Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera)
Base · Adaptogen
Tier A-
What this is
Consistent effect on cortisol and Hamilton Anxiety scale in meta-analyses. Rare case reports of drug-induced liver injury. Not recommended in pregnancy or with thyroid medication.
Mechanism
Adaptogenic herb; modulates HPA axis; reduces cortisol; possible GABAergic and serotonergic effects; anti-inflammatory via withanolides
Dose & route
300-600 mg/day standardized root extract (e.g., KSM-66, Sensoril); 8-12 week cycles
Citations
- https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/36017529/
- https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC12242034/
- https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S1550830724001691
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This is an independent synthesis of published research by a non-clinician. Scores are opinions supported by citations, not prescriptions. See the full disclaimer and methodology for how this score was produced and what it does and doesn't mean.