Plant Comparison

Holy Basil vs Ashwagandha

A side-by-side comparison of two medicinal plants — every documented constituent, action, use, safety note and cited source, assembled automatically from the Omnia Sana database.

First plant
Second plant
Show:
Plant AHoly BasilOcimum tenuiflorumLamiaceaeFull monograph →
Plant BAshwagandhaWithania somniferaSolanaceaeFull monograph →

At a glance

Holy Basil and Ashwagandha: they share 10 indicated uses (arthritis / joint pain, blood sugar / diabetes support, cancer (anticancer research), …); 5 pharmacological actions in common.

Holy BasilAshwagandha
Constituents23
Pharmacological actions68
Indicated uses1214
Safety notes22
Cited sources1625
Indicated uses
Only Holy Basil
AnxietyStress
Shared (10)
Arthritis / joint painBlood sugar / diabetes supportCancer (anticancer research)Cognitive functionCold & fluFatigue / low energyImmune supportInflammation (general)MemorySkin irritation
Only Ashwagandha
FertilityInsomnia / sleeplessnessMetabolic supportMuscle soreness
Pharmacological actions
Only Holy Basil
Adaptogen
Shared (5)
Anti-inflammatoryAnticancer (preclinical)AntioxidantImmunomodulator / immune supportNeuroprotective / cognition support
Only Ashwagandha
Antidiabetic (blood-sugar lowering)Physical performance / ergogenicSedative / sleep support

Evidence face-off — shared uses

ConditionHoly BasilAshwagandhaVerdict
Arthritis / joint pain1/101/10Comparable evidence
Blood sugar / diabetes support7/101/10Stronger for Holy Basil
Cancer (anticancer research)8/107/10Comparable evidence
Cognitive function5/101/10Stronger for Holy Basil
Cold & flu7/101/10Stronger for Holy Basil
Fatigue / low energy7/101/10Stronger for Holy Basil
Immune support7/101/10Stronger for Holy Basil
Inflammation (general)1/101/10Comparable evidence
Memory5/101/10Stronger for Holy Basil
Skin irritation1/101/10Comparable evidence

Evidence scores (1–10) are computed from the tier of each cited source. “Comparable” means the two scores are within one point. Follow a score to its detailed sources.

Key Constituents

Volatile oil rich in eugenol[11]

The principal aromatic constituent, with anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial activity.

Essential (volatile) oilEugenol
Ursolic acid, rosmarinic acid, apigenin and luteolin[11]

Antioxidant and adaptogenic constituents.

Rosmarinic acidApigeninLuteolin
Withanolides (withaferin A, withanolide A)[5]

Steroidal lactones considered the principal bioactive compounds, responsible for most of the plant's adaptogenic, anti-inflammatory and anticancer research interest.

Withanolides
Alkaloids (withanine, somniferine)[5]

Minor tropane-type alkaloids contributing to the traditional sedative reputation.

Alkaloids
Sitoindosides and saponins[5]

Glycowithanolides linked to adaptogenic and immunomodulatory activity.

Saponins

Pharmacological Actions

Adaptogen[1, 3, 12]

Adaptogen for stress and anxiety (improves stress scores and well-being in trials)

Anti-inflammatory[3, 5, 11]

Antioxidant and anti-inflammatory

Anticancer (preclinical)[2, 4, 10, 11]
Antioxidant[3, 4, 5, 8, 11]

Antioxidant and anti-inflammatory

Immunomodulator / immune support[3, 5, 9, 11, 12]

Immunomodulatory / immune support

Neuroprotective / cognition support[14]

Cognitive support - a placebo-controlled study in healthy adults found improved reaction time and accuracy and shorter P300 latency

Anti-inflammatory[5, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19]
Anticancer (preclinical)[11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19]
Antidiabetic (blood-sugar lowering)[12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19]
Antioxidant[6, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19]
Physical performance / ergogenic[8, 10, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19]

Physical performance / strength improvement

Immunomodulator / immune support[12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19]
Neuroprotective / cognition support[2, 6, 9, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19]
Sedative / sleep support[1, 2, 3, 4, 7, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19]

Traditional & Indicated Uses

Anxiety[1, 12]Good · 8/10

Adaptogen for stress and anxiety (improves stress scores and well-being in trials)

Evidence: 8
Label: Anxiety
Arthritis / joint pain[11]Traditional · 1/10

inferred from anti-inflammatory action

Evidence: 1
Label: Arthritis / joint pain
Blood sugar / diabetes support[4, 12]Good · 7/10

Supports blood-sugar control (lowers fasting and post-meal glucose)

Evidence: 7
Label: Blood sugar / diabetes support
Cancer (anticancer research)[2, 4, 10, 11]Good · 8/10

inferred from anticancer action

Evidence: 8
Label: Cancer (anticancer research)
Cognitive function[14]Moderate · 5/10

inferred from neuroprotective action

Evidence: 5
Label: Cognitive function
Cold & flu[11, 12]Good · 7/10

inferred from immunomodulator action

Evidence: 7
Label: Cold & flu
Fatigue / low energy[12]Good · 7/10

inferred from adaptogen action

Evidence: 7
Label: Fatigue / low energy
Immune support[11, 12]Good · 7/10

Immunomodulatory / immune support

Evidence: 7
Label: Immune support
Inflammation (general)[11]Traditional · 1/10

inferred from anti-inflammatory action

Evidence: 1
Label: Inflammation (general)
Memory[14]Moderate · 5/10

inferred from neuroprotective action

Evidence: 5
Label: Memory
Skin irritation[11]Traditional · 1/10

inferred from anti-inflammatory action

Evidence: 1
Label: Skin irritation
Stress[1, 12]Good · 8/10

Adaptogen for stress and anxiety (improves stress scores and well-being in trials)

Evidence: 8
Label: Stress
Arthritis / joint pain[12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19]Traditional · 1/10

inferred from anti-inflammatory action

Evidence: 1
Label: Arthritis / joint pain
Blood sugar / diabetes support[12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19]Traditional · 1/10

inferred from antidiabetic action

Evidence: 1
Label: Blood sugar / diabetes support
Cancer (anticancer research)[11]Good · 7/10

inferred from anticancer action

Evidence: 7
Label: Cancer (anticancer research)
Cognitive function[12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19]Traditional · 1/10

inferred from neuroprotective action

Evidence: 1
Label: Cognitive function
Cold & flu[12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19]Traditional · 1/10

inferred from immunomodulator action

Evidence: 1
Label: Cold & flu
Fatigue / low energy[12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19]Traditional · 1/10

inferred from ergogenic action

Evidence: 1
Label: Fatigue / low energy
Fertility[12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19]Traditional · 1/10
Evidence: 1
Label: Fertility
Immune support[12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19]Traditional · 1/10
Evidence: 1
Label: Immune support
Inflammation (general)[12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19]Traditional · 1/10

inferred from anti-inflammatory action

Evidence: 1
Label: Inflammation (general)
Insomnia / sleeplessness[12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19]Traditional · 1/10

inferred from sedative action

Evidence: 1
Label: Insomnia / sleeplessness
Memory[12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19]Traditional · 1/10

inferred from neuroprotective action

Evidence: 1
Label: Memory
Metabolic support[12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19]Traditional · 1/10

inferred from antidiabetic action

Evidence: 1
Label: Metabolic support
Muscle soreness[12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19]Traditional · 1/10

inferred from ergogenic action

Evidence: 1
Label: Muscle soreness
Skin irritation[12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19]Traditional · 1/10

inferred from anti-inflammatory action

Evidence: 1
Label: Skin irritation

Safety, Cautions & Contraindications

Safety note[12]Caution

Generally well tolerated; mild nausea has been reported. Its blood-sugar-lowering effect means caution alongside antidiabetic medicines.

Safety note[11, 12]Caution

Animal studies suggest mild anti-fertility and antiplatelet effects, so avoid medicinal doses when pregnant or trying to conceive, and before surgery.

Safety note[12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19]Caution

Generally well-tolerated in clinical trials at doses up to 600 mg/day for up to 12 weeks. Common side effects may include mild drowsiness, gastrointestinal upset, and diarrhea at higher doses. Contraindicated during pregnancy due to potential abortifacient effects. May interact with sedatives, immunosuppressants, thyroid medications, and blood sugar medications. People with autoimmune diseases, hyperthyroidism, or scheduled for surgery should consult healthcare providers before use. May cause allergic reactions in sensitive individuals. Not recommended for children without medical supervision.

Safety note[12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20]Caution

Duke (2002) classifies ashwagandha activities primarily at the experimental level (score 1), with adaptogenic, sedative, immunostimulant, and anti-inflammatory actions demonstrated in animal and in vitro models. Root preparations are used at 2–3 g powdered root three times daily, or 150–300 mg of standardized extract. Importantly, the plant has documented abortifacient and antifertility properties in animal studies, and its use should be avoided during pregnancy. It may potentiate the effects of barbiturates and sedatives (Duke, 2002).

External Ids

Gbif: 2927100
Wikidata: Q960124
Gbif: 2928840
Wikidata: Q852660

Botanical Description

Aromatic annual or short-lived perennial subshrub (Lamiaceae), 30-75 cm tall, with erect, much-branched, hairy stems often tinged purple. Leaves are opposite, ovate-oblong with a toothed margin, and release a strong, clove-like (eugenol) scent when crushed. Small purplish-pink, two-lipped flowers are borne in elongated terminal racemes. The plant is held sacred in Hindu tradition (Tulsi).[11]

Height: 30-75 cm
Habit: Erect, much-branched, aromatic subshrub
Leaves: Opposite, ovate-oblong, toothed, clove-scented when crushed
Flowers: Small, purplish-pink, two-lipped, in elongated terminal racemes
Stem: Erect, much-branched, hairy, often purple-tinged
Root: Fibrous root system
Fruit: Four small nutlets (typical Lamiaceae schizocarp)
Flowering Period: Most of the year in tropical climates

Erect, branching perennial shrub with soft, downy, oval to lance-shaped leaves. Small, inconspicuous, greenish-yellow bell-shaped flowers are borne in the leaf axils, followed by a small orange-red berry enclosed in a papery, lantern-like calyx, giving rise to the name 'winter cherry'.[5]

Height: 0.3-1.5 m
Habit: Erect, branching perennial shrub
Leaves: Soft, downy, oval to lance-shaped
Flowers: Small, inconspicuous, greenish-yellow, bell-shaped
Stem: Erect, branching, downy
Root: Long, thick, tapering, pale brown root (the medicinal part), aromatic with a distinctive horse-like smell (the source of the name ashwagandha)
Fruit: Small orange-red berry enclosed in a papery, lantern-like calyx
Flowering Period: Summer to autumn

Habitat

Native to the Indian subcontinent and tropical Asia, now cultivated and naturalised throughout the tropics and subtropics worldwide; commonly grown in home gardens and temple courtyards as well as cultivated as a medicinal and aromatic crop.[12]

Native to the drier regions of India, the Middle East and parts of Africa; cultivated in warm, semi-arid climates on well-drained soils, notably in central and western India.[5]

Harvesting

Leaves are harvested year-round from actively growing plants, ideally picked once morning dew has dried; whole flowering tops are also gathered.

Parts: Leaf, Flowering tops
Season: Year-round in warm climates

The root is dug in winter from plants around one year old, when withanolide content is highest, then cleaned, cut and dried; the leaves are picked through the growing season.[5]

Parts: Leaf, Root
Season: Root in winter, from around one-year-old plants; leaf through the growing season

Traditional Uses

Tulsi is one of the most revered plants in Ayurvedic medicine, traditionally used as an adaptogen for stress, a remedy for respiratory complaints (colds, cough, asthma), and a general immune tonic. Modern clinical trials support adaptogenic/anti-stress, blood-sugar-lowering and immunomodulatory effects consistent with these traditional uses.[3, 12]

Ashwagandha root is one of the most important rasayana (rejuvenative) tonics of Ayurvedic medicine, traditionally used to build strength and vitality, support healthy stress response, and promote restful sleep; this traditional adaptogenic reputation is now supported by clinical trials of standardised root extract for stress, sleep and physical performance.[1, 5]

Preparations

Infusion (tea)[3]

Dried or fresh leaf steeped in hot water, alone or blended with other herbs/spices.

Standardised extract capsule[1, 12]

Encapsulated dry-leaf extract, the form used in most clinical trials for stress, mood and sleep.

Standardised extract[1, 5]

Root extract standardised to withanolide content, taken as capsules or tablets; the form used in most clinical stress, sleep and performance studies.

Dosage

Standardised extract[1, 12]

Clinical trials for stress and mood have used standardised dry-extract capsules taken over several weeks; dosing varies by product concentration, so follow the manufacturer's guidance. Educational reference only, not a prescription.

Infusion (tea)[13]

The WHO monograph on Folium Ocimi Sancti gives a daily dosage of 6-12 g of the crude drug as a decoction. This is a whole-day total for the fresh or dried leaf, notably higher than the 1-2 g per cup often quoted in popular sources. Educational reference only, not a prescription.

Standardised extract[1]

Clinical trials for stress and sleep commonly use around 300-600 mg of standardised root extract daily, in divided doses, over several weeks. Educational reference only, not a prescription.

References

REF-1427, REF-1428, REF-1429, REF-1430, REF-1431, REF-1432, REF-1433, REF-1434, REF-1435, REF-1436
REF-2245, REF-2246, REF-2247, REF-2248, REF-2249, REF-2250, REF-2251, REF-2252, REF-2253, REF-2254, REF-2255

Drug Class Interactions

Safety note[15, 16]Caution
Drug Class: antidiabetics
Mechanism: Holy basil (tulsi) can lower fasting and after-meal blood glucose in people with type 2 diabetes; combined with diabetes medicines it may add to blood-sugar lowering, so monitor blood sugar.
Reviewed By: Omnia Sana (owner-authorized)
Reviewed Date: 2026-07-03
Safety note[21, 22]Caution
Drug Class: thyroid-medicines
Mechanism: Ashwagandha can raise circulating thyroid hormone (T3/T4) and lower TSH; a randomized trial normalised thyroid indices in subclinical hypothyroidism and a case of thyrotoxicosis has been reported. Combined with thyroid medication it may add to thyroid activity, so monitor thyroid levels.
Reviewed By: Omnia Sana (owner-authorized)
Reviewed Date: 2026-07-03
Safety note[1, 23, 24]Caution
Drug Class: sedatives-cns-depressants
Mechanism: Ashwagandha has sedative, GABA-related calming activity (a meta-analysis of randomised trials found it improves sleep); taken with sedatives, sleeping tablets or other central-nervous-system depressants it may add to drowsiness and slowed reactions.
Reviewed By: Omnia Sana (owner-authorized)
Reviewed Date: 2026-07-03
Safety note[25]Caution
Drug Class: antidiabetics
Mechanism: Ashwagandha can lower blood glucose; combined with diabetes medicines it may add to blood-sugar lowering and increase the risk of hypoglycaemia, so monitor blood sugar.
Reviewed By: Omnia Sana (owner-authorized)
Reviewed Date: 2026-07-03

Lookalikes Review

Outcome: none-known
Reviewed By: Omnia Sana (owner-authorized)
Reviewed Date: 2026-07-07
Outcome: none-known
Reviewed By: Omnia Sana (owner-authorized)
Reviewed Date: 2026-07-07

Pairings

Not documented

Both ashwagandha and valerian are calming, sleep-promoting herbs; using them together may add to drowsiness and sedation, so take care especially before driving or when using other sedatives.[1, 23]

Partner Id: valeriana-officinalis
Type: caution
Reviewed By: Omnia Sana (owner-authorized)
Reviewed Date: 2026-07-03

Ashwagandha and kava both calm the central nervous system; combining them may add to sedation and drowsiness, so combined use warrants caution.[1, 23]

Partner Id: piper-methysticum
Type: caution
Reviewed By: Omnia Sana (owner-authorized)
Reviewed Date: 2026-07-03

References & Sources

  1. Lopresti, A.L., Smith, S.J., Metse, A.P. and Drummond, P.D (2022) 'A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial investigating the effects of an Ocimum tenuiflorum (Holy Basil) extract (Holixer) on stress, mood, and sleep in adults experiencing stress', Frontiers in Nutrition, 9, pp. 965130. doi:10.3389/fnut.2022.965130 Randomized trial
    https://doi.org/10.3389/fnut.2022.965130
  2. Baliga, M.S., Jimmy, R., Thilakchand, K.R., Sunitha, V. and others (2013) 'Ocimum sanctum L (Holy Basil or Tulsi) and its phytochemicals in the prevention and treatment of cancer', Nutrition and Cancer, 65(Suppl 1), pp. 26-35. doi:10.1080/01635581.2013.785010 Meta-analysis / review
    https://doi.org/10.1080/01635581.2013.785010
  3. Cohen, M.M (2014) 'Tulsi - Ocimum sanctum: A herb for all reasons', Journal of Ayurveda and Integrative Medicine, 5(4), pp. 251-259. doi:10.4103/0975-9476.146554 Meta-analysis / review
    https://doi.org/10.4103/0975-9476.146554
  4. Arya, R., Faruquee, H.M., Shakya, H., Rahman, S.A. and others (2024) 'Harnessing the Antibacterial, Anti-Diabetic and Anti-Carcinogenic Properties of Ocimum tenuiflorum Linn (Tulsi)', Plants, 13(24), pp. 3516. doi:10.3390/plants13243516 Preclinical
    https://doi.org/10.3390/plants13243516
  5. Prakash, P. and Gupta, N (2005) 'Therapeutic uses of Ocimum sanctum Linn (Tulsi) with a note on eugenol and its pharmacological actions: a short review', Indian Journal of Physiology and Pharmacology, 49(2), pp. 125-131. Meta-analysis / review
    https://scholar.google.com/scholar?q=Therapeutic%20uses%20of%20Ocimum%20sanctum%20Linn%20%28Tulsi%29%20with%20a%20note%20on%20eugenol%20and%20its%20pharmacological%20actions%3A%20a%20short%20review
  6. Jayapal, V., Vidya Raj, C.K., Muthaiah, M., Chadha, V.K. and others (2021) 'In-vitro anti-Mycobacterium tuberculosis effect of essential oil of Ocimum sanctum L. (Tulsi/Basil) leaves', Indian Journal of Tuberculosis, 68(4), pp. 470-473. doi:10.1016/j.ijtb.2021.02.009 Preclinical
    https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ijtb.2021.02.009
  7. Baliga, M.S., Rao, S., Rai, M.P. and D'souza, P (2016) 'Radio protective effects of the Ayurvedic medicinal plant Ocimum sanctum Linn. (Holy Basil): A memoir', Journal of Cancer Research and Therapeutics, 12(1), pp. 20-27. doi:10.4103/0973-1482.151422 Meta-analysis / review
    https://doi.org/10.4103/0973-1482.151422
  8. Kamel, F.O., Karim, S., Bafail, D.A.O., Aldawsari, H.M. and others (2023) 'Hepatoprotective effects of bioactive compounds from traditional herb Tulsi (Ocimum sanctum Linn) against galactosamine-induced hepatotoxicity in rats', Frontiers in Pharmacology, 14, pp. 1213052. doi:10.3389/fphar.2023.1213052 Preclinical
    https://doi.org/10.3389/fphar.2023.1213052
  9. Yadav, I., Kumar, R., Fatima, Z. and Rema, V (2024) 'Ocimum sanctum (Tulsi) as a Potential Immunomodulator for the Treatment of Ischemic Injury in the Brain', Current Molecular Medicine, 24(1), pp. 60-73. doi:10.2174/1566524023666221212155340 Meta-analysis / review
    https://doi.org/10.2174/1566524023666221212155340
  10. Kumar, P. and Patel, D (2023) 'Ocimum Sanctum: An All-Round Treatment for Cancer?', Alternative Therapies in Health and Medicine, 29(4), pp. 253-257. Meta-analysis / review
    https://scholar.google.com/scholar?q=Ocimum%20Sanctum%3A%20An%20All-Round%20Treatment%20for%20Cancer%3F
  11. Bhattacharyya, P. and Bishayee, A (2013) 'Ocimum sanctum Linn. (Tulsi): an ethnomedicinal plant for the prevention and treatment of cancer', Anti-Cancer Drugs. doi:10.1097/CAD.0b013e328361aca1 Traditional / reference
    https://doi.org/10.1097/CAD.0b013e328361aca1
  12. Jamshidi, N. and Cohen, M.M (2017) 'The Clinical Efficacy and Safety of Tulsi in Humans: A Systematic Review of the Literature', Evidence-Based Complementary and Alternative Medicine. doi:10.1155/2017/9217567 Meta-analysis / review
    https://doi.org/10.1155/2017/9217567
  13. World Health Organization (2002) 'Folium Ocimi Sancti'. Available at: https://iris.who.int/items/6418d8af-5200-4e6b-9bf5-004f3aa62a37 Traditional / reference
    https://iris.who.int/items/6418d8af-5200-4e6b-9bf5-004f3aa62a37
  14. Sampath, S., Mahapatra, S.C., Padhi, M.M., Sharma, R. and Talwar, A (2015) 'Holy basil (Ocimum sanctum Linn.) leaf extract enhances specific cognitive parameters in healthy adult volunteers: A placebo controlled study', Indian Journal of Physiology and Pharmacology, 59(1), pp. 69--77. Randomized trial
    https://scholar.google.com/scholar?q=Holy%20basil%20%28Ocimum%20sanctum%20Linn.%29%20leaf%20extract%20enhances%20specific%20cognitive%20parameters%20in%20healthy%20adult%20volunteers%3A%20A%20placebo%20controlled%20study
  15. Jamshidi, N. and Cohen, M.M (2017) 'The Clinical Efficacy and Safety of Tulsi in Humans: A Systematic Review of the Literature', Evidence-Based Complementary and Alternative Medicine, 2017, pp. 9217567. doi:10.1155/2017/9217567 Meta-analysis / review
    https://doi.org/10.1155/2017/9217567
  16. Agrawal, P., Rai, V. and Singh, R.B (1996) 'Randomized placebo-controlled, single blind trial of holy basil leaves in patients with noninsulin-dependent diabetes mellitus', International Journal of Clinical Pharmacology and Therapeutics, 34(9), pp. 406-409. Randomized trial
    https://scholar.google.com/scholar?q=Randomized%20placebo-controlled%2C%20single%20blind%20trial%20of%20holy%20basil%20leaves%20in%20patients%20with%20noninsulin-dependent%20diabetes%20mellitus
  1. Cheah, K.L., Norhayati, M.N., Husniati Yaacob, L. and Abdul Rahman, R (2021) 'Effect of Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera) extract on sleep: a systematic review and meta-analysis', PLoS One, 16(9), pp. e0257843. doi:10.1371/journal.pone.0257843 Meta-analysis / review
    https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0257843
  2. Speers, A.B., Cabey, K.A., Soumyanath, A. and Wright, K.M (2021) 'Effects of Withania somnifera (ashwagandha) on stress and the stress-related neuropsychiatric disorders anxiety, depression, and insomnia', Current Neuropharmacology, 19(9), pp. 1468-1495. doi:10.2174/1570159X19666210712151556 Meta-analysis / review
    https://doi.org/10.2174/1570159X19666210712151556
  3. Arumugam, V., Vijayakumar, V., Balakrishnan, A., B Bhandari, R., Boopalan, D., Ponnurangam, R., Sankaralingam Thirupathy, V. and Kuppusamy, M (2024) 'Effects of Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera) on stress and anxiety: a systematic review and meta-analysis', Explore, 20(6), pp. 103062. doi:10.1016/j.explore.2024.103062 Meta-analysis / review
    https://doi.org/10.1016/j.explore.2024.103062
  4. Lopresti, A.L., Smith, S.J., Malvi, H. and Kodgule, R (2019) 'An investigation into the stress-relieving and pharmacological actions of an ashwagandha (Withania somnifera) extract: a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study', Medicine, 98(37), pp. e17186. doi:10.1097/MD.0000000000017186 Randomized trial
    https://doi.org/10.1097/MD.0000000000017186
  5. Paul, S., Chakraborty, S., Anand, U., Dey, S., Nandy, S., Ghorai, M., Saha, S.C., Patil, M.T., Kandimalla, R. and Prockow, J (2021) 'Withania somnifera (L.) Dunal (Ashwagandha): a comprehensive review on ethnopharmacology, pharmacotherapeutics, biomedicinal and toxicological aspects', Biomedicine & Pharmacotherapy, 143, pp. 112175. doi:10.1016/j.biopha.2021.112175 Meta-analysis / review
    https://doi.org/10.1016/j.biopha.2021.112175
  6. Dar, N.J., Hamid, A. and Ahmad, M (2015) 'Pharmacologic overview of Withania somnifera, the Indian ginseng', Cellular and Molecular Life Sciences, 72(23), pp. 4445-4460. doi:10.1007/s00018-015-2012-1 Meta-analysis / review
    https://doi.org/10.1007/s00018-015-2012-1
  7. Pandit, S., Srivastav, A.K., Sur, T.K., Chaudhuri, S., Wang, Y. and Biswas, T.K (2024) 'Effects of Withania somnifera extract in chronically stressed adults: a randomized controlled trial', Nutrients, 16(9), pp. 1293. doi:10.3390/nu16091293 Randomized trial
    https://doi.org/10.3390/nu16091293
  8. Wankhede, S., Langade, D., Joshi, K., Sinha, S.R. and Bhattacharyya, S (2015) 'Examining the effect of Withania somnifera supplementation on muscle strength and recovery: a randomized controlled trial', Journal of the International Society of Sports Nutrition, 12, pp. 43. doi:10.1186/s12970-015-0104-9 Randomized trial
    https://doi.org/10.1186/s12970-015-0104-9
  9. Choudhary, D., Bhattacharyya, S. and Bose, S (2017) 'Efficacy and safety of ashwagandha (Withania somnifera (L.) Dunal) root extract in improving memory and cognitive functions', Journal of Dietary Supplements, 14(6), pp. 599-612. doi:10.1080/19390211.2017.1284970 Randomized trial
    https://doi.org/10.1080/19390211.2017.1284970
  10. Tiwari, S., Gupta, S.K. and Pathak, A.K (2021) 'A double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled trial on the effect of Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera dunal.) root extract in improving cardiorespiratory endurance and recovery in healthy athletic adults', Journal of Ethnopharmacology, 272, pp. 113929. doi:10.1016/j.jep.2021.113929 Randomized trial
    https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jep.2021.113929
  11. Singh, N., Yadav, S.S., Rao, A.S., Nandal, A., Kumar, S., Ganaie, S.A. and Narasihman, B (2020) 'Review on anticancerous therapeutic potential of Withania somnifera (L.) Dunal', Journal of Ethnopharmacology, 270, pp. 113704. doi:10.1016/j.jep.2020.113704 Meta-analysis / review
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  21. Sharma, A.K., Basu, I. and Singh, S (2018) 'Efficacy and Safety of Ashwagandha Root Extract in Subclinical Hypothyroid Patients: A Double-Blind, Randomized Placebo-Controlled Trial', Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine, 24(3), pp. 243-248. doi:10.1089/acm.2017.0183 Randomized trial
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  22. Gannon, J.M., Forrest, P.E. and Roy Chengappa, K.N (2014) 'Subtle changes in thyroid indices during a placebo-controlled study of an extract of Withania somnifera in persons with bipolar disorder', Journal of Ayurveda and Integrative Medicine, 5(4), pp. 241-245. doi:10.4103/0975-9476.146566 Clinical study
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  23. Caus, M.N., Lupoae, M. and Chitescu, C.L (2026) 'Efficacy and Safety of Herbal Supplements with Anxiolytic, Antidepressant, and Sedative Action: A Review of Clinical Data and Toxicological Risks', Pharmaceuticals, 19(3), pp. 399. doi:10.3390/ph19030399 Meta-analysis / review
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  24. Cheah, K.L., Norhayati, M.N., Husniati Yaacob, L. and Abdul Rahman, R (2021) 'Effect of Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera) extract on sleep: a systematic review and meta-analysis', PLoS One, 16(9), pp. e0257843. doi:10.1371/journal.pone.0257843 Meta-analysis / review
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  25. Makhlouf, E.A., AlamElDeen, Y.K., El-Shiekh, R.A. and Okba, M.M (2024) 'Unveilling the antidiabetic potential of ashwagandha (Withania somnifera L.) and its withanolides - a review', Natural Product Research, 39(24), pp. 7203-7218. doi:10.1080/14786419.2024.2439009 Meta-analysis / review
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Generated automatically from the Omnia Sana plant database and its cited sources. For educational purposes only — not medical advice. Always consult a qualified practitioner before using medicinal plants.