Withania somnifera (Ashwagandha)

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1. What is withania somnifera?
2. How is it meant to work?
3. Does it work?
4. Are there any risks?
5. Recommendation
6. References

What is withania somnifera?

Withania is a herb that originated in India. It is used to treat a number of health problems, including stress and anxiety.

How is it meant to work?

This is not understood. It is thought that withania might act like the anti-anxiety drug diazepam.

Does it work?

One study has been carried out in 39 patients with a range of anxiety disorders. One group took a daily dose of 500mg withania and one group took placebo (dummy pills). After six weeks, people in the withania group had lower symptoms of anxiety.

Are there any risks?

None were found in the study above.

Recommendation

While there is some initial positive evidence, more studies are needed to say whether withania works.

References

Andrade et al. A double-blind, placebo-controlled evaluation of the anxiolytic efficacy of an ethanolic extract of withania somnifera. Indian Journal of Psychiatry 2000; 42:295-301

Kulkarni SK, Dhir A. Withania somnifera: An Indian ginseng. Progress in Neuropsychopharmacology and Biological Psychiatry 2008; 32:1093-1105.

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