Effects of Withania somnifera (Ashwagandha) on physical performance

[THEHUGE]

Effects of Withania somnifera (Ashwagandha) and Terminalia arjuna (Arjuna) on physical performance and cardiorespiratory endurance in healthy young adults.
Sandhu JS, Shah B, Shenoy S, Chauhan S, Lavekar GS, Padhi MM.

Department of Sports Medicine and Physiotherapy, Guru Nanak Dev University, Amritsar, Punjab - 143 005, India.

Abstract
INTRODUCTION: Several medicinal plants have been described to be beneficial for cardiac ailments in Ayurveda like Ashwagandha and Arjuna. Ashwagandha-categorised as Rasayanas, and described to promote health and longevity and Arjuna primarily for heart ailments. coronary artery disease, heart failure, hypercholesterolemia, anginal pain and can be considered as a useful drug for coronary artery disease, hypertension and ischemic cardiomyopathy.

OBJECTIVE: There are no scientific clinical studies showing effect of both these drugs on exercise performance after regular administration when given as supplements The present study was therefore designed and performed to assess the effects of Withania somnifera (Ashwagandha) and Terminalia arjuna (Arjuna) individually and as a combination on maximum velocity, average absolute and relative Power, balance, maximum oxygen consumption (VO2 max) and blood pressure in humans.

MATERIALS AND METHODS: Forty normal healthy. Subjects (either sex, mean age 20.6 ± 2.5yrs and mean Body Mass Index 21.9 ± 2.2) were recruited after written informed consent was obtained. Institutional Ethics Committee permission was also obtained. Thirty participants were assigned to experimental group of which 10 received standardized root extracts of Withania somnifera, 10 received standardized bark extract of Terminalia arjuna and the rest of the 10 received standardized root extract of Withania somnifera in addition to bark extract of Terminalia arjuna both. Both the drugs were given in the form of capsules (dosage 500mg/day for both the drugs). Ten participants received placebo (capsules filled with flour). All the subjects continued the regimen for 8 weeks. All variables were assessed before and after the course of drug administration

OBSERVATIONS: Our study showed that Withania somnifera increased velocity, power and VO2 max whereas Terminalia arjuna increased VO2 max and lowered resting systolic blood pressure. When given in combination, the improvement was seen in all parameters except balance and diastolic blood pressure.

CONCLUSION: Withania somnifera may therefore be useful for generalized weakness and to improve speed and lower limb muscular strength and neuro-muscular co-ordination. Terminalia arjuna may prove useful to improve cardio-vascular endurance and lowering systolic blood pressure. Both drugs appear to be safe for young adults when given for mentioned dosage and duration.

[eldawg]

Interesting. I am looking at a Ashwagandha + Rhodiola stack next year during the ball season to get some of these benefits.

[THEHUGE]

Interesting. I am looking at a Ashwagandha + Rhodiola stack next year during the ball season to get some of these benefits.

I've been recommending Ashwagandha to strength athletes for ages and personally love it.

[eldawg]

What sort of cycling protocol would you recommend for this and other adaptagens?

[THEHUGE]

What sort of cycling protocol would you recommend for this and other adaptagens?

I use Ashwagandha daily for 8-12 weeks before taking a break.

[Guardian]

I use ashwaghanda and personally feel it has benefits.

I believe it helps keep cortisol in check, I also believe it somehow helps energy. I do not feel an energy boost from it, rather my energy does not go down as quickly when training.

Perhaps by reducing cortisol I do not feel "hungry" when training which helps me better focus and feel more energized.

[Peter LeDrew]

I've been recommending Ashwagandha to strength athletes for ages and personally love it.

I use Ashwagandha daily for 8-12 weeks before taking a break.

What brand do you use?


Don't forget about the positive effects of Terminalia arjuna (Arjuna) seen in that study.

One of my favorite health and performance products is AOR's Advanced Cardiac Support which has Terminalia arjuna (Arjuna) amongst some other awesome ingredients.

There is also some research which suggests Ashwagandha could have potential testosterone benefits.

[THEHUGE]

What brand do you use?


There is also some research which suggests Ashwagandha could have potential testosterone benefits.

Jarrow Formulas.

Ashwagandha has a positive effect on the Testosterone/Cortisol ratio and it's actually anabolic in animal models. It substantially improves recovery IME.

A comparative pharmacological investigation of Ashwagandha and Ginseng.
Grandhi A, Mujumdar AM, Patwardhan B.

Indian Drugs Research Association, Pune.

Abstract
The aqueous suspensions of roots of an Indian drug Ashwagandha and the Korean drug Ginseng were tested comparatively for 2 pharmacological activities, namely the anti-stress activity by the 'mice swimming endurance test' and anabolic activity by noting gain in body weights and levator ani muscle in rats. A significant increase in mice swimming time was shown by Ginseng (P < 0.001) and Ashwagandha (P < 0.01) as compared to the control group. Significant increase in body weights in the Ashwagandha treated group (P < 0.05) was better than Ginseng (P < 0.5). Gain in wet weights of the levator ani muscle were also significant in Ginseng (P < 0.001) and Ashwagandha (P < 0.01) treated groups, however, the weight gain of dried levator ani muscles showed comparable results for both these drugs (P < 0.01).

[THEHUGE]

Withania somnifera improves semen quality by regulating reproductive hormone levels and oxidative stress in seminal plasma of infertile males.
Ahmad MK, Mahdi AA, Shukla KK, Islam N, Rajender S, Madhukar D, Shankhwar SN, Ahmad S.

Department of Biochemistry, Chhatrapati Shahuji Maharaj Medical University, and Department of Pharmacology, State Government T. T. Hospital, Lucknow, India.

Abstract
OBJECTIVE: To investigate the impact of Withania somnifera roots on semen profile, oxidative biomarkers, and reproductive hormone levels of infertile men.

DESIGN: Prospective study.

SETTING: Departments of Biochemistry and Urology, Chhatrapati Shahuji Maharaj Medical University, Lucknow, India.

PATIENT(S): Seventy-five normal healthy fertile men (control subjects) and 75 men undergoing infertility screening.

INTERVENTION(S): High-performance liquid chromatography assay procedure for quantization of vitamin A and E in seminal plasma. Biochemical parameters in seminal plasma were estimated by standard spectrophotometric procedures. Estimation of T, LH, FSH, and PRL in blood serum by RIA methods. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES(S): Before and after the treatment, seminal plasma biochemical parameters, antioxidant vitamins, and serum T, LH, FSH, and PRL levels were measured.

RESULT(S): Withania somnifera inhibited lipid peroxidation and protein carbonyl content and improved sperm count and motility. Treatment of infertile men recovered the seminal plasma levels of antioxidant enzymes and vitamins A, C, and E and corrected fructose. Moreover, treatment also significantly increased serum T and LH and reduced the level of PRL.

CONCLUSION(S): The treatment with W. somnifera effectively reduced oxidative stress, as assessed by decreased levels of various oxidants and improved level of diverse antioxidants. Moreover, the levels of T, LH, FSH and PRL, good indicators of semen quality, were also reversed in infertile subjects after treatment with the herbal preparation.

[THEHUGE]

This is the extract used by Jarrow:


Withania Somnifera Extract Found to Reduce Fatigue, Irritability, Body Aches and Other Symptoms More Than 60 Percent

The Withania somnifera extract (WSE) in Sensoril® significantly reduced stress-related parameters and cardiovascular risk, according to a human clinical study just published in the Journal of the American Nutraceutical Association (JANA). Sensoril® is a GRAS-approved, patented ingredient for food and supplements containing restorative properties. Though WSE has been researched extensively, this particular study confirms the therapeutic benefits of standardized WSE in 98 human subjects using modern clinical trials.

Utilizing a randomized, double-blind placebo controlled human clinical trial - the “gold standard” in product efficacy validation - researchers investigated the impact of the WSE, also known as ashwanganhda, contained in Sensoril® on experiential and biochemical indicators of stress and anxiety, as well as cardiovascular risk, in chronically stressed adults. Participants in the study were identified as stressed by being assessed clinically and tested on a modified Hamilton anxiety (mHAM-A) scale. The scale rated common symptoms of anxiety, including irritability, sleeplessness and body aches among others. Participants in all WSE treatment groups experienced significantly improved well being, with their mHAM-A score decreasing by 39.5% by day 30 and 62.2% by day 60. In contrast, the placebo group showed no significant change in the objective and subjective measures of stress.

Stress hormones in the body were also measured and found to decrease substantially after two months. Serum cortisol decreased by -14.5%, as did other stress indicators. Interestingly, the antiaging, anti-stress hormone DHEAS was found to increase significantly (13.2%) among those taking Sensoril®.

This is a pivotal trial in that it clearly demonstrates the multi-functional efficacy of this ingredient in the areas of stress reduction, energy enhancement, cognitive function and cardiovascular health. Sensoril® is fully backed by many years of careful scientific research that convincingly demonstrates its ability to help the body deal with stress.

Not to be overlooked are the findings supporting WSE and its benefits to heart health. Significantly, the study showed that Sensoril® reduced levels of the C-Reactive Protein, which is a marker of systemic inflammation and a recognized indicator of cardiovascular risk. Cardiac risk ratios improved with higher dosages at Day 60 by decreasing significantly (P<0.05) compared to the placebo. Dosage played some role in the effects on these factors. While all participants taking WSE showed improvement, those taking higher doses showed even higher measures of stress reduction and cardiovascular benefits.

Sensoril® is a trademarked branded ingredient that is marketed in many nationally distributed supplement brands. The ingredient is also marketed under the trademarked name Essentra® in the food and beverage industry. Extracted from Withania somnifera (Ashwagandha) roots and leaves, used for centuries because of their healthful properties, Sensoril® provides optimal concentrations of the desired active constituents found in the plant. The highly purified, rigorously standardized form of WSE used in Sensoril® results in superior efficacy.

[GBROS]

One of the many ingredients in V3? Come on admit it TheHuge

[Guardian]

Jarrow is a good brand but what about the Now product? That's the one I have used...

[Peter LeDrew]

This is the extract used by Jarrow:


Withania Somnifera Extract Found to Reduce Fatigue, Irritability, Body Aches and Other Symptoms More Than 60 Percent

The Withania somnifera extract (WSE) in Sensoril® significantly reduced stress-related parameters and cardiovascular risk, according to a human clinical study just published in the Journal of the American Nutraceutical Association (JANA). Sensoril® is a GRAS-approved, patented ingredient for food and supplements containing restorative properties. Though WSE has been researched extensively, this particular study confirms the therapeutic benefits of standardized WSE in 98 human subjects using modern clinical trials.

Utilizing a randomized, double-blind placebo controlled human clinical trial - the “gold standard” in product efficacy validation - researchers investigated the impact of the WSE, also known as ashwanganhda, contained in Sensoril® on experiential and biochemical indicators of stress and anxiety, as well as cardiovascular risk, in chronically stressed adults. Participants in the study were identified as stressed by being assessed clinically and tested on a modified Hamilton anxiety (mHAM-A) scale. The scale rated common symptoms of anxiety, including irritability, sleeplessness and body aches among others. Participants in all WSE treatment groups experienced significantly improved well being, with their mHAM-A score decreasing by 39.5% by day 30 and 62.2% by day 60. In contrast, the placebo group showed no significant change in the objective and subjective measures of stress.

Stress hormones in the body were also measured and found to decrease substantially after two months. Serum cortisol decreased by -14.5%, as did other stress indicators. Interestingly, the antiaging, anti-stress hormone DHEAS was found to increase significantly (13.2%) among those taking Sensoril®.

This is a pivotal trial in that it clearly demonstrates the multi-functional efficacy of this ingredient in the areas of stress reduction, energy enhancement, cognitive function and cardiovascular health. Sensoril® is fully backed by many years of careful scientific research that convincingly demonstrates its ability to help the body deal with stress.

Not to be overlooked are the findings supporting WSE and its benefits to heart health. Significantly, the study showed that Sensoril® reduced levels of the C-Reactive Protein, which is a marker of systemic inflammation and a recognized indicator of cardiovascular risk. Cardiac risk ratios improved with higher dosages at Day 60 by decreasing significantly (P<0.05) compared to the placebo. Dosage played some role in the effects on these factors. While all participants taking WSE showed improvement, those taking higher doses showed even higher measures of stress reduction and cardiovascular benefits.

Sensoril® is a trademarked branded ingredient that is marketed in many nationally distributed supplement brands. The ingredient is also marketed under the trademarked name Essentra® in the food and beverage industry. Extracted from Withania somnifera (Ashwagandha) roots and leaves, used for centuries because of their healthful properties, Sensoril® provides optimal concentrations of the desired active constituents found in the plant. The highly purified, rigorously standardized form of WSE used in Sensoril® results in superior efficacy.

I think I have used Sensoril before. It's noteworthy to consider a trusted source since previous studies on Ayurveda herbal compounds have shown high levels of heavy metals. I would trust AOR and NOW personally as well as Jarrow esp. with this clinically studied form called Sensoril.

If you do have plans to include Sensoril in a future product I wouldn't blame you.

[kfairhurst]

I have been using NOW's Aswagandha and I really like it. I use it for the calming effects more than anything, however I have read about it's possibilities to help with the production of testosterone, and increased performance. It has a great calming effect, and certainly helps me get a better sleep.

[THEHUGE]

I have been using NOW's Aswagandha and I really like it. I use it for the calming effects more than anything, however I have read about it's possibilities to help with the production of testosterone, and increased performance. It has a great calming effect, and certainly helps me get a better sleep.

I feel definitely more relaxed and in a better mood but no daytime sleepiness.

[kfairhurst]

I feel definitely more relaxed and in a better mood but no daytime sleepiness.

TBH I only ever take it pre bed, so I wouldn't know the difference.

[eldawg]

I have been using NOW's Aswagandha and I really like it. I use it for the calming effects more than anything, however I have read about it's possibilities to help with the production of testosterone, and increased performance. It has a great calming effect, and certainly helps me get a better sleep.

How'd you dose it? 1 cap pre-bed?

[kfairhurst]

How'd you dose it? 1 cap pre-bed?

You betcha, feels great and is really relaxing.

[jesballs]

i know this thread is a couple years old but ashwagandha really takes the edge off live, the stupid little crap that used to piss me off i dont even stress any more. i love this stuff!i feel so relaxed mentally but it doesn't affect my energy in a negative way.

[shobhit1978]

most Ayurveda drugs works in combinations , it work better when taken with combinations.alone it dint effect much or u have to wait for long time to see its effect.the combination i use or suggest in my club is withania somnifera,mucana puriens,shilajit,tribulus terrestris,Chlorophytum Borivillanum with combination of ZMA,vitmin-b6 ad l-carnitine at bed time with b6 at 20mg and l-carnitine 500mg. it is working great but when i took ashwagandha alone results are not like compared to combination.

[SwolenONE]

Love it, we included it in our fat burner and even contemplated playing with it in our preWO formula. That patented material BioTivia is using seems to be lightyears ahead of many other extracts though. Love me some BioForge.

[THEHUGE]

Love it, we included it in our fat burner and even contemplated playing with it in our preWO formula. That patented material BioTivia is using seems to be lightyears ahead of many other extracts though. Love me some BioForge.

Yup...expensive but definitely powerful.

[Guardian]

It may be of concern for those who have anxiety issues as receptor down regulation could occur over time

ASHWAGHANDHA (WITHANIA SOMNIFERA):

Environmental Health Perspectives * Volume 107, Number 10, October 1999

Ancient-Modern Concordance in Ayurvedic Plants: Some Examples

Sukh Dev

Source
University of Delhi, B.R.A. Centre for Biomedical Research, Delhi, India

Extract from Full Text
Ashwagandha (root) is another important antiaging plant. We have investigated this plant in some detail because its extract showed high affinity for both GABAA and GABAB receptors. Receptor-binding assay-guided fractionation of the crude methanol extract resulted in a butanol fraction with retention of GABAB receptor activity [concentration that inhibits 50% (IC50) - 47 pg/mL] and an aqueous fraction that retained both GABAA (IC50 - 0.37 pg/mL) and GABAB (IC50 - 15.8 pg/mL) affinities.

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Phytother Res. 2010 Aug;24(8):1147-50.

The methanolic extract of Withania somnifera ACTS on GABAA receptors in gonadotropin releasing hormone (GnRH) neurons in mice.

Bhattarai JP, Ah Park S, Han SK.

Source
Department of Oral Physiology and BK21 program, School of Dentistry and Institute of Oral Bioscience, Chonbuk National University, Jeonju, 561-756, Republic of Korea.

Abstract
The effect of the methanol extract of Withania somnifera (mWS) on the gonadotropin releasing hormone (GnRH) neuron was examined in juvenile mice using the whole cell patch clamp technique. GnRH neurons are the fundamental regulators of the pulsatile release of GnRH needed for puberty and fertility. GnRH neurons were depolarized by bath application of the mWS (400 ng/microl) under the condition of a high Cl(-) pipette solution in current clamp mode. In voltage clamp mode, mWS induced reproducible inward currents (31.7 +/- 5.51 pA, n = 14). The mWS-induced inward currents persisted in the presence of tetrodotoxin (TTX, 0.5 microM), but were suppressed by bicuculline methiodide (BMI, 20 microM), a GABA(A) receptor antagonist. These results show that mWS affects the neuronal activities by mediating the GABA(A) receptor, which suggests that WS contains an ingredient with possible GABAmimetic activity.

PMID: 20044800

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Indian J Exp Biol. 2008 Jun;46(6):465-9.

Effect of Withania somnifera Dunal root extract against pentylenetetrazol seizure threshold in mice: possible involvement of GABAergic system.

Kulkarni SK, Akula KK, Dhir A.

Source
Pharmacology Division, University Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Panjab University, Chandigarh 160 014, India. skpu@yahoo.com

Abstract
Withania somnifera (ashwagandha) is a widely used herb in the Ayurvedic system of medicine. The objective of the present study was to elucidate the effect of W. somnifera root extract (Ws) alone or in combination with exogenous gamma-amino butyric acid (GABA), a GABA receptor agonist or with diazepam, a GABA receptor modulator against pentylenetetrazol (PTZ, iv) seizure threshold in mice. Minimal dose of PTZ (iv, mg/kg) needed to induce different phases (myoclonic jerks, generalized clonus and tonic extension) of convulsions were recorded as an index of seizure threshold. Ws (100 or 200 mg/kg, po) increased the PTZ seizure threshold for the onset of tonic extension phase whereas a lower dose (50 mg/kg, po) did not show any effect on the seizure threshold. Co-administration of a sub-effective dose of Ws (50 mg/kg, po) with a sub-protective dose of either GABA (25 mg/kg, ip) or diazepam (0.5 mg/kg, ip) increased the seizure threshold. The results suggested that the anticonvulsant effect of W. somnifera against PTZ seizure threshold paradigm involved the GABAAergic modulation.

PMID: 18697606

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Indian J Med Res. 1991 Aug;94:312-5.

Pharmacological effects of Withania somnifera root extract on GABAA receptor complex.

Mehta AK, Binkley P, Gandhi SS, Ticku MK

Source
Department of Pharmacology, University of Texas Health Science Center.

Abstract
A methanolic extract of W. somnifera root inhibited the specific binding of [3H]GABA and [35S]TBPS, and enhanced the binding of [3H]flunitrazepam to their putative receptor sites. The extract (5 micrograms) inhibited [3H]GABA binding by 20 +/- 6 per cent whereas a concentration of 1 mg of the extract produced 100 per cent inhibition. The extract (5-100 micrograms) produced 20 +/- 4 to 91 +/- 16 per cent enhancement of [3H]flunitrazepam binding. In functional studies using 36Cl-influx assay in mammalian spinal cord neurons, W. somnifera root extract increased 36Cl-influx in the absence of GABA. This effect on 36Cl-influx was blocked by bicuculline and picrotoxin; and enhanced by diazepam. These results suggest that the W. somnifera extract contains an ingredient which has a GABA-mimetic activity.

[AphtaLyfe]

Is there a full article available?

*Edit* Just realized this thread is 2 years old... I am most interested in the original article.

[DASBUNKER]

Anything on WS effects on Acetylcholine/AchE? i've seen only couple of studies, one that included shilajit.

[shobhit1978]

Scientific Basis for the Therapeutic Use of
Withania somnifera (Ashwagandha):
A Review
Lakshmi-Chandra Mishra, MD (Ayur), PhD,
Betsy B. Singh, PhD, Simon Dagenais, BA
Introduction
Withania somnifera Dunal (ashwagandha, WS) is widely used in Ayurvedic medicine,
the traditional medical system of India. It is an ingredient in many formulations prescribed for
a variety of musculoskeletal conditions (e.g., arthritis, rheumatism), and as a general tonic to
increase energy, improve overall health and longevity, and prevent disease in athletes, the elderly,
and during pregnancy.1,2 Many pharmacological studies have been conducted to investigate
the properties of ashwagandha in an attempt to authenticate its use as a multi-purpose
medicinal agent. For example, anti-inflammatory properties have been investigated to validate
Abstract
OBJECTIVE: The objective of this paper is to review the literature regarding Withania
somnifera (ashwagandha, WS) a commonly used herb in Ayurvedic medicine.
Specifically, the literature was reviewed for articles pertaining to chemical properties,
therapeutic benefits, and toxicity. DESIGN: This review is in a narrative format and
consists of all publications relevant to ashwagandha that were identified by the authors
through a systematic search of major computerized medical databases; no statistical
pooling of results or evaluation of the quality of the studies was performed due to the
widely different methods employed by each study. RESULTS: Studies indicate
ashwagandha possesses anti-inflammatory, antitumor, antistress, antioxidant,
immunomodulatory, hemopoetic, and rejuvenating properties. It also appears to exert
a positive influence on the endocrine, cardiopulmonary, and central nervous systems.
The mechanisms of action for these properties are not fully understood. Toxicity studies
reveal that ashwagandha appears to be a safe compound. CONCLUSION: Preliminary
studies have found various constituents of ashwagandha exhibit a variety of therapeutic
effects with little or no associated toxicity. These results are very encouraging and
indicate this herb should be studied more extensively to confirm these results and
reveal other potential therapeutic effects. Clinical trials using ashwagandha for a variety
of conditions should also be conducted.
(Altern Med Rev 2000;5(4) 334-346)

for full detail read the pdf a must read
www.altmedrev.com/publications/5/4/334.pdf

[Kmrjt]

Ashwagandha is a magical herb for athletes. Not only does it reduce stress, it enhances performance in the gym as well. When your cortisol levels go down, the total testosterone/Cortisol ration increases. With other natural ingredients like Omega 3 fats (I use NOW fish oil) which act as SHBG inhibitors, you can take your T levels through the roof and see the difference in physical appearance in just about a month. Obviously, this has to be coupled with weighlifting.
A side effect that I have noticed (although a good one!) is enhanced libido!
All the best guys!

[emersonthacker]

Would love to see independent replication.