What question did this study set out to answer?

To evaluate the efficacy and safety of Withania somnifera (ashwagandha) root extract on sleep quality, body composition, and menopausal symptoms in postmenopausal women.

September 17, 2026Menopause The Journal of The North American Menopause Society

Effects of Withania somnifera root extract on sleep quality, body composition, and menopausal symptoms in postmenopausal women: a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial

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Authors

SOSimran ObhraiGuru Nanak Dev University SSShweta ShenoyGuru Nanak Dev University MAMINAXI ARORA

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Implication

Randomized double-blind trial demonstrates improved sleep quality, menopausal symptoms, and body composition in postmenopausal women, indicating its potential as a safe nonhormonal therapy.

Key Points

To evaluate the efficacy and safety of Withania somnifera (ashwagandha) root extract on sleep quality, body composition, and menopausal symptoms in postmenopausal women.
A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial enrolled 66 postmenopausal women aged 45–65 years at a single center in Amritsar, India.
Participants were randomly allocated to receive either ashwagandha root extract (600 mg/day; n=34) or placebo (n=32) for 12 weeks.
Outcomes included sleep quality (Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index), body composition and bone mineral density (dual-energy x-ray absorptiometry), and menopausal symptoms (Menopause Rating Scale).
Compared with placebo, ashwagandha produced significantly greater improvements in sleep quality scores (mean change -5.2 vs. -0.8; P<0.001) and menopausal symptom scores (mean change -8.1 vs. -1.2; P<0.001).
Body fat percentage was significantly reduced in the ashwagandha arm relative to placebo (mean change -0.6% vs. +0.03%; P<0.01).
No significant between-group differences were observed in bone mineral density, and the intervention was well tolerated with zero serious adverse events reported.

Cite This Study

Obhrai et al. (2026) studied this question.

synapsesocial.com/papers/6aabb7a65f706d05830e6e1d https://doi.org/10.1097/gme.0000000000002894

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Implication

Randomized double-blind trial demonstrates improved sleep quality, menopausal symptoms, and body composition in postmenopausal women, indicating its potential as a safe nonhormonal therapy.

Effects of Withania somnifera root extract on sleep quality, body composition, and menopausal symptoms in postmenopausal women: a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial

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Implication

Key Points

Cite This Study

Effects of Withania somnifera root extract on sleep quality, body composition, and menopausal symptoms in postmenopausal women: a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial

Discussion

Member takes

Implication

Key Points

Cite This Study

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