5. Conclusions
anxiety
In conclusion, the result of this study suggests that ARE (Shagandha, standardized for 2.5% withanolides) at 500 mg with 5 mg of 95% piperine once a day could induce positive effects on stress and anxiety and improve the quality of life in healthy individuals with mild to moderate stress. A significant improvement could be observed in cognitive tasks, multitasking, and concentration in comparison to placebo. ARE significantly reduced cortisol levels and increased serotonin suggesting its mechanism of action through the HPA axis. The results of the study were comparable to earlier studies conducted with ashwagandha extracts containing a higher quantum of withanolides. Future studies in different ethnic populations and longer duration would substantiate our results.