Synopsis

Source of validity: Scientific
Rating (out of 5): 3

Withanolides are a group of naturally occurring steroidal lactones found predominantly in the plant Withania somnifera (Ashwagandha). The use of Ashwagandha in traditional Ayurvedic medicine is well established for promoting vitality, resilience to stress, and supporting overall energy, which is closely associated with the function of the adrenal cortex (the gland responsible for producing stress-related hormones like cortisol). In recent years, scientific studies have begun to examine the pharmacological actions of withanolides, the primary active components of Ashwagandha. Preclinical and several human clinical studies indicate that Ashwagandha extracts standardized to withanolide content can modulate the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis, resulting in reduced cortisol levels and subjective improvements in stress and anxiety. For example, randomized controlled trials have demonstrated that Ashwagandha supplementation can lower serum cortisol and perceived stress in adults. While these findings suggest a beneficial effect on the adrenal system, most studies have used whole-plant extracts rather than isolated withanolides, and the precise mechanisms remain an active area of research. Overall, current evidence provides moderate scientific support (3/5) for the use of withanolide-containing extracts to support adrenal cortex function and stress regulation, but more rigorous and targeted studies are needed to confirm their efficacy and clarify the contribution of individual withanolides.

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