Ashwagandha supplementation lowers cortisol

This 60-day double-blind placebo-controlled trial in 60 Indian adults found that 300mg Ashwagandha twice daily reduced cortisol by ~28% vs ~8% in placebo. Stress scores also improved significantly. However, the study is small, diet and exercise weren't tracked, and the supplement was provided by its manufacturer, so larger independent studies are needed.

This 60-day randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial tested whether a daily ashwagandha supplement (240 mg) could reduce cortisol levels in 56 stressed adults. The ashwagandha group showed a 23% cortisol reduction vs. 0.5% increase in the placebo group. Results are promising but the study is small (56 people), industry-funded by the supplement manufacturer, and conducted only in an Indian population.

This is a meta-analysis of 22 RCTs studying ashwagandha's effects on stress, anxiety, and depression — not cortisol. It is classified as Invalid for this claim. However, it may be relevant evidence for a related claim about ashwagandha's effects on psychological wellbeing.