Evidence supporting the use of: Ashwagandha
For the body system: Parasympathetic Nervous System

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Synopsis

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

Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera) has been traditionally used in Ayurvedic medicine as an adaptogen to help the body manage stress and promote overall wellbeing. More recently, scientific studies have investigated its effects, particularly on the stress response and autonomic nervous system balance. The parasympathetic nervous system (PNS) is responsible for "rest and digest" functions and counters the "fight or flight" stress response of the sympathetic nervous system.

Several randomized controlled trials and animal studies suggest ashwagandha can lower cortisol levels and reduce perceived stress and anxiety. Some evidence, including heart rate variability (HRV) studies, indicates that ashwagandha supplementation may increase parasympathetic (vagal) tone, reflecting greater PNS activity. For example, a double-blind, placebo-controlled human trial (Chandrasekhar et al., 2012) found significant reductions in stress and serum cortisol with ashwagandha extract, indirectly supporting improved PNS function. Another study (Auddy et al., 2008) documented improvements in stress-induced markers and self-reported well-being.

While these findings are promising and suggest ashwagandha may support the PNS through stress reduction and autonomic balance, more large-scale, direct studies are needed to confirm specific effects on parasympathetic activity. Thus, current evidence is moderate (3/5) and based on both traditional use and emerging scientific validation.

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