Ashwagandha

Ashwagandha has been called the king of Ayurvedic herbs. It’s best known for reducing stress and anxiety. It may also modestly enhance various aspects of physical performance, increase testosterone levels, and improve reproductive health, but more research is needed to confirm these effects.

Quick Answer

What it is

Ashwagandha has been called the king of Ayurvedic herbs. It’s best known for reducing stress and anxiety.

Key findings

  • Grade B: Anxiety Symptoms (Stress)
  • Grade B: Aerobic Exercise Metrics
  • Grade B: Alertness (Insomnia)

Safety

No specific caution or interaction language was detected in the current summary/outcome notes.

ℹ️ Quick Facts: Ashwagandha

Quick Facts: Ashwagandha

  • Best Evidence:Grade B
  • Conditions Studied:33
  • Research Outcomes:318
  • Grade B Findings:8
  • Key Effect:Stress
Outcomes by grade:
A0
B8
C23
D5
33 conditions Β· 318 outcomes

Detailed Outcomes

Grade:
Effect:
Size:
Sort:
|
B
Anxiety Symptoms
Moderate Improvement
moderate↓Improves
C
Blood glucose
Small Improvement
small↓Improves
?
Stress Signs and Symptoms
↓Improves
?
Cortisol
↓Improves
?
Blood Pressure
2 studies
↓Improves
?
Heart Rate
↓Improves
?
Body Temperature
1 study
↑Improves
?
C-Reactive Protein (CRP)
1 study
↓Improves
?
Condition-Related Fatigue
↓Improves
?
Depression Symptoms
1 study
↓Improves
?
Dry Mouth Symptoms
1 study
↓Improves
?
High-density lipoprotein (HDL)
↑Improves
?
Insomnia Signs and Symptoms
↓Improves
?
Irritability
1 study
↓Improves
?
Low-density lipoprotein (LDL)
1 study
↓Improves
?
Serum DHEA
1 study
↑Improves
?
Sleep Quality
1 study
↑Improves
?
Social Functioning
1 study
↑Improves
?
Subjective Well-Being
1 study
↑Improves
?
Total cholesterol
1 study
↓Improves
?
Triglycerides
1 study
↓Improves
?
vLDL-C
1 study
↓Improves
?
Weight
1 study
↓Improves
?
Fatigue Symptoms
1 study
↑Worsens
B
Anxiety Symptoms
Moderate Improvement
moderate↓Improves
?
Stress Signs and Symptoms
↓Improves
?
Sleep Duration
2 studies
↑Improves
?
Sleep Efficiency
2 studies
↑Improves
?
Sleep Latency
2 studies
↓Improves
?
Sleep Quality
2 studies
↑Improves
?
Condition-Related Fatigue
↓Improves
?
Depression Symptoms
1 study
↓Improves
?
Motivation
1 study
↑Improves
?
Weight
1 study
↓Improves
B
Anxiety Symptoms
Moderate Improvement
moderate↓Improves
?
Stress Signs and Symptoms
↑Worsens
?
Sleep Duration
2 studies
↑Improves
?
Sleep Efficiency
2 studies
↑Improves
?
Sleep Latency
2 studies
↑Worsens
?
Sleep Quality
2 studies
↑Improves
?
Depression Symptoms
1 study
↑Worsens
?
Fatigue Symptoms
1 study
↑Worsens
?
Motivation
1 study
↑Improves
?
Weight
1 study
↑Worsens
B
Aerobic Exercise Metrics
Moderate Improvement
moderate↑Improves
?
Strength
7 studies
↑Improves
?
Power Output
4 studies
↑Improves
?
Body Fat
3 studies
↓Improves
?
High-density lipoprotein (HDL)
↑Improves
?
Liver Enzymes
2 studies
↑Worsens
?
Low-density lipoprotein (LDL)
2 studies
↓Improves
?
Muscle Mass
2 studies
↑Improves
?
Red Blood Cell Count
↑Improves
?
Total cholesterol
2 studies
↓Improves
?
Triglycerides
2 studies
↓Improves
?
Weight
2 studies
↓Improves
?
White Blood Cell Count
↑Improves
?
Anaerobic Capacity
1 study
↑Improves
?
Blood Pressure
1 study
↓Improves
?
Exercise Capacity
1 study
↑Improves
?
Hematocrit
1 study
↑Improves
?
Hemoglobin
1 study
↑Improves
?
Kidney Function
1 study
↑Improves
?
Muscle Damage
1 study
↑Worsens
?
Muscle Soreness
1 study
↓Improves
?
Oxygen Uptake
↑Improves
?
Rating of Perceived Exertion
1 study
↑Improves
?
Serum Albumin
1 study
↑Improves
?
Serum Platelets
1 study
↑Improves
?
Subjective Well-Being
1 study
↑Improves
?
Testosterone
↑Improves
?
Urea
1 study
↑Improves
?
vLDL-C
1 study
↓Improves
B
Aerobic Exercise Metrics
Moderate Improvement
moderate↑Improves
?
Strength
7 studies
↑Improves
?
Oxygen Uptake
↑Improves
?
Power Output
2 studies
↑Improves
?
Anaerobic Capacity
1 study
↑Improves
?
Blood glucose
↓Improves
?
Body Fat
1 study
↓Improves
?
Exercise Capacity
1 study
↑Improves
?
Fat Oxidation
1 study
↑Improves
?
Hematocrit
1 study
↑Improves
?
Hemoglobin
1 study
↑Improves
?
Muscle Mass
1 study
↑Improves
?
Muscle Soreness
1 study
↓Improves
?
Red Blood Cell Count
↑Improves
?
Urea
1 study
↑Improves
?
vLDL-C
1 study
↓Improves
?
Weight
1 study
↓Improves
?
White Blood Cell Count
↑Improves
B
Aerobic Exercise Metrics
Moderate Improvement
moderate↑Improves
?
Strength
7 studies
↑Improves
?
Power Output
4 studies
↑Improves
?
Body Fat
3 studies
↑Worsens
?
High-density lipoprotein (HDL)
↑Improves
?
Liver Enzymes
2 studies
↑Worsens
?
Low-density lipoprotein (LDL)
2 studies
↑Worsens
?
Muscle Mass
2 studies
↑Improves
?
Red Blood Cell Count
↑Improves
?
Total cholesterol
2 studies
↑Worsens
?
Triglycerides
2 studies
↑Worsens
?
Weight
2 studies
↑Worsens
?
White Blood Cell Count
↑Improves
?
Anaerobic Capacity
1 study
↑Improves
?
Blood Pressure
1 study
↑Worsens
?
Exercise Capacity
1 study
↑Improves
?
Hematocrit
1 study
↑Improves
?
Hemoglobin
1 study
↑Improves
?
Kidney Function
1 study
↑Improves
?
Muscle Damage
1 study
↑Worsens
?
Muscle Soreness
1 study
↑Worsens
?
Oxygen Uptake
↑Improves
?
Rating of Perceived Exertion
1 study
↑Improves
?
Serum Albumin
1 study
↑Improves
?
Serum Platelets
1 study
↑Improves
?
Subjective Well-Being
1 study
↑Improves
?
Testosterone
↑Improves
?
Urea
1 study
↑Improves
?
vLDL-C
1 study
↑Worsens
B
Alertness
Small Improvement
3 studies
small↑Improves
?
Sleep Quality
5 studies
↑Improves
?
Anxiety Symptoms
↓Improves
?
Sleep Duration
3 studies
↑Improves
?
Sleep Efficiency
3 studies
↑Improves
?
Sleep Latency
3 studies
↓Improves
?
Quality of Life
↑Improves
B
Aerobic Exercise Metrics
Moderate Improvement
moderate↑Improves
?
Power Output
4 studies
↑Improves
?
Body Fat
3 studies
↓Improves
?
Blood glucose
↓Improves
?
High-density lipoprotein (HDL)
↑Improves
?
Liver Enzymes
2 studies
↑Worsens
?
Low-density lipoprotein (LDL)
2 studies
↓Improves
?
Muscle Mass
2 studies
↑Improves
?
Oxygen Uptake
↑Improves
?
Red Blood Cell Count
↑Improves
?
Total cholesterol
2 studies
↓Improves
?
Triglycerides
2 studies
↓Improves
?
Weight
2 studies
↓Improves
?
White Blood Cell Count
↑Improves
?
Anaerobic Capacity
1 study
↑Improves
?
Blood Pressure
1 study
↓Improves
?
Exercise Capacity
1 study
↑Improves
?
Fat Oxidation
1 study
↑Improves
?
Hematocrit
1 study
↑Improves
?
Hemoglobin
1 study
↑Improves
?
Kidney Function
1 study
↑Improves
?
Muscle Damage
1 study
↑Worsens
?
Muscle Soreness
1 study
↓Improves
?
Rating of Perceived Exertion
1 study
↑Improves
?
Serum Albumin
1 study
↑Improves
?
Serum Platelets
1 study
↑Improves
?
Subjective Well-Being
1 study
↑Improves
?
Testosterone
↑Improves
?
Urea
1 study
↑Improves
?
vLDL-C
1 study
↓Improves
C
Cortisol
Moderate Decrease
moderate↓Improves
?
Sperm Quality
↑Improves
?
Testosterone
↑Improves
?
Luteinizing Hormone
3 studies
↑Improves
?
Seminal Motility
3 studies
↑Improves
?
Sperm Count
3 studies
↑Improves
?
Follicle-Stimulating Hormone
2 studies
↑Improves
C
Anxiety Symptoms
Moderate Improvement
moderate↓Improves
?
Testosterone
↑Improves
?
Cortisol
↓Improves
?
Follicle-Stimulating Hormone
1 study
↑Improves
?
Luteinizing Hormone
1 study
↑Improves
?
Sperm Quality
↑Improves
C
Blood glucose
Small Improvement
small↓Improves
?
Body Fat
2 studies
↓Improves
?
Power Output
2 studies
↑Improves
?
Low-density lipoprotein (LDL)
1 study
↓Improves
?
Muscle Damage
1 study
↑Worsens
?
Muscle Mass
1 study
↑Improves
?
Testosterone
↑Improves
?
Weight
1 study
↓Improves
?
White Blood Cell Count
↑Improves
C
Anaerobic Capacity
Small Improvement
1 study
small↑Improves
?
Blood glucose
↓Improves
?
Blood Pressure
1 study
↓Improves
?
Body Fat
1 study
↓Improves
?
High-density lipoprotein (HDL)
↑Improves
?
Liver Enzymes
1 study
↑Worsens
?
Low-density lipoprotein (LDL)
1 study
↓Improves
?
Muscle Mass
1 study
↑Improves
?
Oxygen Uptake
↑Improves
?
Rating of Perceived Exertion
1 study
↑Improves
?
Red Blood Cell Count
↑Improves
?
Serum Platelets
1 study
↑Improves
?
Total cholesterol
1 study
↓Improves
?
Triglycerides
1 study
↓Improves
?
Weight
1 study
↓Improves
?
White Blood Cell Count
↑Improves
C
Alertness
Small Improvement
1 study
small↑Improves
?
Executive Function
2 studies
↑Improves
?
Attention
1 study
↑Improves
?
Cognition
1 study
↑Improves
?
Memory
1 study
↑Improves
?
Motor Control
1 study
↑Improves
?
Processing Accuracy
1 study
↑Improves
?
Processing Speed
1 study
↑Improves
?
Reaction Time
↑Improves
?
Spatial Processing
1 study
↑Improves
?
Working Memory
↑Improves
C
Anti-Oxidant Enzyme Profile
Small Increase
1 study
small↑Improves
?
Blood glucose
↓Improves
?
Body Fat
1 study
↓Improves
?
High-density lipoprotein (HDL)
↑Improves
?
Liver Enzymes
1 study
↑Worsens
?
Low-density lipoprotein (LDL)
1 study
↓Improves
?
Muscle Mass
1 study
↑Improves
?
Oxidative Stress Biomarkers
↓Improves
?
Rating of Perceived Exertion
1 study
↑Improves
?
Total cholesterol
1 study
↓Improves
?
Triglycerides
1 study
↓Improves
?
Weight
1 study
↓Improves
?
White Blood Cell Count
↑Improves
C
Blood glucose
Small Improvement
small↓Improves
?
Blood Pressure
1 study
↓Improves
?
C-Reactive Protein (CRP)
1 study
↓Improves
?
Heart Rate
↓Improves
?
High-density lipoprotein (HDL)
↑Improves
?
Interleukin 6
1 study
↓Improves
?
Schizophrenia symptoms
↓Improves
?
Stress Signs and Symptoms
↓Improves
?
Triglycerides
1 study
↓Improves
?
Weight
1 study
↓Improves
C
Blood glucose
Small Improvement
small↓Improves
?
Low-density lipoprotein (LDL)
1 study
↓Improves
?
Total cholesterol
1 study
↓Improves
?
Triglycerides
1 study
↓Improves
C
Osteoarthritis Symptoms
Moderate Improvement
1 study
moderate↓Improves
?
Pain
↓Improves
C
Blood glucose
Small Improvement
small↓Improves
?
Diuresis
1 study
↑Improves
?
Low-density lipoprotein (LDL)
1 study
↓Improves
?
Total cholesterol
1 study
↓Improves
?
Triglycerides
1 study
↓Improves
C
Anxiety Symptoms
Moderate Improvement
moderate↓Improves
?
Attention
1 study
↑Improves
?
Bipolar Disorder Symptoms
↓Improves
?
Depression Symptoms
1 study
↓Improves
?
Executive Function
1 study
↑Improves
?
Memory
1 study
↑Improves
?
Processing Accuracy
1 study
↑Improves
?
Processing Speed
1 study
↑Improves
C
Aerobic Exercise Metrics
Moderate Improvement
moderate↑Improves
?
Fat Oxidation
1 study
↑Improves
?
Oxygen Uptake
↑Improves
C
Anxiety Symptoms
Moderate Improvement
moderate↓Improves
?
Insomnia Signs and Symptoms
↓Improves
?
Memory
1 study
↑Improves
?
Subjective Well-Being
1 study
↑Improves
C
Serum T3
Moderate Increase
1 study
moderate↑Improves
?
Serum T4
1 study
↑Improves
?
Thyroid-Stimulating Hormone
↑Improves
C
Immunity
Small Improvement
1 study
small↑Improves
?
Natural Killer Cell Activity
↑Improves
C
Anxiety Symptoms
Moderate Improvement
moderate↓Improves
?
Cortisol
↓Improves
?
Testosterone
↑Improves
C
Aerobic Exercise Metrics
Moderate Improvement
moderate↑Improves
?
Blood glucose
↓Improves
?
Body Fat
1 study
↓Improves
?
Exercise Capacity
1 study
↑Improves
?
Hematocrit
1 study
↑Improves
?
Hemoglobin
1 study
↑Improves
?
Kidney Function
1 study
↑Improves
?
Muscle Mass
1 study
↑Improves
?
Muscle Soreness
1 study
↓Improves
?
Power Output
1 study
↑Improves
?
Red Blood Cell Count
↑Improves
?
Urea
1 study
↑Improves
?
White Blood Cell Count
↑Improves
C
Luteinizing Hormone
Small Increase
1 study
small↑Improves
?
Seminal Motility
1 study
↑Improves
?
Sperm Count
1 study
↑Improves
?
Sperm Quality
↑Improves
?
Testosterone
↑Improves
C
Oxygen Uptake
Small Improvement
small↑Improves
?
Quality of Life
↑Improves
C
Osteoarthritis Symptoms
Moderate Improvement
1 study
moderate↓Improves
?
Pain
↓Improves
C
Osteoarthritis Symptoms
Moderate Improvement
1 study
moderate↓Improves
?
Pain
↓Improves
C
Fatigue Symptoms
Small Improvement
1 study
small↓Improves
D
Condition-Related Fatigue
No effect
none
?
Insomnia Signs and Symptoms
↓Improves
?
Pain
↓Improves
?
Social Functioning
1 study
↑Improves
?
Subjective Well-Being
1 study
↑Improves
D
Erections
No effect
none
?
Luteinizing Hormone
1 study
↑Improves
?
Seminal Motility
1 study
↑Improves
?
Sperm Count
1 study
↑Improves
?
Sperm Quality
↑Improves
?
Testosterone
↑Improves
D
Condition-Related Fatigue
No effect
none
?
Cortisol
↓Improves
?
Estrogen
1 study
↑Worsens
?
Serum DHEA
1 study
↑Improves
?
Testosterone
↑Improves
?
Fatigue Symptoms
1 study
↑Worsens
D
Condition-Related Fatigue
No effect
none
?
Cortisol
↓Improves
?
Estrogen
1 study
↑Worsens
?
Serum DHEA
1 study
↑Improves
?
Testosterone
↑Improves
?
Fatigue Symptoms
1 study
↑Worsens
D
Blood Pressure
No effect
1 study
none
?
Body Temperature
1 study
↑Improves
?
Stress Signs and Symptoms
↓Improves
?
Subjective Well-Being
1 study
↑Improves
?
Weight
1 study
↓Improves
?
OCD Symptoms
↓Improves
?
Sexual Function
↑Improves

Evidence by Condition

Best grade per condition (each condition may have multiple outcomes)

BStress
1
↓Anxiety SymptomsImproves↓Blood glucoseImproves↓Stress Signs and SymptomsImproves
BGeneral Athletic Performance
1
↑Aerobic Exercise MetricsImproves↑Power OutputImproves↓Body FatImproves
BAerobic Exercise Performance
1
↑Aerobic Exercise MetricsImproves↑StrengthImproves↑Oxygen UptakeImproves
BInsomnia
1
↑AlertnessImproves↑Sleep QualityImproves↓Anxiety SymptomsImproves
BMuscle Size & Strength
1
↑Aerobic Exercise MetricsImproves↑StrengthImproves↑Power OutputImproves
BAnxiety Disorders (Other)
1
↓Anxiety SymptomsImproves↑Stress Signs and SymptomsWorsens↑Sleep DurationImproves
CObesity
2
Condition-Related Fatigue↓CortisolImproves↑EstrogenWorsens
CChemotherapy Side Effects
2
↓Fatigue SymptomsImprovesCondition-Related Fatigue↓Insomnia Signs and SymptomsImproves
COverweight
2
Condition-Related Fatigue↓CortisolImproves↑EstrogenWorsens
CInfertility
1
↓CortisolImproves↑Sperm QualityImproves↑TestosteroneImproves
CLow Testosterone
1
↓Anxiety SymptomsImproves↑TestosteroneImproves↓CortisolImproves
CBody Composition
1
↓Blood glucoseImproves↓Body FatImproves↑Power OutputImproves
CCognitive Improvement
1
↑AlertnessImproves↑Executive FunctionImproves↑AttentionImproves
CMetabolic Health
1
↑Anti-Oxidant Enzyme ProfileImproves↓Blood glucoseImproves↓Body FatImproves
CSchizophrenia
1
↓Blood glucoseImproves↓Blood PressureImproves↓C-Reactive Protein (CRP)Improves
CHigh Cholesterol
1
↓Blood glucoseImproves↓Low-density lipoprotein (LDL)Improves↓Total cholesterolImproves
COsteoarthritis (OA)
1
↓Osteoarthritis SymptomsImproves↓PainImproves
CType 2 Diabetes
1
↓Blood glucoseImproves↑DiuresisImproves↓Low-density lipoprotein (LDL)Improves
CBipolar Disorder
1
↓Anxiety SymptomsImproves↑AttentionImproves↓Bipolar Disorder SymptomsImproves
CCycling Performance
1
↑Aerobic Exercise MetricsImproves↑Fat OxidationImproves↑Oxygen UptakeImproves

Research Citations (49)

Related Supplements

L-Carnitine

21 shared conditions Β· 558 outcomes

L-carnitine can relieve leg pain in people with peripheral artery disease (PAD) and treat some aspects of metabolic syndrome. Although it’s often also used for fat loss, its effectiveness for that is questionable.

Saffron

19 shared conditions Β· 390 outcomes

Saffron is a spice with antioxidant properties derived from the flowering plant Crocus sativus. When used as a supplement, saffron seems to be effective at reducing symptoms of depression and possibly anxiety.

Panax Ginseng (Korean Ginseng)

19 shared conditions Β· 228 outcomes

Panax ginseng is commonly referred to as β€œKorean ginseng”. It appears to be effective for mood, immunity, and cognition, but is subpar for erectile function, testosterone, and exercise performance.

Fish Oil

18 shared conditions Β· 448 outcomes

Fish oil is a mix of mostly EPA and DHA derived from fatty fish. It reduces triglycerides, but does not seem to affect the rate of cardiovascular events. It appears to reduce the symptoms of depression and improve some painful, inflammatory conditions.

Creatine

18 shared conditions Β· 433 outcomes

Creatine is among the most well-studied and effective supplements for improving exercise performance. It does this mainly by increasing energy availability during high-intensity activity. Creatine may also provide cognitive and mental health benefits in some contexts.

Vitamin D

16 shared conditions Β· 308 outcomes

Vitamin D is a fat-soluble vitamin that our skin synthesizes when exposed to the sun. It benefits us in many ways, from bone health to mood.

Vitamin C

16 shared conditions Β· 262 outcomes

Vitamin C, or ascorbic acid, is an essential vitamin and a very popular supplement due to its antioxidant properties, safety profile, and low price. Many people supplement with vitamin C because it is believed to reduce symptoms of the common cold.

Spirulina

15 shared conditions Β· 304 outcomes

Spirulina, commonly known as β€œblue-green algae”, is a nontoxic cyanobacterium that is rich in various nutrients and bioactive pigments and polyphenols. Spirulina contains many antioxidant compounds and could have beneficial cardiometabolic effects.