Ashwagandha and Chronic Stress

An article by Tori Hudson ND in the November 2016 issue of the Natural Medicine Journal looked at the impact of ashwagandha on people with chronic stress and weight concerns.  The article looked at a study led by Choudhary, Bhattacharyya and Joshi (that was published in the April 2016 online issue of the Journal of Evidence Based Complementary and Alternative Medicine).  The study lasted 8 weeks and involved 50 people with half being dosed ashwagandha 2 times per day and the other half receiving a placebo 2 times per day.  A number of measurements (including stress levels measured via the Perceived Stress Scale or PSS, serum cortisol levels, and body weight) were taken at the start of the study, at 4 weeks duration and at 8 weeks duration.  Both groups had lower PSS scores at 4 and 8 weeks, but the group that received the ashwagandha had a significantly greater reduction in PSS scores at 4 weeks and even more significant reduction in PSS scores at 8 weeks than the placebo group.  Similarly serum cortisol levels (cortisol is a hormone produced by the adrenals and gives an indication of adrenal function - a higher level can indicate imbalanced adrenal function) were significantly lower at 4 weeks and then further reduced again at 8 weeks in the group that received the ashwagandha compared to the placebo group.  As well, at 8 weeks, the group that received the ashwagandha had a greater reduction in body weight than the placebo group.  Ashwagandha is an adaptogenic herb that helps to tonify the adrenals and supports overall healthier adrenal functioning.  When our adrenals function in a more balanced way, we have an easier time managing our stress and maintaining healthy weight balance.  The information gathered from this study helps to confirm this and further contributes to our knowledge and understanding of this wonderful herb.