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At a Glance
Age
18 – 45
Sex
Any
Study type
Interventional
Purpose
Treatment
Participants needed
80 (estimated)
Sponsor
SF Research Institute, Inc. · Research network
Who this trial is looking for
This trial is looking for adults aged 18 to 45 who identify as sexual or gender minorities and experience moderate to high stress. Participants will take either Ashwagandha capsules or a placebo for 8 weeks and complete surveys to measure stress, anxiety, and sleep quality.
Are You a Good Fit for This Trial?
Must not be takingAnti-anxiety medicationSleep medication
Rules you outMajor depressive disorderBipolar disorderPsychosis
You may be able to join if
I identify as a sexual or gender minority.
I am between 18 and 45 years old.
I have moderate to high perceived stress levels.
I am willing to provide written informed consent.
You may not be able to join if
I have a current psychiatric diagnosis.
I have used anti-anxiety or sleep medication in the last 3 months.
I have a known allergy to Ashwagandha.
I have a chronic illness that may affect the study results.
Summarized in plain language from this trial's official eligibility criteria.
The full criteria are further down this page — only the research team can
confirm whether you qualify.
Think this trial could be right for you?
Answer three quick questions written from this study's own rules to see if you may qualify. No account needed to find out.
Sexual and gender minority adults often experience elevated levels of chronic stress due to stigma, discrimination, and social adversity, commonly referred to as minority stress. This persistent stress is associated with increased anxiety, mood disturbances, impaired sleep quality, and reduced quality of life. There is a need for safe, non-pharmacological interventions that can support mental well…
Sexual and gender minority adults often experience elevated levels of chronic stress due to stigma, discrimination, and social adversity, commonly referred to as minority stress. This persistent stress is associated with increased anxiety, mood disturbances, impaired sleep quality, and reduced quality of life. There is a need for safe, non-pharmacological interventions that can support mental well-being in this population.
This randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study is designed to evaluate the efficacy and safety of Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera) root extract in reducing stress and improving anxiety and sleep quality in adults experiencing minority stress. A total of 80 adults aged 18 to 45 years who self-identify as sexual or gender minorities and report moderate to high perceived stress will be enrolled.
Participants will be randomly assigned to receive either Ashwagandha root extract (300 mg capsules taken twice daily) or an identical placebo for 8 weeks. Efficacy will be assessed using validated psychological and quality-of-life questionnaires, including the Perceived Stress Scale, Depression Anxiety Stress Scale, Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index, and other mood and minority stress measures. Salivary cortisol will be measured as a biological marker of stress. Safety will be evaluated through monitoring of adverse events throughout the study.
Trial Locations
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Eligibility Criteria
Inclusion Criteria:
1. Self-identified as a sexual or gender minority (e.g., lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, non-binary).
2. Aged 18-45 years.
3. Moderate to high perceived stress levels (PSS-10 total score \>14).
4. Willing to provide written informed consent.
Exclusion Criteria:
1. …
Inclusion Criteria:
1. Self-identified as a sexual or gender minority (e.g., lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, non-binary).
2. Aged 18-45 years.
3. Moderate to high perceived stress levels (PSS-10 total score \>14).
4. Willing to provide written informed consent.
Exclusion Criteria:
1. Current psychiatric diagnosis (e.g., major depressive disorder, bipolar disorder, psychosis).
2. Use of anti-anxiety or sleep medication (including sleep aids, cannabis or melatonin) in the last 3 months.
3. Known allergy or intolerance to Ashwagandha.
4. Any chronic illness that may confound the results (e.g., known liver illness, severe insomnia, or neurological disorders).
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