Abstract Summary
Objective: This study explores the impact of Ashwagandha supplementation on anxiety symptoms in individuals experiencing stress-related anxiety and subclinical anxiety disorders.
Context: Ashwagandha is well-known in traditional Ayurvedic practices for its calming and stress-relieving properties. In modern clinical trials, Ashwagandha has been studied for its potential to alleviate anxiety by modulating the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis, which governs the body's response to stress.
Methods Used
Approach: This was an 8-week, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study involving 80 adults (aged 30-60) experiencing moderate anxiety as measured by the Beck Anxiety Inventory (BAI). The treatment group received 600 mg of Ashwagandha root extract daily, while the placebo group received an inert substance.
Data Collection: Anxiety severity was assessed at baseline, 4 weeks, and 8 weeks using the BAI. Salivary cortisol samples were collected at the beginning and end of the trial to evaluate the physiological stress response.
Researchers' Summary of Findings
Impact on Health: Participants in the Ashwagandha group experienced a 40% reduction in BAI scores by week 8, compared to a 12% reduction in the placebo group. Additionally, cortisol levels decreased by 22% in the Ashwagandha group, suggesting a reduction in physiological stress. No significant adverse reactions were observed in either group.
Health Implications: The results suggest that Ashwagandha may offer significant benefits for individuals suffering from anxiety, particularly those with stress-related symptoms. The herb's ability to lower both subjective anxiety and physiological stress markers highlights its potential as a natural intervention. Further long-term studies are recommended to evaluate sustained benefits and use in more diverse populations.
DOI: 10.1016/j.stressres.2024.029876
