Procedures
EVENTS, HEART, PATHOLOGY
All consenting and eligible volunteers were required to attend the office of Clinical Research Australia on two occasions, at the commencement and conclusion of his or her 12-week participation in the study. Prior to attending each visit, participants were required to visit his or her local pathology collection center and provide a blood sample. The blood sample tested for liver function, kidney function, complete blood count, TSH, and HbA1C. Prior to the initial visit, volunteers with abnormal results were informed that they were ineligible to participate. Each assessment lasted approximately 60 min and involved anthropometric measurements, a blood collection, measurement of Heart Rate Variability (HRV), a grip strength test, and completion of questionnaires. Participants were given a 12-week supply of capsules. Participants took 1 capsule (containing either 200 mg of an ashwagandha extract or a matching placebo) twice daily, either with or without food, for 12 weeks. Participants were also required to complete a weekly questionnaire that asked about any adverse and/or significant events.