Meta Information

ID:ashwagandha

Name:Ashwagandha

Schema Version:1.5

Title

Ashwagandha

Alternate Names

• Withania somnifera
• Indian ginseng
• Winter cherry

Intervention Type

therapeutic_agent

Expected Cost Mean

Low Cost:

10

High Cost:

30

Cost Type:

monthly

Description:

Cost for a 30-day supply of standardized root extract capsules.

Summary

Ashwagandha is an adaptogenic herb primarily used to help the body manage stress. It works by modulating the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis, which can lead to reduced levels of the stress hormone cortisol. From a healthspan perspective, mitigating chronic stress and high cortisol may reduce associated inflammation and cellular damage, which are known drivers of aging.

Purpose

An adaptogenic herb used to manage stress and reduce cortisol.

Card Summary

Adaptogenic herb for stress and cortisol reduction.

Drug Class

Drugs In Class

Empty Array

Impact

Score:

4.5

Justification:

Primarily targets the stress response, an indirect but significant contributor to aging processes.

Evidence

Grade:

A

Score:

8

Justification:

Multiple human RCTs confirm effects on stress, cortisol, and athletic performance.

Safety

Score:

3

Justification:

Generally recognized as safe (GRAS) with a long history of use; rare mild side effects.

Flags

• May interact with sedatives, immunosuppressants, and thyroid medications.
• Avoid if you have an autoimmune condition, thyroid disorder, or are pregnant/breastfeeding.
• Rare reports of liver issues, potentially due to product contamination or adulteration.

Verdict

A well-studied adaptogen for managing stress, a secondary aging driver.

Created

2026-04-23T22:54:28.804283Z

Model

Gemini 3.1 Pro (High)

Delivery

Route:

oral

Scope:

• systemic

Indication

Focus:

healthspan

Description:

Ashwagandha is an adaptogenic herb primarily used to help the body manage stress. It works by modulating the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis, which can lead to reduced levels of the stress h...

Typical Protocol

• Take 300-600 mg of a standardized root extract (e.g., KSM-66, Sensoril) daily, often split into two doses.