research.

ML

MaryLyn L.

Wellness Expert

MaryLyn has over a decade of experience working for a leading whole foods company, where she collaborated extensively with scientists and industry experts specializing in natural health products and adaptogenic herbs.

LT

Liisa T.

Cellular Health Researcher

Liisa has been studying the effects of cellular activation for over 15 years. Her research focuses on understanding how natural compounds like ashwagandha influence cellular health and function at the molecular level.

Scientific References

*1. Chandrasekhar, K., Kapoor, J., & Anishetty, S. (2012). A prospective, randomized double-blind, placebo-controlled study of safety and efficacy of a high-concentration full-spectrum extract of ashwagandha root in reducing stress and anxiety in adults. Indian Journal of Medical Research, 136(3), 404-411.

*2. Lopresti, A. L., Smith, S. J., Malvi, H., & Kodgule, R. (2019). An investigation into the stress-relieving and pharmacological actions of an ashwagandha extract. Medicine, 98(37), e17186.

*3. Salve, J., Pate, S., Debnath, K., & Langade, D. (2019). Adaptogenic and anxiolytic effects of ashwagandha root extract in healthy adults. Cureus, 11(12), e6466.

*4. Auddy, B., Hazra, J., Mitra, A., et al. (2008). A standardized Withania somnifera extract significantly reduces stress-related parameters in chronically stressed humans. JANA, 11(1), 50-56.

*5. Langade, D., Kanchi, S., Salve, J., et al. (2019). Efficacy and Safety of Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera) Root Extract in Insomnia and Anxiety. PLoS One, 14(9), e0218940.

*6. Deshpande, A., Irani, N., Balkrishnan, R., & Benny, I. R. (2020). A randomized, double blind, placebo controlled study to evaluate the effects of ashwagandha (Withania somnifera) extract on sleep quality in healthy adults. Sleep Medicine, 72, 28-36.

*7. Choudhary, D., Bhattacharyya, S., & Bose, S. (2017). Efficacy and Safety of Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera (L.) Dunal) Root Extract in Improving Memory and Cognitive Functions. Journal of Dietary Supplements, 14(6), 599-612.

*8. Pingali, U., Pilli, R., & Fatima, N. (2014). Effect of standardized aqueous extract of Withania somnifera on tests of cognitive and psychomotor performance in healthy human participants. Pharmacognosy Research, 6(1), 12-18.

*9. Wankhede, S., Langade, D., Joshi, K., et al. (2015). Examining the effect of Withania somnifera supplementation on muscle strength and recovery. Journal of the International Society of Sports Nutrition, 12, 43.

*10. Sandhu, J. S., Shah, B., Shenoy, S., et al. (2010). Effects of Withania somnifera (Ashwagandha) and Terminalia arjuna (Arjuna) on physical performance and cardiorespiratory endurance in healthy young adults. International Journal of Ayurveda Research, 1(3), 144-149.