Efficacy of Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera [L.] Dunal) in improving cardiorespiratory endurance in healthy athletic adults
Choudhary B, Shetty A, Langade DG
Ayu · 43 citations
How it was studied
- Design
- Randomized controlled trial (classified by our AI screen)
- Studied in
- People
- Main outcome
- Health markers and function
Who paid for it
- Funding
- Independent funding
Based on full-text disclosure statement.
Publication
- Published
- 2015-01-01 · Ayu · vol. 36 · issue 1 · p. 63
- Publisher
- Medknow
- Cited
- 80 citations · more than 97% of similar papers · 9.8× the field average
- Impact
- Top 10% most cited in its field
- References
- 19 works
- Access
- Paywalled
- Research areas
- Phytochemicals and Medicinal Plants · Mindfulness and Compassion Interventions · Pharmacology and Nanomedicine Research
- Keywords
- Cardiorespiratory fitness, Withania somnifera, Medicine, Placebo, VO2 max, Physical therapy, Quality of life (healthcare), Blood pressure, Heart rate, Internal medicine, Alternative medicine, Nursing
3 authors
From IN
- Deepak Langade · correspondingMahatma Gandhi Mission's Dental College and Hospital
- B. S. ChoudharyHyderabad Rheumatology Center
- Ajoy Prasad Shetty
Abstract
Introduction
Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera [L.] Dunal) has been traditionally used for various actions ranging from vitalizer, improve endurance and stamina, promote longevity, improve immunity, and male and female fertility. However, clinical studies are needed to prove the clinical efficacy of this herb, especially in cardiovascular endurance and physical performance.
Aims
This prospective, double-blind, randomized, and placebo-controlled study evaluated the efficacy of Ashwagandha roots extract in enhancing cardiorespiratory endurance and improving the quality of life (QOL) in 50 healthy male/female athletic adults.
Materials and methods
Cardiorespiratory endurance was assessed by measuring the oxygen consumption at peak physical exertion (VO2 max) levels during a 20 m shuttle run test. The World Health Organization self-reported QOL questionnaire (physical health, psychological health, social relationships, and environmental factors) was used to assess the QOL. Student's t-test was used to compare the differences in a mean and change from baseline VO2 max levels, whereas Wilcoxon signed-rank test was used to assess changes in QOL scores from baseline in the two groups.
Results
There was a greater increase from baseline (P < 0.0001) in the mean VO2 max with KSM-66 Ashwagandha (n = 24) compared to placebo (n = 25) at 8 weeks (4.91 and 1.42, respectively) and at 12 weeks (5.67 and 1.86 respectively). The QOL scores for all subdomains significantly improved to a greater extent in the Ashwagandha group at 12 weeks compared to placebo (P < 0.05).
Conclusion
The findings suggest that Ashwagandha root extract enhances the cardiorespiratory endurance and improves QOL in healthy athletic adults.
Abstract via Europe PMC. Copyright remains with the authors or publisher (CC BY-NC-SA).
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