Conclusion
overweight or mildly obese, stress reduction, fatigue
ADVERSE REACTIONS, SECONDARY
In conclusion, supplementing with 200 mg of an ashwagandha extract (Witholytin®) twice daily for 12 weeks, in overweight or mildly obese men and women, aged 40–75 years, and experiencing high-stress levels and symptoms of fatigue, was associated with a significant reduction in perceived stress over time. However, stress reduction, as measured by the PSS (primary outcome measure), was not significantly different to those observed in the placebo group. Based on the findings from secondary and exploratory outcome measures, self-reported fatigue was reduced, and HRV increased over time compared to the placebo group. Men supplementing with the ashwagandha extract also experienced increases in FT and LH concentrations. However, compared to the placebo, ashwagandha supplementation was not associated with greater improvements in other self-report measures of stress and general well-being, or other measured blood markers. Based on these results, a further examination into populations that may benefit from ashwagandha supplementation will be important, as its stress-reducing effects may differ based on age, sex, BMI status, and other comorbidities. Moreover, the anti-fatigue effects of ashwagandha require further examination in clinical trials as fatigue is a symptom prevalent across many mental and physical conditions and can significantly impact quality of life. Ashwagandha supplementation was well-tolerated with no major self-reported adverse reactions and no changes in anthropometric measures (BMI, WC, and WHR) blood pressure, and safety blood makers comprising the liver function test, full blood count, and renal function. To help understand the benefits of ashwagandha supplementation and potential mechanisms of action, further investigation in robust, adequately powered clinical trials will be required.