Dr.pharmacist
NOW Foods Ashwagandha

NOW Foods Ashwagandha

withania somnifera extract

SupplementNOW Foods Ashwagandha
Reviewed by Younghun Cho

Pharmacist's Verdict

NOW Foods Ashwagandha is a solid and affordable herbal supplement for adults seeking to manage mild-to-moderate stress, but its effects can be subtle and it's not a replacement for medical treatment for anxiety or other conditions.

Ingredient Analysis

Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera) Root Extract

Pros & Cons

Pros

  • Evidence suggests it can help reduce feelings of stress and anxiety by lowering cortisol levels.
  • Very budget-friendly compared to many other supplement brands.
  • May improve sleep quality and reduce the time it takes to fall asleep for some individuals.
  • Uses a standardized extract, which ensures a consistent dose of the active compounds (withanolides).

Cons

  • Evidence is promising but not as strong as for FDA-approved medications.
  • Can cause mild side effects like stomach upset, diarrhea, and drowsiness.
  • May interact with medications for thyroid conditions, diabetes, high blood pressure, and immune system suppressants.
  • Should be avoided by pregnant or breastfeeding individuals and those with autoimmune conditions like rheumatoid arthritis or lupus.

References

  1. 1.
    Effect of Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera) extract on sleep: A systematic review and meta-analysis.

    Cheah KL, Norhayati MN, Husniati Yaacob L, et al., PloS one, 2021 · PubMed

  2. 2.
    Effects of Ashwagandha (Withania Somnifera) on stress and anxiety: A systematic review and meta-analysis.

    Arumugam V, Vijayakumar V, Balakrishnan A, et al., Explore (New York, N.Y.), 2024 · PubMed

  3. 3.
    Does Ashwagandha supplementation have a beneficial effect on the management of anxiety and stress? A systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials.

    Akhgarjand C, Asoudeh F, Bagheri A, et al., Phytotherapy research : PTR, 2022 · PubMed

  4. 4.
    Effects of Withania somnifera (Ashwagandha) on Stress and the Stress- Related Neuropsychiatric Disorders Anxiety, Depression, and Insomnia.

    Speers AB, Cabey KA, Soumyanath A, et al., Current neuropharmacology, 2021 · PubMed

  5. 5.
    Pharmacological evaluation of Ashwagandha highlighting its healthcare claims, safety, and toxicity aspects.

    Mandlik Ingawale DS, Namdeo AG, Journal of dietary supplements, 2021 · PubMed