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REVIEW PAPER
Clinical evidence for the adaptogenic effects of Withania somnifera and Rhodiola rosea – A systematic review with molecular interpretation of psychometric outcomes
1
Department of Biology with Genetics, Medical University, Lublin, Poland
2
Department of Clinical Genetics, Medical University, Lublin, Poland
Corresponding author
Joanna Łuszczak
Department of Biology with Genetics, Medical University of Lublin, Chodzki 4a, 20-093, Lublin, Poland
Department of Biology with Genetics, Medical University of Lublin, Chodzki 4a, 20-093, Lublin, Poland
KEYWORDS
TOPICS
ABSTRACT
Introduction and objective:
Adaptogens are plant-derived substances that enhance the body’s resilience to physical and psychological stress, with Withania somnifera and Rhodiola rosea being among the most studied representatives. The aim of this review is to evaluate the adaptogenic effects of W. somnifera and R. rosea based on randomized controlled trials (RCTs).
Review methods:
A systematic literature search was performed using the key words: ‘ashwagandha’, ‘Withania somnifera’, ‘Rhodiola rosea’, and ‘plant adaptogen’. Twenty-four studies met the inclusion criteria – 19 on W. somnifera and 5 on R. rosea.
Brief description of the state of knowledge:
The analyzed trials involved 10–590 participants, aged 18–75 years, both healthy individuals and patients with stress-related or functional disorders. Interventions included standardized extracts at daily doses of 120–1000 mg for W. somnifera and 290–1500 mg for R. rosea, with supplementation lasting 3–16 weeks. Reported benefits included reduction of stress and anxiety, alleviation of depressive symptoms, improved sleep quality, enhancement of cognitive functions, increased muscle strength and recovery, and favourable hormonal changes. Methodological heterogeneity, short intervention periods, and small sample sizes remain limitations.
Summary:
Evidence from RCTs confirms that W. somnifera and R. rosea exert multi-dimensional adaptogenic effects, improving psychophysical health and supporting stress resilience. Their mechanisms involve regulation of the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis, neurotransmission, immune and hormonal pathways. Further long-term, high-quality clinical trials, supplemented with molecular and systemic approaches, are required to consolidate their role in integrative, evidence-based medicine.
Adaptogens are plant-derived substances that enhance the body’s resilience to physical and psychological stress, with Withania somnifera and Rhodiola rosea being among the most studied representatives. The aim of this review is to evaluate the adaptogenic effects of W. somnifera and R. rosea based on randomized controlled trials (RCTs).
Review methods:
A systematic literature search was performed using the key words: ‘ashwagandha’, ‘Withania somnifera’, ‘Rhodiola rosea’, and ‘plant adaptogen’. Twenty-four studies met the inclusion criteria – 19 on W. somnifera and 5 on R. rosea.
Brief description of the state of knowledge:
The analyzed trials involved 10–590 participants, aged 18–75 years, both healthy individuals and patients with stress-related or functional disorders. Interventions included standardized extracts at daily doses of 120–1000 mg for W. somnifera and 290–1500 mg for R. rosea, with supplementation lasting 3–16 weeks. Reported benefits included reduction of stress and anxiety, alleviation of depressive symptoms, improved sleep quality, enhancement of cognitive functions, increased muscle strength and recovery, and favourable hormonal changes. Methodological heterogeneity, short intervention periods, and small sample sizes remain limitations.
Summary:
Evidence from RCTs confirms that W. somnifera and R. rosea exert multi-dimensional adaptogenic effects, improving psychophysical health and supporting stress resilience. Their mechanisms involve regulation of the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis, neurotransmission, immune and hormonal pathways. Further long-term, high-quality clinical trials, supplemented with molecular and systemic approaches, are required to consolidate their role in integrative, evidence-based medicine.
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