Data from the randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical study also indicated that both products were associated with improved mood and sleep quality in highly stressed adults.
The multi-herb formulation contained a proprietary blend of Rhodiola rosea root, holy basil (Ocimum sanctum L.) leaf, oat (Avena sativa L.) milky seed, Schisandra chinensis (Trucz.) berry, and ashwagandha (Withania somnifera (L.) Dunal) root, while the ashwagandha formula contained an ashwagandha hydroethanolic extract and an ashwagandha root powdered extract.
“While both investigational products demonstrated improvements in stress and fatigue-related outcomes compared with placebo, differences in the timing and pattern of response were observed,” wrote scientists from Gaia Herbs, Vedic Lifesciences, and the Kewalramani Clinic in Mumbai.
“[The full-spectrum ashwagandha extract product] was associated with greater improvements in stress and sleep quality, whereas [the adaptogen combination product] showed more sustained effects on mood-related outcomes such as depression and anxiety over the study period. These findings suggest formulation-specific benefits.”
Adaptogens
Adaptogens are natural, plant-derived substances that help the body manage stress by promoting homeostasis. They work by re-regulating two master control systems in the body, the HPA axis (hypothalamic/pituitary/adrenal axis) and the SAS or sympatho-adrenal system. The HPA axis controls all endocrine function, as well as nervous system and some immune function, while SAS is the fight-or-flight response.
Interest in adaptogenic herbs has grown significantly as consumers seek out natural methods to manage stress levels and improve the quality of their sleep.
The U.S. market for adaptogens is valued at around US$4 billion, according to multiple sources, with a forecast compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of approximately 7% through 2033.
Stress stats
Approximately 75% of U.S. adults experience stress, according to the American Institute of Stress.
Data from the American Psychological Association indicates that at least 66% of Americans report stress manifesting as physical symptoms, such as anxiety, fatigue, and headaches.
Study details
The researchers recruited 186 stressed adults to take part in their 60-day randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical study. Participants were randomly assigned to one of three groups: Placebo, the multi-herb formulation (standardized to deliver 4–6 mg of eugenol and 6 mg of total rosavins per serving), or the full-spectrum ashwagandha formulation (standardized to deliver at least 2.5 mg of withanolides per serving).
Results showed that both formulations led to significant reductions in scores on the Perceived Stress Scale (PSS), compared to placebo.
Sleep quality, measured using the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI), also significantly improved in both adaptogen groups. This corresponded with increased scores on the Restorative Sleep Questionnaire–Weekly (RSQ-W) when compared with placebo
Both formulations also improved measures of anxiety and stress levels, compared with placebo, while only the multi-herb formulation produced significant improvements in mood scores.
The two products were found to be safe and well-tolerated, said the researchers.
The study concluded that both VL-G-A57 and VL-G-E12 were associated with reductions in stress, fatigue, and anxiety while improving mood and sleep quality.
“Chronic stress is a growing public health concern in the US, linked to sleep disorders, anxiety, reduced productivity, and long-term metabolic and cardiovascular risks,” said Jayesh Chaudhary, founder and CEO of Vedic Lifesciences. “While adaptogens such as ashwagandha have individual clinical evidence, robust, large-scale studies on supplement brands remain limited.
“This study addresses that gap through a randomized design comparing a marketed multi-ingredient formula versus both placebo and an active control (ashwagandha). Such head-to-head trials are rare in dietary supplements, particularly using both placebo and active arms. Conducted under ICH-GCP and reported per CONSORT 2025, it provides a rigorous model for evidence generation in this category.”
Source: Trials, 2026, 27, 205. doi: 10.1186/s13063-026-09495-9. “Effects of multi-herb and ashwagandha root formulas on stress modulation: a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical study”. Authors: E. McKinney, et al.