The effects of Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera) supplementation on fasting blood glucose and HbA1c: a systematic review and dose–response meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials
Pooled result · FBGResult — go to the resultWMD −3.09 mg/dL 95% CI −5.61 to −0.58Authors' conclusion
Ashwagandha may modestly reduce FBG, but substantial heterogeneity and very low certainty preclude clinical recommendations.
Study context
- Population
- RCTs of Ashwagandha supplementation; Cochrane Library, PubMed, Scopus and Web of Science searched from inception through August 12, 2026
- Participants
- 667 participants11 trials
- Comparison
- Ashwagandha supplementation vs placebo
- Outcome
- FBG and HbA1c
Methodological detailsrandom-effects models, GRADE certainty assessment
- Random-effects models
- GRADE certainty assessment
Pooled result
FBG
WMD
−3.09 mg/dL
95% CI −5.61 to −0.58
Ashwagandhavs Placebo
WMD −3.09 mg/dL (95% CI −5.61 to −0.58)
As reported in the abstract
Further pooled results
HbA1c (3 trials)
- HbA1c estimate imprecise and inconclusive
- WMD, −0.05%; 95% CI, −0.47 to 0.36
Fasting blood glucose (FBG) by intervention duration and dose (exploratory subgroup analyses)
- Variation in FBG effects by duration and dose suggested, but no advantage established for any duration or dose
- Exploratory
Nonlinear dose-response
- No association with dose or intervention duration
Certainty of evidence (GRADE)
- Very low for both outcomes
Original publication
The effects of Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera) supplementation on fasting blood glucose and HbA1c: a systematic review and dose–response meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials. Diabetes Res Clin Pract. Published 25 August 2026. doi:10.
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