Background: Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera), a traditional Ayurvedic adaptogen, has been extensively used for managing stress and anxiety. This study aimed to evaluate the efficacy of ashwagandha supplementation in reducing perceived stress, anxiety, and cortisol levels in adults.

Methods: A 12-week, double-blind, placebo-controlled, randomized clinical trial was conducted with 120 participants. The intervention group received 300 mg of ashwagandha root extract daily, while the placebo group received an inert substance. Outcomes were assessed using the Perceived Stress Scale (PSS), Hamilton Anxiety Rating Scale (HAM-A), and serum cortisol levels.

Results: The ashwagandha group showed significant improvements compared to the placebo. PSS scores reduced by 45.3% (p<0.01), HAM-A scores by 40.2% (p<0.01), and cortisol levels by 33% (p<0.01). The placebo group exhibited minor reductions in all parameters, which were not clinically significant. These findings align with prior studies, confirming ashwagandha's adaptogenic and anxiolytic properties.