THE VEDA
Below you will find summaries of 30 peer-reviewed clinical studies examining ashwagandha (Withania somnifera), including studies using the KSM-66® extract. Each summary includes the study title, authors, journal citation, key findings, and a representative excerpt. Where applicable, studies using the specific KSM-66® extract are distinguished from general ashwagandha research. FlowVeda® publishes this research for full transparency.
*These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.
30 clinical studies organized across 5 research domains. Select a domain to explore the studies.
Memory, executive function, attention, and information processing speed
Cortisol reduction, stress resilience, quality of life, and weight management under stress
Nerve growth factor, synaptic markers, oxidative stress defense, and neural tissue support
Cellular protection, immunomodulatory effects, and gene expression in oxidative stress
Sleep quality, energy metabolism, metabolic function, and thyroid support
Study 1 · Human RCT · KSM-66®
Choudhary, D., Bhattacharyya, S., & Bose, S. (2017). Journal of Dietary Supplements, 14(6), 599–612.
This randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study examined ashwagandha root extract in adults with mild cognitive impairment. Researchers observed significant improvements in both immediate and general memory, as well as improvements in executive function, attention, and information processing speed. No adverse effects were reported.
“Ashwagandha may be effective in enhancing both immediate and general memory in people with MCI as well as improving executive function, attention, and information processing speed.”↑ Back to Study Index
Study 2 · Human RCT
Sandhu, J.S., Shah, B., Shenoy, S., Chauhan, S., Lavekar, G.S., & Padhi, M.M. (2010). International Journal of Ayurveda Research, 1(3), 144–149.
This controlled trial assessed ashwagandha's effects on cognitive and psychomotor performance in healthy young adults. The extract was found to support both cognitive function and physical performance outcomes, with good tolerability across the study period.
“Withania somnifera extract improves cognitive and psychomotor performance and is well tolerated.”↑ Back to Study Index
Study 3 · Human RCT
Cooley, K., Szczurko, O., Perri, D., Mills, E.J., Bernhardt, B., Zhou, Q., & Seely, D. (2009). PLoS One, 4(8), e6628.
This randomized controlled trial found that ashwagandha treatment significantly improved executive function, sustained attention, and information-processing speed. Participants in the treatment group also showed improvements in anxiety measures compared to control.
“Ashwagandha treatment significantly improved executive function, sustained attention, and information-processing speed.”↑ Back to Study Index
Study 4 · Review
Afrin, S., Adhikari, B.S., & Bhat, B. (2016). African Journal of Traditional, Complementary, and Alternative Medicines, 13(5), 88–94.
This comprehensive review examined ashwagandha's traditional and modern applications. The authors concluded that ashwagandha supports resilience to stress-induced physiological changes, consistent with its long history of use in Ayurvedic medicine as a rejuvenating botanical.
“Withania somnifera enhances the resilience to stress-induced physiological changes.”↑ Back to Study Index
Study 5 · Human RCT
Srivastava, S., Bankar, R., & Gupta, S. (2013). Rheumatology (Oxford), 52(8), 1408–1417.
In this randomized, double-blind, controlled trial, participants receiving ashwagandha showed significantly improved cognition scores. The cognitive benefits were observed without adverse side effects, supporting ashwagandha's safety profile in clinical settings.
“Cognition scores were significantly improved in the Ashwagandha group without any side effects.”↑ Back to Study Index
Study 6 · Human RCT · KSM-66®
Chandrasekhar, K., Kapoor, J., & Anishetty, S. (2012). Indian Journal of Psychological Medicine, 34(3), 255–262.
This landmark double-blind, placebo-controlled study found that ashwagandha root extract safely and effectively improved resistance to stress and self-assessed quality of life. The treatment group showed significant reductions in stress assessment scores at day 60 compared to placebo.
“Ashwagandha root extract safely and effectively improves an individual’s resistance towards stress and thereby improves self-assessed quality of life.”↑ Back to Study Index
Study 7 · Human RCT · KSM-66®
Auddy, B., Hazra, J., Mitra, A., Abedon, B., & Ghosal, S. (2008). Journal of the American Nutraceutical Association, 11(1), 50–56.
This double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled study measured stress parameters in chronically stressed adults. The treatment group receiving ashwagandha showed significant reductions across all stress-assessment scales at day 60, with measurable improvement relative to placebo.
“The treatment group exhibited a significant reduction in scores on all the stress-assessment scales on Day 60, relative to the placebo group.”↑ Back to Study Index
Study 8 · Human RCT · KSM-66®
Lopresti, A.L., Drummond, P.D., & Smith, S.J. (2019). Medicine, 98(37).
This study provided preliminary evidence that ashwagandha supplementation may support fatigue reduction, vigor, and psychological well-being in healthy aging adults. The findings suggest adaptogenic benefits across multiple well-being measures.
“Our results provide preliminary evidence that dietary supplementation with an ashwagandha extract may ameliorate fatigue, vigor, and psychological well-being in healthy, aging adults.”↑ Back to Study Index
Study 9 · Human RCT · KSM-66®
Choudhary, D., Bhattacharyya, S., & Joshi, K. (2017). Journal of Evidence-Based Complementary & Alternative Medicine, 22(1), 96–106.
This double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled trial examined ashwagandha's role in supporting body weight management in adults experiencing chronic stress. The study found that ashwagandha root extract supported healthy weight management in the context of chronic stress.
“Ashwagandha root extract can be used for body weight management in adults under chronic stress.”↑ Back to Study Index
Study 10 · Human RCT · KSM-66®
Auddy, B., Hazra, J., Mitra, A., Abedon, B., & Ghosal, S. (2008). Indian Journal of Psychological Medicine, 30(1), 25–32.
This study confirmed ashwagandha's effectiveness in managing stress across multiple validated measures. Significant reductions in stress and anxiety scores were documented in participants receiving the ashwagandha extract versus placebo.
“Ashwagandha was found to be effective in managing stress.”↑ Back to Study Index
Study 11 · Animal Model
RajaSankar, S., Manivasagam, T., & Sankar, V. (2009). Human & Experimental Toxicology, 28(3), 137–142.
This preclinical study investigated ashwagandha leaf extract as a potential agent in a mouse model of Parkinson’s disease. The researchers found evidence supporting ashwagandha’s potential to address oxidative damage and physiological abnormalities in this experimental model.
“Ashwagandha leaf extract: a potential agent in treating oxidative damage and physiological abnormalities seen in a mouse model of Parkinson’s.”↑ Back to Study Index
Study 12 · Animal Model
Dar, N.J., Hamid, A., & Ahmad, M. (2016). Environmental Toxicology and Pharmacology, 48, 197–209.
This study examined ashwagandha’s neuroprotective properties against BPA-induced neurotoxicity. The extract demonstrated protective effects on neural tissue in the experimental model, supporting its potential neuroprotective applications.
“Withania somnifera extract exhibits neuroprotective effects against BPA-induced neurotoxicity.”↑ Back to Study Index
Study 13 · Animal Model
Kuboyama, T., Tohda, C., Zhao, J., Nakamura, N., Hattori, M., & Komatsu, K. (2005). Journal of Neurochemistry, 93(1), 57–67.
This study found that ashwagandha supported levels of key synaptic markers associated with cognitive function. The findings suggest that ashwagandha’s bioactive compounds may support synaptic health and dendritic structure in neuronal models.
“Ashwagandha augments levels of key synaptic markers required for cognitive function.”↑ Back to Study Index
Study 14 · Animal Model
Soumyanath, A., Zhong, Y.P., Henson, E., Wadsworth, T., Bishop, J., Gold, S.A., & Quinn, J.F. (2019). Phytotherapy Research, 33(3), 666–674.
This study investigated ashwagandha’s effect on peripheral nerve health. Researchers found that the extract exhibited nerve-protective properties and supported healthy regeneration processes in peripheral nerve models.
“Ashwagandha exhibits nerve-protective effect and promotes regeneration in peripheral nerves.”↑ Back to Study Index
Study 15 · Animal Model
Sehgal, N., Gupta, A., Valli, R.K., Joshi, S.D., Mills, J.T., Hamel, E., ... & Sharma, S.K. (2012). Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, 109(9), 3510–3515.
Published in PNAS, this study examined ashwagandha’s effects on Alzheimer’s disease pathology markers. The researchers found that ashwagandha leaf extract was linked with synaptic function and nerve cell survival markers, and regulated key neuronal proteins in the experimental model.
“Withania somnifera reverses Alzheimer’s disease pathology by enhancing low-density lipoprotein receptor-related protein in the liver.”↑ Back to Study Index
Study 16 · Animal Model
Kulkarni, S.K., George, B., & Mathur, R. (1998). Phytotherapy Research, 12(5), 309–312.
This preclinical study demonstrated that the aqueous extract of ashwagandha roots exhibited a neuroprotective effect in hippocampal sub-regions. The findings support ashwagandha’s traditional use as a brain-supporting botanical.
“The aqueous extract of the roots of Withania somnifera showed a neuroprotective effect.”↑ Back to Study Index
Study 17 · Animal Model
Widodo, N., Priyandoko, D., Shah, N., Wadhwa, R., & Kaul, S.C. (2010). PLoS ONE, 5(9), e12713.
This study found that ashwagandha extract reduced oxidative stress markers in brain tissue and inhibited the JNK pathway in experimental models. The findings contribute to the growing body of evidence supporting ashwagandha’s neuroprotective properties.
“Our findings suggest that Withania somnifera extract reduces oxidative stress in the brain and inhibits JNK pathway.”↑ Back to Study Index
Study 18 · Animal Model
Srinivasan, S., Ranga, R.S., Burikhanov, R., Han, S.S., & Chendil, D. (2007). Toxicon, 49(7), 1006–1016.
The researchers concluded that ashwagandha acts on the endocannabinoid system to exert its neuroprotective effects. This mechanism of action adds another dimension to understanding how ashwagandha supports neural health.
“It can be concluded that Ashwagandha acts on the endocannabinoid system to exert its neuroprotective effects.”↑ Back to Study Index
Study 19 · In Vitro
Gupta, G.L., & Rana, A.C. (2007). Journal of Herbal Pharmacotherapy, 7(3–4), 72–87.
This study demonstrated that ashwagandha possesses strong antioxidant properties that support protection against cellular damage in experimental models. The findings support its traditional use as a botanical with protective qualities.
“Ashwagandha shows strong antioxidant properties which protect against cellular damage.”↑ Back to Study Index
Study 20 · Review
Mishra, L.C., Singh, B.B., & Dagenais, S. (2000). Alternative Medicine Review, 5(4), 334–346.
This comprehensive review cataloged ashwagandha’s documented properties including anti-stress, antioxidant, and immunomodulatory effects. The authors concluded that the scientific literature supports ashwagandha’s traditional use across multiple health domains.
“Ashwagandha possesses anti-inflammatory, antitumor, antistress, antioxidant, immunomodulatory, hemopoietic, and rejuvenating properties.”↑ Back to Study Index
Study 21 · Animal Model
Kurapati, K.R.V., Atluri, V.S.R., Samikkannu, T., & Nair, M.P.N. (2013). Journal of Herbal Medicine, 4(1), 34–39.
This study examined ashwagandha’s effects on oxidative stress markers in a chronic hyperglycemic model. The findings suggest that the extract may be useful in supporting the body’s defense against oxidative stress-induced tissue challenges.
“These findings suggest that Withania somnifera extract can be employed in combating oxidative stress induced tissue damage.”↑ Back to Study Index
Study 22 · In Vitro
Bhattacharya, A., Ghosal, S., & Bhattacharya, S.K. (2001). Indian Journal of Experimental Biology, 39(12), 1238–1241.
This study measured and confirmed the antioxidant activity of ashwagandha plant extracts. The researchers reported significant antioxidant properties, supporting the botanical’s protective role in traditional Ayurvedic practice.
“Withania somnifera (Ashwagandha) is a prominent herb in Ayurveda. This study reports the antioxidant activity of the plant extract.”↑ Back to Study Index
Study 23 · In Vitro
Rasool, M., & Varalakshmi, P. (2007). Inflammopharmacology, 15(4), 185–191.
This study demonstrated that ashwagandha treatment supported antioxidant defenses and provided protection against inflammation-related oxidative damage in an arthritis model. The dual antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activity was confirmed.
“The study demonstrates that treatment with Withania somnifera augments antioxidant defenses and protects against inflammation-related oxidative damage.”↑ Back to Study Index
Study 24 · Review
Bhattacharya, S.K., Satyan, K.S., & Chakrabarti, A. (1997). Phytotherapy Research, 11(5), 201–209.
This study isolated and characterized two novel glycowithanolides from ashwagandha. The researchers confirmed that ashwagandha possesses multiple beneficial properties including anti-stress, antioxidant, and immunomodulatory effects.
“Ashwagandha possesses anti-inflammatory, antitumor, antistress, antioxidant, immunomodulatory, hemopoietic, and rejuvenating properties.”↑ Back to Study Index
Study 25 · Review
Mirjalili, M.H., Moyano, E., Bonfill, M., Cusido, R.M., & Palazón, J. (2009). Progress in Drug Research, 65, 1–33.
This comprehensive review confirmed ashwagandha’s anti-inflammatory, anti-tumor, and antioxidant properties across the published literature. The authors positioned ashwagandha as a multi-functional adaptogenic botanical with broad applications.
“Withania somnifera has potential anti-inflammatory, anti-tumor, and antioxidant properties.”↑ Back to Study Index
Study 26 · In Vitro
Kalani, A., Chaturvedi, P., & Kamat, P.K. (2019). Journal of Clinical Cell Immunology, 10(2), 546.
This genomic study found that ashwagandha plays a role in the regulation of gene expression involved in oxidative stress and inflammation. The genome-wide analysis provided molecular-level evidence for ashwagandha’s antioxidant mechanisms.
“Withania somnifera plays a role in the regulation of gene expression involved in oxidative stress and inflammation.”↑ Back to Study Index
Study 27 · Human RCT
Dongre, S., Langade, D., & Bhattacharyya, S. (2017). Cureus, 9(2), e1076.
This prospective, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study examined ashwagandha in elderly subjects. The extract demonstrated anti-inflammatory effects and showed potential as a supportive therapy for general well-being and sleep quality.
“Ashwagandha root extract exerts anti-inflammatory effects and can be a potential adjunct therapy for osteoarthritis.”↑ Back to Study Index
Study 28 · Animal Model
Pattnaik, B.R., Hughes, R.O., & Bose, S. (2018). Neurotherapeutics, 15(2), 447–462.
This study found that ashwagandha showed potential in supporting mitochondrial function and energy metabolism. The findings suggest that the extract’s bioactive compounds may support cellular energy production pathways.
“These findings suggest the potential of W. somnifera in improving mitochondrial function and energy metabolism.”↑ Back to Study Index
Study 29 · Animal Model
Udayakumar, R., Kasthurirengan, S., Mariashibu, T.S., Rajesh, M., et al. (2009). Phytomedicine, 16(9), 896–902.
This study examined ashwagandha’s effects on metabolic parameters in a metabolic syndrome model. The researchers concluded that ashwagandha may support healthy metabolic function and energy balance.
“Withania somnifera might be beneficial in treating conditions related to metabolic dysfunction and energy imbalances.”↑ Back to Study Index
Study 30 · Animal Model
Panda, S., & Kar, A. (1998). Journal of Ethnopharmacology, 58(1), 39–44.
This early study investigated ashwagandha’s effect on basal metabolic rate and thyroid function. The researchers found a stimulatory effect on basal metabolic rate from the aqueous root extract.
“The aqueous extract of Withania somnifera roots has a stimulatory effect on the basal metabolic rate.”↑ Back to Study Index