Introduction: Chronic stress and anxiety are prevalent and often accompanied by impaired sleep and neuroendocrine–inflammatory dysregulation, including altered cortisol, C-reactive protein (CRP), thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH), testosterone, and human growth hormone (hGH). Ashwagandha , a key Ayurvedic adaptogen, has shown potential to modulate stress physiology and improve psychological well-being. This study evaluated the efficacy and safety of a standardized Ashwagandha Root Powder Ghan (AF-43) preparation in adults with elevated perceived stress, assessing psychological outcomes, sleep quality, and serum biomarkers. Materials and Methods: In a prospective, double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled, and single-center trial, 104 adults aged 18–45 years with Perceived Stress Scale (PSS) ≥14 were randomized to receive 300 mg Ashwagandha Root Powder Ghan (AF-43) and matched placebo, twice daily for 30 days. The subjective outcomes included PSS, Depression Anxiety Stress Scale (DASS), and Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI). The objective outcomes were serum cortisol, CRP, TSH, testosterone, and hGH. Assessments were conducted at baseline (day 0), postintervention (day 30), and follow-up (day 60). Statistical analysis was performed using the Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS), software version 26.0. Results: Compared with placebo, Ashwagandha Root Powder Ghan (AF-43) produced significant reductions in stress, anxiety, and depression (PSS and DASS) and improved sleep quality (PSQI) ( P < 0.001). Biochemically, Ashwagandha Root Powder Ghan (AF-43) significantly reduced serum cortisol and CRP, showed favorable modulation of TSH, and increased testosterone and hGH ( P < 0.01). No serious adverse events were observed and the intervention was well tolerated. Conclusion: Ashwagandha Root Powder Ghan (AF-43) at 300 mg twice daily for 30 days safely alleviated stress, anxiety, and sleep disturbances while favorably modulating neuroendocrine and inflammatory markers in adults with elevated perceived stress. These findings support Ashwagandha as an effective complementary intervention for integrative mental, sleep, and endocrine health.
Prajapati et al. (Tue,) studied this question.