A 60-day randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial in the journal Trials compared two plant-based adaptogen formulas with placebo in 186 adults with high stress. One was a multi-herb formula containing Rhodiola, holy basil and Schisandra; the other was a full-spectrum ashwagandha extract. The study was published in February 2026.
At day 60, participants taking either formula reported lower scores on the Perceived Stress Scale than those taking placebo, along with better sleep-quality and anxiety scores. Improved mood scores were reported for the multi-herb formula only, and no differences in mental alertness were seen.
The outcomes were questionnaire scores reported by participants, and the trial tested specific formulas, so the results may not apply to other herbal products or doses. ClinicalTrials.gov lists an industry organization, Vedic Lifesciences, as the study’s registrant, so larger independent studies would help confirm the findings. Adaptogens are not a substitute for professional care for persistent stress or anxiety.