Stressed? Ashwagandha May Lower Cortisol (Up to 33%): Evidence Review Ep.1240 MAY 2025

Unlock the science behind Ashwagandha and stress! A pivotal 2023 systematic review published in Nutrients meticulously analyzed the current evidence on Withania somnifera's effect on the primary stress hormone, cortisol. By synthesizing data from nine clinical studies involving stressed human subjects, researchers investigated Ashwagandha's potential to modulate the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis. The compelling finding? Supplementation with Ashwagandha for periods ranging from 30 to 112 days was consistently associated with significant reductions in cortisol levels, ranging from 11% to as much as 32.6%, compared to placebo groups. This review strongly suggests that short-term Ashwagandha use holds promise for buffering the physiological stress response in humans. However, the authors caution that dosages and formulations varied, and the long-term effects on adrenal function require further investigation.

3. Disclaimers:

"This information is for educational purposes only and should not be interpreted as medical advice."
"This video discusses findings from a systematic review of studies conducted on stressed human subjects over short durations (30-112 days). Individual results can vary significantly based on dosage, formulation, duration of use, and individual health status. Long-term effects are not well established."
"Always consult with a qualified healthcare professional before making any changes to your diet, supplement regimen, or treatment plan, especially if you have a medical condition (like thyroid disorders, autoimmune diseases, or hormone-sensitive conditions), are pregnant or breastfeeding, or are taking medications (such as immunosuppressants, sedatives, thyroid hormone, or medications for diabetes or high blood pressure)."
"This channel does not provide medical advice."
#Ashwagandha #Cortisol #StressResponse #SystematicReview #Adaptogens
Della Porta M, Maier JA, Cazzola R. Effects of Withania somnifera on Cortisol Levels in Stressed Human Subjects: A Systematic Review. Nutrients. 2023; 15(24):5015.