A double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled trial on the effect of Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera dunal.) root extract in improving cardiorespiratory endurance and recovery in healthy athletic adults
Tiwari S, Gupta SK, Pathak AK
Journal of ethnopharmacology · 32 citations
Review labels
Neutral facts our review recorded about how this study was done. They describe method, never whether we like the result.
How it was studied
- Design
- Randomized controlled trial (indexed by PubMed)
- Studied in
- People
- Main outcome
- Health markers and function
Who paid for it
- Funding
- Funding not disclosed
Publication
- Published
- 2021-02-16 · J Ethnopharmacol · vol. 272 · p. 113929
- Publisher
- Elsevier BV
- Cited
- 59 citations · more than 97% of similar papers · 7.7× the field average
- Impact
- Top 10% most cited in its field
- References
- 62 works
- Access
- Open access (hybrid journal) · CC-BY
- Research areas
- Phytochemicals and Medicinal Plants · Mindfulness and Compassion Interventions · Medicinal Plants and Bioactive Compounds
- Keywords
- Withania somnifera, Cardiorespiratory fitness, Traditional medicine, Placebo, Medicine, Phytotherapy, Randomized controlled trial, Physical therapy, Surgery, Alternative medicine
- MeSH
- humans, withania, plant roots, plant extracts, antioxidants, maximal voluntary ventilation, medicine, ayurvedic, prospective studies, double-blind method, sports, dietary supplements, adult, young adult, healthy volunteers, sports nutritional physiological phenomena, surveys and questionnaires, cardiorespiratory fitness
3 authors
From IN
- Shashank Tiwari · corresponding
- Sandeep Kumar GuptaM.V. Hospital and Research Centre
- Anklesh Kumar Pathak
Abstract
Ethnopharmacological relevance
Ashwagandha is a reputed herb in traditional Ayurveda, used for various ailments and improving general well-being. Improved cardiorespiratory endurance can aid in attaining better physiological, metabolic, and functional abilities in humans. According to Ayurveda, Ashwagandha has such potential to improve human health.
Aim of the study
This study aimed to evaluate the efficacy and safety of Ashwagandha root extract in enhancing cardiorespiratory endurance in healthy athletic adults.
Materials and methods
Fifty healthy athletic adults were selected randomly and equally allocated to Ashwagandha and placebo groups. The Ashwagandha group received 300 mg of Ashwagandha root extract capsules, twice daily, for 8-weeks. Cardiorespiratory endurance was assessed by measuring the maximum aerobic capacity (VO2 max). Estimation of stress management was done through Total Quality Recovery Scores (TQR), Recovery-Stress Questionnaire for Athletes (RESTQ), and Daily Analysis of Life Demands for Athletes (DALDA) questionnaires along with the antioxidant level measurement.
Results
At the end of the study, a statistically significant improvement in VO2 max outcome was observed in the Ashwagandha group when compared to the placebo group (P = 0.0074). The subjects in the Ashwagandha group also displayed a statistically significant increase at the end of the study when compared to the baseline (P < 0.0001). Significantly improved TQR scores were observed in the Ashwagandha group members compared to their placebo counterparts (P < 0.0001). DALDA questionnaire analysis in the Ashwagandha group was found statistically significant (P < 0.0001) compared to the placebo group. RESTQ assessment also yielded better outcomes, especially for fatigue recovery (P < 0.0001), lack of energy (P < 0.0001), and fitness analysis (P < 0.0001). The enhanced antioxidant level was significant (P < 0.0001) in the Ashwagandha group.
Conclusion
The present findings suggest that Ashwagandha root extract can successfully enhance cardiorespiratory endurance and improve the quality of life in healthy athletic adults. No adverse events were reported by any of the subjects in this study.
Abstract via Europe PMC. Copyright remains with the authors or publisher.
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