PubMed holds 61 randomized-trial papers on ashwagandha, far fewer than creatine. NIH says some preparations may help with stress and insomnia, and notes rare liver-injury cases.
Whitepill finding
On 2 November 2026, PubMed held 61 randomized-trial papers on ashwagandha, against 732 for creatine supplementation. NCCIH, in March 2023, said some preparations may be effective for insomnia and stress, and that there is not enough information on long-term safety. Counts show depth of record, not benefit.
The short version
They sayAshwagandha is proven for stress and anxiety.
NCCIH says some preparations may be effective for insomnia and stress, and that evidence on anxiety is unclear. See the receipt
They sayIt is a natural herb, so it is harmless.
NCCIH notes rare cases linking liver injury to ashwagandha supplements, and to avoid it in pregnancy. See the receipt
They sayLots of studies means it is settled.
A trial count is depth of record. It does not say which preparation was studied or how big any effect was. See the receipt
NCCIH calls ashwagandha an evergreen shrub found in parts of India, Africa, and the Middle East.[1] It is sold as a dietary supplement, and NCCIH notes that supplements are not approved by FDA before they are sold.
The Copium Meter's hype-versus-trials view is on the ashwagandha page.
PubMed holds 61 papers typed as randomized controlled trials and 51 systematic reviews or meta-analyses for ashwagandha or Withania somnifera.[2]
The tag is PubMed's own publication type.[3] That is real depth compared with BPC-157, which has none typed as such, but much less than creatine or the other topics on the evidence ladder.
ClinicalTrials.gov lists 90 interventional studies matching ashwagandha or Withania somnifera.[4] A registration is a plan on file, and we have not assessed any of them.
NCCIH says research shows some ashwagandha preparations may be effective for insomnia and stress, and that evidence is unclear on anxiety.[1] It says ashwagandha may be safe when taken in the short term, up to 3 months, and that there is not enough information to reach conclusions on long-term safety.
1. Which preparation? NCCIH says "some" preparations, not ashwagandha in general. 2. Which outcome? Stress and insomnia differ from anxiety, where NCCIH says evidence is unclear. 3. How long? NCCIH says safe short-term (up to 3 months) and not enough long-term information. 4. Liver injury is rare, but case reports exist. 5. Thyroid, autoimmune, pregnancy or medicines: ask a clinician first.
NCCIH says that although rare, a number of cases link liver injury to ashwagandha supplements.[1] A 2020 case series from Iceland and the US Drug-Induced Liver Injury Network described five cases and concluded the cases illustrate the hepatotoxic potential of ashwagandha.[5]
The same series found the injury typically cholestatic or mixed, with severe jaundice and itching, but self-limited, with liver tests normalizing in 1 to 5 months. NCCIH says to avoid ashwagandha during pregnancy, not to use it while breastfeeding, and it flags people who have autoimmune or thyroid disorders. It also says ashwagandha might interact with some medicines, including those for diabetes and high blood pressure.
Counts are PubMed records matching a published title and abstract query plus a publication-type filter, and ClinicalTrials.gov interventional studies matching the stated terms, both read 2 November 2026. NCCIH statements are quoted or closely paraphrased from its page (last updated March 2023), and the liver-injury case series was read in full at its PubMed Central copy, both on 2 November 2026. We did not read the NIH LiverTox entry for ashwagandha, so we print none of its ratings.
Queries are broad and will include off-topic papers, and publication-type tags can be loose, so treat the counts as depth of record (our grading rules are on the methodology page, and every comparison lives on the ladder hub). Nothing here measures effect size or study quality, covers dosing or products, or is medical advice. The full case series text is at PubMed Central.
(ashwagandha[tiab] OR "withania somnifera"[tiab])ashwagandha OR withania somnifera, interventional studiesPubMed held 61 papers typed as randomized controlled trials and 51 systematic reviews or meta-analyses for ashwagandha or Withania somnifera on 2 November 2026.
NCCIH says research shows some ashwagandha preparations may be effective for insomnia and stress, that evidence on anxiety is unclear, and that there is not enough information on long-term safety.
NCCIH says that although rare, a number of cases link liver injury to ashwagandha supplements, and a 2020 case series of five cases described its hepatotoxic potential, with liver tests normalizing in 1 to 5 months.
No. It means the record is deep. Which preparation was studied, effect size and your own situation are separate questions for a clinician.
Ashwagandha has a moderate trial record and hedged findings from NIH, plus rare liver-injury reports and groups who should avoid it. Use the count to see where the record stands, then ask a clinician about you.