Short-Term Effects of a Botanical Supplement on Anxiety, Mood, and Cognition: A Single-Arm Pilot Study Original Research
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Keywords
stress, anxiety, ashwagandha
Abstract
Introduction: Psychological stress and cognitive fatigue are increasingly prevalent in contemporary life, leading to greater interest in natural interventions that support mental well-being and cognitive performance. Botanicals such as Bacopa monnieri, Withania somnifera (ashwagandha), and Salvia officinalis (sage) have been traditionally used for their adaptogenic and nootropic effects 1,2.
Methods: This pilot trial examined the short-term effects of a multi-ingredient botanical supplement containing Withania somnifera (ashwagandha), Bacopa monnieri, huperzine A, sage, and B vitamins on stress, anxiety, cognition, mood, and sleep over 14 days in healthy adults. Twenty-five participants (M = 30.0, SD = 12.9) consumed two caplets daily for 14 days. Primary outcomes were perceived stress and state anxiety. Secondary endpoints included cognitive performance, Profile of Mood States, Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index, and salivary cortisol. Pre- and post-intervention data were analyzed using paired-samples t-tests.
Results: Significant reductions were observed in perceived stress (12.3±7.1 to 9.7±6.1; p = 0.001) (p < .05) and state anxiety (31.8±9.6 to 28.9±6.7; p = 0.046). Mood profiles were enhanced, with lower Total Mood Disturbance (3.4±24.6 to -2.4±20.4; p = 0.192) and reduced tension (6.6±5.6 to 4.6±3.6; p = 0.091) and depression (2.9±4.1 to 1.9±4.3; p = 0.273). No significant changes were observed in sleep quality or cortisol levels.
Conclusions: These findings suggest potential benefits of short-term botanical supplementation on mood and stress in healthy adults, warranting larger, controlled trials.
References
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Jason Curtis, Belmont University
Assistant Professor
Belmont University
Department of Exercise Science