A Randomized Double-blind Study on the Efficacy of Ashwagandha Root Powder Ghan (AF-43) in Relieving Stress and Anxiety with Reference to Sleep Quality, Inflammatory-Stress Biomarkers and Anabolic Hormonal Outcome
Abstract
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.
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.
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).…
How strong is the evidence?
Evidence Hub reads this as a randomized trial, done in people. Its evidence level is 2 of 5 (High · randomized trial). Randomized trials of a reasonable size are the strongest single-study design. Reported size: 104 participants or records.
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