Ashwagandha vs NAC for anxiety
Short answer: For anxiety, users rate them about the same: 86% report improvement with Ashwagandha (582 reports) and 90% with NAC (246 reports).
Ashwagandha has 48 meta-analyses and 59 randomized trials on PubMed; NAC has 387 and 767.
Based on 1,745 reports about Ashwagandha and 1,575 about NAC. Not medical advice.
| Ashwagandha Supplement | NAC Supplement | |
|---|---|---|
| User score | 49 | 49 |
| Verdict | Mixed | Mixed |
| Positive of reports that state an outcome | 42% | 55% |
| Reports | 1,745 | 1,575 |
| Research | AResearch: Strong | AResearch: Strong |
| Meta-analyses / RCTs | 48 / 59 | 387 / 767 |
| Mainly used for | ||
| Weight loss % reporting improvement | 100% (3) | 67% (3) |
| Appetite % reporting improvement | 50% (2) | 90% (29) |
| Focus % reporting improvement | 61% (51) | 81% (151) |
| Energy % reporting improvement | 49% (95) | 74% (69) |
| Sleep % reporting improvement | 74% (176) | 71% (41) |
| Anxiety % reporting improvement | 86% (582) | 90% (246) |
| Mood % reporting improvement | 47% (339) | 65% (257) |
| Memory % reporting improvement | 67% (6) | 77% (13) |
| Performance % reporting improvement | 88% (24) | 75% (8) |
| Recovery % reporting improvement | 100% (3) | 86% (14) |
| Pain & inflammation % reporting improvement | 83% (6) | 86% (28) |
| Digestion % reporting improvement | 40% (5) | 72% (18) |
| Libido % reporting improvement | 59% (105) | 29% (7) |
| Hormones % reporting improvement | 71% (65) | 88% (8) |
| Blood sugar % reporting improvement | 50% (2) | 100% (3) |
| Heart & lipids % reporting improvement | 50% (6) | 67% (12) |
| Skin & hair % reporting improvement | 50% (4) | 89% (18) |
| Immunity % reporting improvement | 50% (2) | 100% (33) |
| Longevity % reporting improvement | — | 100% (7) |
| Common side effects | anhedonia, drowsiness, anxiety, irritability | anhedonia, fatigue, stomach issues, depression |
| Typical dose reported | daily (past) | as needed |
The current systematic review and dose-response meta-analysis of RCTs revealed a beneficial effect in both stress and anxiety following Ashwagandha supplementation. However, further high-quality studies are needed to firmly establish the clinical efficacy of the plant.
Phytother Res, 2022 ↗“I used to take Ashwagandha daily but stopped.”
Taken together, these preliminary findings suggest that dietetic approaches might be included as part of BD treatment. Also considering the high risk of metabolic disorders in individuals with BD, they should be encouraged to choose healthy dietary lifestyles, including daily intake of fruits, vegetables, seafood and whole grains.
Nutr Neurosci, 2023 ↗“When I get wired up with mania, anxiety, insomnia. I usually take methylfolate and NAC.”
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Percentages come from first-hand user reports and are not clinical outcomes. Talk to a doctor before starting, stopping or combining anything. How we rate