How digestion affects the benefits of Ashwagandha

Effects of digestion on composition and bioavailability of compounds from Ashwagandha: an in vitro study

['FUNDING_R03'] · UNIVERSITY OF NORTH CAROLINA WILMINGTON · NIH-10867365

This study is looking at how your body breaks down Ashwagandha, a popular herbal supplement, to see which helpful parts can actually get into your bloodstream and how that might help with anxiety and depression.

Quick facts

Phase['FUNDING_R03']
Study typeNih_funding
SexAll
SponsorUNIVERSITY OF NORTH CAROLINA WILMINGTON (nih funded)
Locations1 site (WILMINGTON, UNITED STATES)
Trial IDNIH-10867365 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this research studies

This research investigates how the digestion process alters the composition and availability of beneficial compounds found in Ashwagandha, a popular herbal supplement. Using in vitro laboratory models that simulate the gastrointestinal environment, the study aims to understand how Ashwagandha extracts behave after consumption. It will specifically look at which components can effectively pass through the intestinal membrane into the bloodstream, potentially influencing their therapeutic effects. By analyzing these changes, the research seeks to provide insights into the effectiveness of Ashwagandha as a treatment for conditions like anxiety and depression.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are individuals interested in natural supplements for managing anxiety and depression, particularly those who consume or consider consuming Ashwagandha.

Not a fit: Patients who do not use or have no interest in herbal supplements, or those with conditions unrelated to anxiety or depression, may not benefit from this research.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could enhance the understanding of how Ashwagandha can be used more effectively as a natural treatment for anxiety and depression.

How similar studies have performed: While there has been research on Ashwagandha's effects, this specific investigation into its digestion and bioavailability is novel and has not been extensively tested.

Where this research is happening

WILMINGTON, UNITED STATES

Researchers

About this research

  1. This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
  2. Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
  3. For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page below.

View on NIH RePORTER →

Last reviewed 2026-05-15 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.