In recent decades, the mental health and sleep quality of populations have worsened globally, leading healthcare professionals and researchers to seek new, safe therapies that extend beyond traditional pharmacological treatments. Withania somnifera, commonly known as ashwagandha, appears to be a valuable element for improving overall quality of life due to its abundance of active substances and known multidirectional effects on the human body. This review aims to critically evaluate the available literature on ashwagandha extract and its potential roles in enhancing well-being, with a focus on reducing stress, fatigue, anxiety, and depressive disorders; improving sleep quality; and enhancing cognitive function. Furthermore, an attempt has also been made to highlight the limitations associated with the use of this plant extract in clinical practice and indicate directions for future research.
Keywords: anxiety; ashwagandha; cognitive function; depression; sleep quality; stress.