A Randomized, Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled, Crossover Study Examining the Hormonal and Vitality Effects of Ashwagandha () in Aging, Overweight Males

Autor: Adrian L. Lopresti; Peter D. Drummond; Stephen J. Smith
Sprache: Englisch
Veröffentlicht: 2019
Quelle: Directory of Open Access Journals: DOAJ Articles
Online Zugang: https://doi.org/10.1177/1557988319835985
https://doaj.org/toc/1557-9891
1557-9891
doi:10.1177/1557988319835985
https://doaj.org/article/650c9d5e28e24d07a606ec5862505fd7
https://doi.org/10.1177/1557988319835985
https://doaj.org/article/650c9d5e28e24d07a606ec5862505fd7
Erfassungsnummer: ftdoajarticles:oai:doaj.org/article:650c9d5e28e24d07a606ec5862505fd7

Zusammenfassung

Ashwagandha ( Withania somnifera ) is a herb commonly used in Ayurvedic medicine to promote youthful vigor, enhance muscle strength and endurance, and improve overall health. In this 16-week, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, crossover study, its effects on fatigue, vigor, and steroid hormones in aging men were investigated. Overweight men aged 40–70 years, with mild fatigue, were given a placebo or an ashwagandha extract (Shoden beads, delivering 21 mg of withanolide glycosides a day) for 8 weeks. Outcome measures included the Profile of Mood States, Short Form (POMS-SF), Aging Males’ Symptoms (AMS) questionnaire, and salivary levels of DHEA-S, testosterone, cortisol, and estradiol. Fifty-seven participants were enrolled, with 50 people completing the first 8-week period of the trial and 43 completing all 16 weeks. Improvements in fatigue, vigor, and sexual and psychological well-being were reported over time, with no statistically significant between-group differences. Ashwagandha intake was associated with an 18% greater increase in DHEA-S ( p = .005) and 14.7% greater increase in testosterone ( p = .010) compared to the placebo. There were no significant between-group differences in cortisol and estradiol. In conclusion, the intake of a standardized ashwagandha extract (Shoden beads) for 8 weeks was associated with increased levels of DHEA-S and testosterone, although no significant between-group differences were found in cortisol, estradiol, fatigue, vigor, or sexual well-being. Further studies with larger sample sizes are required to substantiate the current findings.