Evidence suggests that ashwagandha (Withania somnifera) is an adaptogenic herb. It therefore has properties that prevent deviations from homeostasis in animals and humans. One area that it may help maintain homeostatic control is with the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis. This axis is involved in the body’s reaction to stress and by helping stabilise stress hormone secretions ashwagandha may confer anti-stress effects. For example, in one study researchers administered ashwagandha (240 mg of standardised extract containing 35% withanolide glycosides) to stressed healthy humans. The results of the study showed that the ashwagandha caused a significant reduction in the perceived anxiety in the subjects and also significantly lowered morning cortisol levels. The authors concluded that ashwagandha appears to be a safe and effective anti-stress herb that may work through its ability to lower cortisol levels by affecting the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis.
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