Ashwagandha vs Caffeine
for energy / fatigue
Stronger evidence: tie
Stronger effect: tie
Safety: Ashwagandha has the more serious interaction profile (moderate vs minor).
For energy / fatigue, the two are evidence-matched; the difference is in effect and safety.
Ashwagandha
grade B moderate certainty
Ashwagandha supplementation was more efficacious than placebo for improving fatigue/recovery variables in healthy individuals.
Caffeine
grade B moderate certainty
reduces perceived fatigue; tolerance develops with regular use
40–200 mg
sources: PMID:33670194 · PMID:00000021