Randomization
BLIND
Consenting and eligible participants were randomly allocated to one of two groups (ashwagandha or placebo). A randomization calculator was used to ensure sequence concealment and to create a randomization structure comprising 12 randomly permuted blocks, containing 10 participants per block, with a 1-to-1 ratio. Study identification numbers were allocated to participants based on attendance at their first in-person visit. All capsules were packaged in matching bottles labeled with two intervention codes. The sponsor held the identity of the intervention codes until all data were analyzed. Investigators and study participants were blind to the treatment group allocation until all outcome data were collected.