Effects Of Ashwagandha Research Articles

Effects of ashwagandha (Withania somnifera) root extract on aging-related changes in healthy geriatric dogs: A randomized, double-blinded placebo-controlled study.

This study aimed to explore the clinical potential of Withania somnifera/ashwagandha root extract (ARE) to mitigate age-related changes in healthy geriatric dogs. We hypothesized that ARE can reduce the effects of advancing age, including physiological changes, immune response decline and susceptibility to diseases, by its immunomodulatory effects. A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial was conducted in Telangana, India, from July 2022 to September 2022. Twenty apparently healthy dogs, aged 8 years or older, were enrolled. The dogs were divided into two groups to receive ARE (15mg/kg, once daily, orally) or a placebo control. Various parameters, including serum cortisol levels, haematological profiles, biochemical markers, antioxidant indicators and anti-inflammatory responses, were assessed at the initiation of study, day 30, and day 60. The erythrocyte count and haemoglobin levels were significantly increased with ARE (p<0.001), whereas leukocyte count decreased (p<0.05). Moreover, significant decreases in important markers of liver function (alanine aminotransferase, aspartate aminotransferase, albumin and globulin; p<0.001 at day 60), as well as kidney function markers (creatinine and blood urea nitrogen; p<0.001 at days 30 and 60), were observed in ARE-treated dogs compared to the placebo control group. In addition, the levels of markers of oxidative stress (superoxide dismutase, catalase, glutathione and malondialdehyde) were significantly modulated by ARE intervention, indicating strong antioxidant effects. Interestingly, serum cortisol levels reduced significantly with ARE (p<0.001). Compared to baseline, ARE significantly decreased key inflammatory markers, including interferon-γ, tumour necrosis factor-α, nuclear factor kappa light chain enhancer of activated B cells and interleukin-10 (p<0.001) levels at day 60. In conclusion, the findings of this study suggest that ARE has adaptogenic properties in healthy geriatric dogs by improving haematological and biochemical profiles, enhancing antioxidant defence, reducing stress and modulating inflammatory responses.

Effects of Ashwagandha ( Withania somnifera) standardized root extract on physical endurance and VO 2max in healthy adults performing resistance training: An eight-week, prospective, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study.

Ashwagandha is a well-known Ayurvedic herb used for youthful vigor and wellbeing. This study investigated the effects of 600 mg standardized root extract (>5% withanolides) of Ashwagandha ( Withania somnifera) on muscle size, strength and cardiorespiratory endurance following resistance training. In this eight-week, parallel-group, multicenter, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical study, 80 healthy male and female participants aged 18-45 years, who engaged in regular physical activity were randomly allocated in a 1:1 ratio to receive Ashwagandha (AG, n=40) 300 mg capsules twice daily for eight weeks, or identical placebo (PB, n=40). Seven (3 AG, 4 PB) participants were excluded due to poor compliance. All participants conducted eight-week resistance training. Study outcomes included muscle strength (1RM bench press and leg extension), muscle size(circumference of arm, chest and upper thigh) and cardio-respiratory endurance(VO 2max) assessed at baseline and at eight weeks. Analysis of covariance (ANCOVA) was used to estimate adjusted differences based on sex, BMI and chest circumference at baseline. AG caused greater improvement in bench press (males: p = 0.0084; females: p = 0.0005), leg press (males: p = 0.0049; females: p = 0.018) and endurance (males: p <0.0001; females: p <0.0001) as compared to PB. Also, greater improvements in muscle girth for arm, chest and thigh were seen in both male and female participants with AG. No adverse events were reported in the study. Eight weeks of AG root extract supplementation along with resistance training is effective in improving muscle strength, growth and endurance in both male and female participants. AG root extract could be a safer, effective and low-cost alternative for athletes to improve muscle endurance.

Human tau E14 Mutation Induced Neurodegeneration in Drosophila melanogaster is Ameliorated by Developmental Supplement of Ashwagandha Root Extract

Withania somnifera (L.) Dunal (WS) known as Ashwagandha, has been used for centuries in Ayurvedic medicine to promote longevity and vitality. The use of herbal plant extract in treating several diseases has been documented from the very beginning in Ayurveda. The ethnopharmacological properties of this ‘‘Indian Ginseng’’ plant include adaptogenic, hypnotic, sedative, and diuretic. The root extract of WS has shown the properties of neuronal regeneration by stimulating axon and dendrite outgrowth in neurons in culture. Hence, in the recent decade Ashwagandha has been widely studied for its neuroprotective properties in many rodent models and cell lines. Here, we have used transgenic Drosophila model carrying human tauE14. The mutant protein codes for pseudophosphorylated Tau protein which is specifically expressed in photoreceptor neurons using GMR-Gal4 driver to induce photoreceptor neuronal degeneration. We treated these tauopathy mimicking flies with different concentrations of Ashwagandha to evaluate the neuroprotective/remedial effect of Ashwagandha at different stages of fly development. Our results demonstrated that Ashwagandha can rescue the neurodegeneration phenotype in Drosophila TauE14 disease model only when administered during development.

Effects of Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera) standardized root extract on physical endurance and VO2max in healthy adults preforming resistance training: An eight-week, prospective, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study

Background: Ashwagandha is a well-known Ayurvedic herb used for youthful vigor and wellbeing. This study investigated the effects of 300 mg standardized root extract (&gt;5% withanolides) of Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera) on muscle mass, strength and cardiorespiratory endurance following resistance training. Methods: In this eight-week, parallel-group, multicenter, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical study, 80 healthy male and female participants aged 18-45 years, who engaged in regular physical activity were randomly allocated in a 1:1 ratio to receive Ashwagandha (AG, n=40) 300 mg capsules twice daily for eight weeks, or identical placebo (PB, n=40). Seven (3 AG, 4 PB) participants were excluded due to poor compliance. All participants conducted eight-week resistance training. Study outcomes included muscle strength (1RM bench press and leg extension), muscle size (circumference of arm, chest and upper thigh) and cardio-respiratory endurance (VO2max) assessed at baseline and at eight weeks. Analysis of covariance (ANCOVA) was used to estimate adjusted differences based on sex, BMI and chest circumference at baseline. Results: AG caused greater improvement in chest press (males: p = 0.0084; females: p = 0.0005), leg press (males: p = 0.0049; females: p = 0.018) and endurance (males: p &lt;0.0001; females: p &lt;0.0001) as compared to PB. Also, greater improvements in muscle girth for arm, chest and thigh were seen in both male and female participants with AG. No adverse events were reported in the study. Conclusions: Eight weeks of AG root extract supplementation along with resistance training is effective in improving muscle strength, growth, endurance and recovery in both male and female participants. AG root extract could be a safer, effective and low-cost alternative for athletes to improve muscle endurance.

Effect of Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera) root powder supplementation on growth of kuroiler chicks

Effect of Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera) root powder supplementation on growth of kuroiler chicks

Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera) and Their Effects on the Reproductive Hormones of Male Rats

Abstract Effect of Ashwagandha (powder, extract and their mixtures) on feed intake, body weight gains, feed efficiency ratio, lipid profile, liver enzymes, kidney functions and fertility hormones in rats were examined. Forty-two adult male rats weighing (115±5 g) were divided into 2 main groups. The first main group fed on basal diet as a (negative control group) consisted of (7) rats, while the second main group consisted of (35) rats divided into five similar subgroups were injected with sodium valproate to induce testicular injury at a dose (500 mg/kg) body weight. The first subgroup was then maintained as positive control (+Ve), the second subgroup was fed on basal diet plus Ashwagandha powder (100 g/kg diet), the third subgroup was fed on basal diet plus Ashwagandha extract (10 mg/kg b.w/rat) orally, the fourth subgroup was fed on basal diet plus L-carnitine (150 mg/kg b.w/rat) orally, the fifth subgroup was fed on basal diet plus Ashwagandha powder and (Ashwagandha extract & L-carnitine/rat orally) for one month. At the end of the experimental period, blood samples were collected from each rat and separate the serum which used for determination of some biochemical analysis. Tests specimens were taken for examination. The results of Ashwagandha powder, extract and combination orally to rats revealed that non-significant differences in body weight gains, feed efficiency ratio, feed intake and decreased serum lipid profile and increased in HDL-c. It also decreased in liver enzymes, kidney functions and fertility hormones serum Testosterone, Follicle Stimulating Hormone, Lutenizing Hormone in induced rats which feed on combination of Ashwagandha powder, extract and L-carnitine. So this study recommended using Ashwagandha in improving fertility for patients. الملخص العربي الأشواجندا وتأثيرها على الهرمونات التناسلية لذکور الجرذان تم دراسة تأثير الأشواجندا (مسحوق، مستخلص، خليط منهما) على المأخوذ الغذائي ومعدل کفاءة الغذاء وزيادة وزن الجسم ودهون الدم ووظائف الکبد والکلى وهرمونات الخصوبة في سيرم الجرذان. تم تقسيم أثنين وأربعين من ذکور الفئران البالغة والتي يتراوح أوزانها ما بين (115 ±5 جم) إلى مجموعتين رئيسيتين. المجموعة الأولى الرئيسية تم تغذيتها على نظام غذائي أساسي کمجموعة ضابطة سالبة وتتکون من (7) فئران بينما المجموعة الثانية الرئيسية تتکون من (35) من الفئران قسمت إلى خمسة مجموعات فرعية متساوية تم حقنهم بمادة صوديوم فالبورات لإصابة الخصية بجرعة (500 ملجم/کجم). المجموعة الأولى الفرعية المصابة تم الاحتفاظ بها کمجموعة ضابطة موجبة، المجموعة الثانية الفرعية المصابة تم تغذيتها على النظام الغذائي الأساسي مضاف له مسحوق الأشواجندا (100 جم/کجم) من الغذاء، المجموعة الثالثة الفرعية المصابة تم تغذيتها على النظام الغذائي الأساسي ومستخلص الأشواجندا (10 ملجم/کجم) من وزن الجسم لکل فأر بالفم، المجموعة الرابعة الفرعية تم تغذيتها على النظام الغذائي الأساسي والکارنتين (150 ملجم/کجم) من وزن الجسم لکل فأر بالفم، والمجموعة الخامسة الفرعية تم تغذيتها على النظام الغذائي الأساسي مضاف له مسحوق الأشواجندا وإعطاء مستخلص الأشواجندا والکارنتين لکل فأر عن طريق الفم لمدة شهر. وفي نهاية التجربة تم جمع عينات الدم لفصل السيرم المستخدم في التحاليل البيوکيميائية، کما أخذت عينة من الخصية لإجراء الفحوص عليها. وأوضحت النتائج عدم وجود فروق معنوية في المأخوذ الغذائي ومعدل کفاءة الغذاء وزيادة نسبة وزن الجسم وإنخفاض مستويات السيرم من الکوليسترول الکلي (TC) والدهون الثلاثية (TG) والبرويتينات الدهنية منخفضة الکثافة (LDL-c)، والبروتينات الدهنية منخفضة الکثافة جدا (VLDL-c)، وزيادة في البروتينات الدهنية عالية الکثافة (HDL-c). کما حدثت انخفاض في إنزيمات الکبد، ووظائف الکلى. کما زادت هرمونات الخصوبة في السيرم من Testosterone, Follicle Stimulating Hormone, Lutenizing Hormone في الفئران المصابة التي تغذت على خليط من مسحوق ومستخلص الأشواجندا والکارنتين. لذا توصي الدراسة باستخدام الأشواجندا لتحسين هرمونات الخصوبة للمرضى. الکلمات المفتاحية الأشواجندا، الفئران، هرمونات الخصوبة، دهون الدم، إنزيمات الکبد، وظائف الکلى، التحاليل الکيميائية الحيوية.

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

Ethnopharmacological relevanceAshwagandha 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 studyThis study aimed to evaluate the efficacy and safety of Ashwagandha root extract in enhancing cardiorespiratory endurance in healthy athletic adults. Materials and methodsFifty 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. ResultsAt 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. ConclusionThe 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.

Effects of Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera) on VO2max: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

The purpose of this study was to systematically review the scientific literature about the effects of supplementation with Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera) on maximum oxygen consumption (VO2max), as well as to provide directions for clinical practice. A systematic search was conducted in three electronic databases following the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses Guidelines (PRISMA). The inclusion criteria were: (a) VO2max data, with means ± standard deviation before and after the supplement intervention, (b) the study was randomized controlled trial (RCT), (c) the article was written in English. The quality of evidence was evaluated according to the Grading of Recommendations, Assessment, Development and Evaluation (GRADE) approach. A meta-analysis was performed to determine effect sizes. Five studies were selected in the systematic review (162 participants) and four were included in the meta-analysis (142 participants). Results showed a significant enhancement in VO2max in healthy adults and athletes (p = 0.04). The mean difference was 3.00 (95% CI from 0.18 to 5.82) with high heterogeneity. In conclusion, Ashwagandha supplementation might improve the VO2max in athlete and non-athlete people. However, further research is need to confirm this hypothesis since the number of studies is limited and the heterogeneity was high.

Effect of ashwagandha (Withania somnifera) root powder supplementation on survival, growth and flesh quality of an indian major carp, Labeo rohita (Ham.) fingerlings

Srivastava, A., Ansal, M.D. and Khairnar, S.O. 2020. Effect of ashwagandha (Withania somnifera) root powder supplementation on survival, growth and flesh quality of an Indian major carp, Labeo rohita (Ham.) fingerlings. Animal Nutrition and Feed Technology, 20: 515–524.

Effect of dietary supplementation of ashwagandha (Withania Somnifera) and vitamin E on growth per formance and carcass quality of broilers

Poultry meat is excellent source of protein, vitamins and minerals and India is the fourth largest producer of poultry meat in world. Incorporation of herbal plants and vitamins in the feed of broilers are more acceptable to health conscious consumers. So the current study was designed to analyse the combined effect of Ashwagandha and Vitamin E on growth performance and carcass traits of broilers. Day old chicks (360) were selected and divided in to six groups with 3 replicates of each group, 20 chicks in each replicate. Ashwagandha and vitamin E were supplemented in broiler chicken feed at different levels for different group. The growth performance of broilers were assessed in terms of weekly body weight gain and feed conversion ratio. The carcass quality was analyzed based on dressing percentage, drumstick weight, giblet weight, cooking yield and pH of fresh chicken meat. The data obtained in the present study were analyzed statistically by using Complete Randomized Design one way Anova procedure of SPSS version 20. Average body weight gain of broilers groups treated simultaneously with both the Ashwagandha and vitamin E showed significant (P<0.05) difference when compared to other groups. The highest body weight gain was found during the third week of the trial and for the treatment group T5. The carcass traits were also found better in Ashwagandha and vitamin E treated groups due to the synergistic effect of these dietary inclusions. The current study recommends an inclusion of Ashwagandha and vitamin E in the broiler diet at level of 2.5% and 200 mg/kg, respectively for the improvement of growth performance and carcass traits in broiler chicken.

Effect of supplementation of ashwagandha and vitamin E on haematological and immunological parameters of vencobb-400 broilers

Indian poultry industry is fast growing and poultry meat is not subjected to cultural and religious restrictions. Utilization of medicinal plants as feed ingredient for broilers is increasing due to its growth promoting quality and capacity to reduce antimicrobial resistance among broilers. Vitamin E enhances the immune competence of chickens and restores impaired immunity. The present experimental study was undertaken to study the effects of vitamin E and Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera) on haematological and immunological parameters of VenCobb-400 broilers. Ashwagandha and Vitamin E were supplemented in broiler chicken feed at different levels for different group. The haematological parameters viz. haemoglobin concentration, packed cell volume, total erythrocyte count, total leucocyte count and differential leucocyte count were assessed as per standard procedures. The cell mediated immune response was estimated by skin hypersensitivity test using 1% 2, 4-dinitrochlorobenzene reagent in acetone and it was evaluated after 24, 48 and 72 hours post inoculation. The data obtained in the present study were analyzed statistically. The broiler groups treated with both Ashwagandha and Vitamin E simultaneously, showed significantly higher values of haematological parameters when compared to that of other groups. The cell mediated immunity of birds analysed by cutaneous basophil hypersensitivity reaction was found at higher levels in Ashwagandha and Vitamin E treated groups. Supplementation of 2.5 g Ashwagandha and 1 g Vitamin E per Kg of feed was found to be optimum combination for better haematological and immunological attributes for broilers. This may be due to the synergistic effect of Ashwagandha and Vitamin E on the haematology of broilers.

Effect of Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera) on Performance, Hemato-biochemical Parameters and Economics of Broiler Production

This study was conducted to assess the ashwagandha (Withania somnifera) as a phytogenic herbal growth promoter in broiler chickens. Day-old commercial broiler chicks (n=250) were distributed equally into five groups of 50 chicks each and further subdivided into five replicates The chicks were placed into five dietary treatments-basal diet without any supplements (NCON) or with antibiotic (PCON), ashwagandha at 0.5% (WS-0.5), 1.0% (WS-1.0) and 1.5% (WS-1.5) levels. The effect of these supplements on feed intake, weight gain, FCR, hemato-biochemical parameters, carcass characteristics and on economic return was assessed in a six week study. After six week WS-0.5 and PCON groups showed significantly (P<0.05) higher weight gain and growth rate than NCON group The FCR of PCON and WS-0.5 group broilers were incomparable, while weight gain, growth rate and PI were highest in WS-0.5 group broilers. Ashwagandha supplemented groups showed significantly (P<0.05) higher Hb, PCV and WBC values, however, H: L ratio and serum cholesterol concentrations were lowest in WS-0.5 group. No significant effect of ashwagandha or antibiotics was observed on the drawn yield of broilers. The net profit per bird as well as net profit per kg live weight was highest in WS-0.5 group. The outcome of this study indicated that 0.5% ashwagandha root powder improved weight gain, feed efficiency and economic returns in broiler chickens and may be used as phytogenic growth promoter in broiler production.

Effect of ashwagandha (Withania Somnifera) consumption on the selected physical fitness variables of male sprinters

The purpose of the study was to investigate the effect of ashwagandha (Withania Somnifera) consumption on the selected physical fitness variables of male sprinters. The total number of 20 male sprinters which equally divided 10 in each group i.e. experimental and control groups. The sample was belong to, who had participated at inter college level under Lakshmibai National Institute of physical education, North east regional center in the age group of 18 to 25 years. Ashwagandha medicine gives to 10 experimental groups for 12 week thrice a week of alternate days with milk. After the 12 weeks physical fitness test was taken on 20 male sprinters, experimental as well as control groups. In conclusion; keeping the results and discussion in view the conclusions drawn that the significant effect of Ashwagandha on sprinters related to their standing broad jump (Meters), 50 yard dash (Seconds), pull-ups (Minutes), sit –ups (Minutes), shuttle run (Second), 12- min. run/walk.

Effect of ashwagandha (Withania Somnifera) consumption on the selected physical fitness variables of male sprinters

Effect of ashwagandha (Withania Somnifera) consumption on the selected physical fitness variables of male sprinters

Effect of Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera) against chronic constriction injury induced behavioral and biochemical alterations: Possible involvement of nitric oxide mechanism

Aim: Neuropathic pain (NP) arises due to lesion or disease in somatosensory nervous system. Recent reports indicate the role of Withania somnifera (WS) in various inflammatory pain conditions. The objective of the present study was to explore the possible protective effect of WS against chronic constriction injury (CCI) induced NP in rats. Materials and Methods: CCI of sciatic nerve was performed in male Wistar rats. Various behavioral parameters (thermal hyperalgesia, cold allodynia) followed by biochemical parameters (lipid peroxidation, reduced glutathione, catalase and nitrite) were assessed in sciatic nerves. Drugs were administered consecutively for 21 days from the day of surgery. CCI to sciatic nerve significantly caused thermal hyperalgesia, cold allodynia and oxidative damage in the sciatic nerves when compared with naive and sham control. Results: Chronic administration of WS (100 and 200 mg/kg, p.o.) significantly attenuated hyperalgesia, cold allodynia and oxidative damage (as indicated by reduction in lipid peroxidation, nitrite concentration, restoration of reduced glutathione and catalase activity). Further, L-NAME (5 mg/kg, i.p.) pre-treatment with WS (100 mg/kg, p.o.) significantly potentiated the protective effect of WS which was significant when compared with their effect per se However, L-arginine (100 mg/kg, i.p.) pre-treatment with WS (100 mg/kg, p.o.) significantly reversed the protective effects of WS in sciatic nerve. Conclusion: Result of present study suggests that nitric oxide mechanism could be involved in the protective effect of WS against CCI induced behavior alterations and oxidative damage in rats.

Effects of Ashwagandha (roots of Withania somnifera) on neurodegenerative diseases.

Neurodegenerative diseases commonly induce irreversible destruction of central nervous system (CNS) neuronal networks, resulting in permanent functional impairments. Effective medications against neurodegenerative diseases are currently lacking. Ashwagandha (roots of Withania somnifera Dunal) is used in traditional Indian medicine (Ayurveda) for general debility, consumption, nervous exhaustion, insomnia, and loss of memory. In this review, we summarize various effects and mechanisms of Ashwagandha extracts and related compounds on in vitro and in vivo models of neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer's disease and spinal cord injury.

Dietary Supplementation of Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera, Dunal) Enhances NK Cell Function in Ovarian Tumors in the Laying Hen Model of Spontaneous Ovarian Cancer

Ovarian cancer (OVCA) disseminates in a distinct pattern through peritoneal metastasis and little is known about the immunosuppression in the tumor microenvironment. Our goal was to determine changes in NK cell population during OVCA development and the effects of Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera, Dunal) supplementation on NK cell localization in laying hens with OVCA. Frequency of NK cells in ovarian tumors at early and late stages in 3- to 4-year-old hens (exploratory study) as well as in hens supplemented with dietary Ashwagandha root powder for 90days (prospective study) was examined. The population of stromal NK cells but not the intratumoral NK cells increased with OVCA development and progression. Ashwagandha supplementation decreased the incidence and progression of OVCA. Both the stromal and intratumoral NK cell population increased significantly (P<0.0001) in Ashwagandha supplementated hens. The results of this study suggest that the population of stromal and tumorinfiltrating NK cells is increased by dietary Ashwagandha supplementation. Thus, Ashwagandha may enhance antitumor function of NK cells. This study may be useful for a clinical study to determine the effects of dietary Ashwagandha on NK cell immune function in patients with ovarian cancer.

Effect of Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera) Root Powder Supplementation in Treatment of Hypertension

Effect of Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera) Root Powder Supplementation in Treatment of Hypertension

P01.44. In vivo immune modulating effects of Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera)

Purpose The herb Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera, Dunal), has been used for centuries in Ayurveda as rasayana – promoter of longevity, well-being, and disease prevention. Traditional use combines the herb with a carrier substance called “anupana,” believed to help aid in bioavailability and absorption. To compare the effects of Ashwagandha root extract plus anupana on human immune activation to Ashwagandha extract without anupana, anupana plus sham extract, and sham extract only.

Effects of eight-week supplementation of Ashwagandha on cardiorespiratory endurance in elite Indian cyclists

Background: Cycling is an endurance sport relying mainly on aerobic capacity to provide fuel during long-duration cycling events. Athletes are constantly searching for new methods to improve this capacity through various nutritional and ergogenic aids.sPurpose:The aim of the study was to find out the effect of Ashwagandha on the cardiorespiratory endurance capacity, that is, aerobic capacity of elite Indian cyclists.Materials and Methods: Forty elite (elite here refers to the participation of the athlete in at least state-level events) Indian cyclists were chosen randomly and were equally divided into experimental and placebo groups. The experimental group received 500 mg capsules of aqueous roots of Ashwagandha twice daily for eight weeks, whereas the placebo group received starch capsules.Outcome Measures: The baseline treadmill test for the cyclists were performed to measure their aerobic capacity in terms of maximal aerobic capacity (VO2 max), metabolic equivalent, respiratory exchange ratio (RER), and total time for the athlete to reach his exhaustion stage. After eight weeks of supplementation, the treadmill test was again performed and results were obtained.Results:There was significant improvement in the experimental group in all parameters, whereas the placebo group did not show any change with respect to their baseline parameters. There was significant improvement in the experimental group in all parameters, namely, VO2 max (t = 5.356; P < 0.001), METS (t = 4.483; P < 0.001), and time for exhaustion on treadmill (t = 4.813; P < 0.001) in comparison to the placebo group which did not show any change with respect to their baseline parameters.Conclusion:Ashwagandha improved the cardiorespiratory endurance of the elite athletes.