Ashwagandha for stress, anxiety, and sleep in sexual and gender minority adults
Official title: Efficacy and Safety of Ashwagandha (Withania Somnifera) Root Extract on Stress, Anxiety, and Sleep Quality in Adults Experiencing Minority Stress: A Randomized, Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled Study
Run by SF Research Institute, Inc. · NCT07441070 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This 8-week test will see if taking Ashwagandha root extract twice daily can reduce stress and anxiety and improve sleep in sexual and gender minority adults aged 18–45 who report moderate to high perceived stress.
Quick facts
| Study type | Interventional |
|---|---|
| Ages | 18 Years to 45 Years |
| Sex | All |
| Enrollment | 80 (estimated) |
| Sponsor | SF Research Institute, Inc. Research network |
| Locations | 1 site (San Francisco, California) |
| Status | Recruiting |
| Started | April 29, 2026 |
| Main results expected | July 30, 2026 |
| Study ends | August 15, 2026 |
| Registry record updated | April 27, 2026 |
| Trial ID | NCT07441070 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
Is this trial a fit for you?
✓Likely a good fit
Ideal candidates are adults 18–45 who self-identify as sexual or gender minorities, have moderate to high perceived stress (PSS-10 > 14), and are not using anti-anxiety or sleep medications.
✕Probably not a fit
People with current psychiatric diagnoses, recent use of anxiolytics or sleep aids (including cannabis or melatonin), known Ashwagandha allergy, or certain chronic illnesses are unlikely to benefit or be eligible.
A plain-English reading of the study's rules. Only the study team can confirm whether you qualify.
What this trial studies
This is a single-center, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial enrolling 80 adults who self-identify as sexual or gender minorities and report moderate to high perceived stress. Participants are randomized 1:1 to receive Ashwagandha root extract 300 mg twice daily or an identical placebo for 8 weeks. Assessments occur at baseline, Week 4, and Week 8 with the Perceived Stress Scale (PSS-10) as the primary outcome and secondary measures including anxiety, mood, sleep quality, quality of life, minority stress experiences, and salivary cortisol. Safety and tolerability are monitored throughout the intervention period.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this could provide a safe, non-prescription herbal option to reduce stress and improve anxiety and sleep for sexual and gender minority adults.
How similar studies have gone: Previous randomized trials in generally stressed adult populations have shown reductions in perceived stress, anxiety, and cortisol with Ashwagandha, but it has not been specifically tested in those experiencing minority stress.
Who can join: the full rules
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: 1. Self-identified as a sexual or gender minority (e.g., lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, non-binary). 2. Aged 18-45 years. 3. Moderate to high perceived stress levels (PSS-10 total score \>14). 4. Willing to provide written informed consent. Exclusion Criteria: 1. Current psychiatric diagnosis (e.g., major depressive disorder, bipolar disorder, psychosis). 2. Use of anti-anxiety or sleep medication (including sleep aids, cannabis or melatonin) in the last 3 months. 3. Known allergy or intolerance to Ashwagandha. 4. Any chronic illness that may confound the results (e.g., known liver illness, severe insomnia, or neurological disorders).
Where it's running
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San Francisco Research Institute
San Francisco, California, United States Recruiting
Study contacts
- Study coordinator: Dr. John Ademola
- Email: jademola@sfinstitute.com
- Phone: 415-845-4638
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How to take part
- Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
- Check the official listing on ClinicalTrials.gov for the latest contact details and recruitment status.
- Contact the study coordinator or principal investigator to ask for pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.