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This randomized controlled trial involving 83 recreationally active adults aged 25-50 found that daily supplementation with 300 mg of sustained-release ashwagandha root extract for 90 days significantly improved muscle strength and cardiovascular fitness compared to placebo. Participants taking ashwagandha showed greater increases in bench press strength (15.31 kg vs 7.33 kg) and maximal oxygen uptake (30.56 vs 18.14 mL/kg/min), along with improved quality of life scores and increased testosterone levels in men. The intervention was well-tolerated with only mild, transient adverse effects reported.
Why it matters
These findings suggest that sustained-release ashwagandha formulations could provide a safe, accessible supplement for improving physical performance and recovery in healthy adults engaging in recreational exercise. The demonstrated benefits on both strength and endurance, combined with quality of life improvements, may have applications for general fitness populations seeking natural performance enhancement.
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⚠️ Preprint – Noch nicht peer-reviewed
Dieser Artikel wurde noch nicht von unabhängigen Experten begutachtet. Die Ergebnisse sind vorläufig und sollten mit Vorsicht interpretiert werden.
Introduction: Previous studies suggest that conventional Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera) root extracts may improve physical performance in both athletic and non-athletic populations. However, evidence on sustained-release ashwagandha formulations is lacking. This randomized double-blind, placebo-controlled trial evaluated the safety and efficacy of sustained-release ashwagandha root extract (AshwaSR) 300 mg in improving muscle strength in recreationally active healthy individuals. Methods: Eligible participants aged 25-50 years received AshwaSR 300 mg or placebo capsules once daily for 90 days. Changes in one-repetition maximum (1-RM) bench press, maximal oxygen uptake (VO2max), serum testosterone, creatine kinase (CK) and lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) concentrations, and quality of life (QoL using SF-12 questionnaire) from baseline till study end were evaluated. Results: Of 84 enrolled participants, 83 completed the study (AshwaSR, n=41; Placebo, n=42). Compared with placebo, participants receiving AshwaSR demonstrated significantly greater improvements in muscle strength and cardiorespiratory endurance starting from day 30 (1-RM: 4.69 vs 2.23 kg; VO2max: 9.99 vs 6.64 mL/kg/min; p<0.001), and sustained till day 91 (1-RM: 15.31 vs 7.33 kg; VO2max: 30.56 vs 18.14 mL/kg/min; p<0.001). In the AshwaSR group, total testosterone levels significantly increased from baseline to day 90 among men (mean increase = 121.43 ng/dL; p=0.024); while the improvement in testosterone levels among women was non-significant (13.34 ng/dL; p=0.545) and remained within normal reference ranges. The favorable numerical changes in CK and LDH concentrations were observed in AshwaSR group at the end of the study. AshwaSR group reported significantly improved quality of life at day 91 compared to placebo group (Mental component: 7.72 vs -4.66; p<0.001; Physical component: 5.23 vs -1.91; p<0.001). Reported adverse events in both groups were mild and transient in nature. Conclusion: Three-months supplementation with AshwaSR 300 mg/day was safe and effective in improving muscular strength, cardiorespiratory endurance, and overall wellbeing in recreationally active healthy adults. Clinical Trial Registry of India (CTRI) registration number: CTRI/2025/04/084383