Ashwagandha trial leaves the main cortisol comparison unclear
Cortisol fell in every group. A proprietary extract differed from placebo and another extract on symptom scores, but the abstract supplies no effect sizes or detailed safety results.
Based on the published abstract. The full paper may contain additional methods, results and limitations.
The 30-second takeaway
This trial reported falling cortisol levels in every group, including placebo. The proprietary extract also differed statistically from the other extract and placebo on several symptom and well-being scales. However, the abstract does not provide a between-group cortisol result or numerical symptom differences, so it cannot establish the size of any advantage on the main outcome.
Missing cortisol comparisons, numerical symptom effects and adverse-event results prevent a full assessment of efficacy or safety from this abstract.
What researchers found
Serum cortisol, the primary endpoint
At 8 weeks, reductions occurred within both extract groups and placebo; no between-group cortisol estimate is provided.
The main outcome needs comparison
Cortisol was the main endpoint; stress, anxiety, mood and happiness scales were secondary. Improvements within each trial group do not establish that an extract outperformed placebo on the primary measure.
Secondary results lack detail
Several secondary scores differed statistically between groups, but the abstract does not quantify or clearly state the direction of those differences. It also omits detailed safety results.
The original publication
A proprietary herbal extract of ashwagandha root for stress and anxiety in healthy adults: a randomized, double-blind, three-arm, placebo-controlled efficacy and safety study.
West RE, Biswas A, Rao R et al.
J Med Life · 2026
- PubMed ID
- 41815853
- Record checked
AI-assisted research and writing. This explains one selected publication; it is not a complete review of everything known. Our approach.
One more question, understood.
Keep track of the research you’ve explored.