Reviewed by Dr. Younghun Cho, PharmD
This score reflects good evidence for its primary use in stress reduction and its excellent value, balanced by potential drug interactions and mild side effects.
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
Details pending pharmacist review.
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.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.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.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.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.Pharmacological evaluation of Ashwagandha highlighting its healthcare claims, safety, and toxicity aspects.
Mandlik Ingawale DS, Namdeo AG, Journal of dietary supplements, 2021 · PubMed