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International Journal of Ayurveda Research | July-September 2010 | Vol 1 | Issue 3
Effects of Withania somnifera (Ashwagandha) 
and Terminalia arjuna (Arjuna) on physical 
performance and cardiorespiratory endurance in 
healthy young adults 
Jaspal Singh Sandhu, Biren Shah, Shweta Shenoy, Suresh Chauhan, G. S. Lavekar, M. M. Padhi
Department of Sports Medicine and Physiotherapy, Guru Nanak Dev University, Amritsar, Punjab - 143 005, India
ORIGINAL ARTICLE
Address for correspondence:
Dr. Jaspal Singh Sandhu, Department of Sports Medicine and 
Physiotherapy, Guru Nanak Dev University, Amritsar,  
Punjab - 143 005, India. E-mail: jssandhu2000@yahoo.com
Submission Date: 19-04-10 Accepted Date: 09-09-10
DOI: 10.4103/0974-7788.72485
IntRoductIon
There is renewed interest in traditional medicines because of a 
perception of lower incidence of side effects. The World Health 
Organization (WHO) estimates that 80 percent of the world's 
population presently uses herbal medicines for some aspect 
of primary health care.[1] Several medicinal plants have been 
described to be beneficial for cardiac ailments in Ayurveda - 
the origin of Indian system of Medicine.[2]
Withania somnifera (WS), also known as Ashwagandha, 
Indian ginseng, or winter cherry, has been an important 
herb in the Ayurvedic and indigenous medical systems for 
over 3000 years. The roots of the plant are categorised as 
Rasayanas, and described to promote health and longevity 
by augmenting defenses against disease, arresting the ageing 
process, revitalizing the body in debilitated conditions and thus 
creating a sense of wellbeing.[3] Withania somnifera contains 
A B S T R A C T
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.  
Key words: Absolute and relative power, balance, blood pressure, maximum oxygen consumption (VO2 max), 
Terminalia arjuna, velocity, Withania somnifera
International Journal of Ayurveda Research | July-September 2010 | Vol 1 | Issue 3 
145
alkaloids (withanine, withasomnin) and steroidal lactones 
and glycosides also called as withanoloids and sitoindosides 
and the extract of Withania somnifera has analgesic, mildly 
sedative, anti-inflammatory and anabolic activities,[4] and it is 
useful in stress, strain, fatigue, pain, skin diseases, diabetes, 
gastrointestinal disease, rheumatoid arthritis, and epilepsy,[5] 
chronic fatigue syndrome[6] and even during pregnancy 
without any side effects.[7] It is also used as a general tonic, to 
increase energy and improve health and longevity.[4] Withania 
somnifera human studies suggest that, it may promote growth 
in children and improve hemoglobin level, red blood cell 
count, and physical performance in adults.[4] Terminalia 
arjuna is widely used in both Ayurvedic and Unani Systems 
of medicine, primarily for heart ailments. Terminalia arjuna 
Wight and Arn. is a deciduous and evergreen tree, standing 
20–30m above ground level and belongs to the Combretaceae 
family.[8,9] It is described as an alexteric, stryptic, tonic, and 
anthelmintic agent and is also useful in treatment of fractures, 
ulcers, heart diseases, biliousness, urinary discharges, asthma, 
tumours, leucoderma, anaemia, excessive perspiration[8] etc and 
its bark is useful in the treatment of coronary artery disease, 
heart failure, hypercholesterolemia, anginal pain[10] and can 
be considered as a useful drug for coronary artery disease, 
hypertension and ischemic cardiomyopathy.[11-13] Terminalia 
arjuna has also cardioprotective property,[14] antiviral activity 
against HSV-2[14,15] and efficiency as potent antioxidant 
preventing LDL cholesterol oxidation.[16,17]
There are no scientific clinical studies showing effect of herbal 
drugs on exercise performance after regular administration 
when given as supplements. This study was conducted 
to explore the effects of these two plants on physical and 
cardiovascular performance in healthy young adults.
MateRIals and Methods
Research design
The present study was designed to be a randomized controlled, 
parallel group, single blinded study.
Sample
Forty healthy individuals of either sex (22 males and 18 
females), with a mean age of 20.6 ± 2.5 (aged between 18 to 
25 years) years and BMI 21.9 ± 2.2 kg/m² (ranged between 
18 to 25) from the population of Guru Nanak Dev University 
campus volunteered for the study. The sample size was 
calculated by online ‘Java applets for power and sample 
size’ software,[18] keeping power of the study at 95%. The 
subjects were randomly assigned into four groups using the 
chit in a box method. Group I (n=10): Withania somnifera 
group, Group II (n=10): Terminalia arjuna Group, Group III 
(n=10): Withania somnifera and Terminalia arjuna group, 
Group IV (n=10): Placebo (control) group. Subjects were 
unaware of which group they were in and which drug they 
were to receive. It was thus a single blinded study, where all 
the subjects were completely unaware of drugs which they 
were going to consume.
Selection of subjects
College going young adults with age between 18 and 25 years 
were screened. To avoid confounding effects, we included only 
those individuals who were free from any lower limb injury 
within past six months, those whose BMI was between 18 and 
25 and who had not participated in regular exercises in gym 
from past 6 months or more.
Individuals who were engaged in regular strenuous physical 
activity, suffering from chronic illness or had undergone major 
surgery recently, were suffering from any cardiovascular, 
musculoskeletal or neurological condition and people with 
history of alcohol abuse or were under medication of other 
drugs were excluded.
Variables for effect
The following variables were assessed before and after drug 
administration under supervision and while ensuring safety 
of the subjects:
1. Kinematic Measuring System (KMS) ™ was used to 
measure maximum velocity. This instrument contains four 
cameras and they were placed at specific distance and at 
regular intervals to measure velocity. The participants were 
asked to sprint and at each phase of camera, the velocity was 
noted. The maximum velocity was calculated as maximum 
distance travelled at any phase of camera per second.
2. The same instrument (KMS) was used to measure average 
absolute and average relative power of the lower limbs. 
During 10 vertical jumps both the values were derived from 
the contact mat (automatically calculated kinematic values) 
and the body mass was calculated by associated software. 
Absolute power (W) = body mass × gravity × jump height 
/ (contact time/2); Relative power = power (W)/ body mass. 
3. A 20-second wobble board test (Kinematic) was performed, 
and a software program was used to calculate a balance 
ratio (contact with floor to no contact time). A metal plate 
connected to the computer hardware was placed under the 
wobble board. When the perimeter of the wobble board made 
contact with the metal plate, the duration and frequency 
(during the 20-second test) of contact was recorded by the 
software. Subjects received an orientation session for the 
balance board on a separate day, as well as 1–2 practice 
attempts on the day of testing.
4. Computer controlled Vista Turbo Trainer™ machine was 
used for evaluating breath by breath gas exchange kinetics. 
Peak maximum oxygen consumption (ml/kg/min) was 
measured by using software ‘Turbofit’ version – 5.04.
5. Sphygmomanometer was used to measure systolic and 
diastolic blood pressure. Resting blood pressure was taken 
Sandhu et al.: Withania somnifera and Terminalia arjuna on physical performance and cardiorespiratory endurance
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International Journal of Ayurveda Research | July-September 2010 | Vol 1 | Issue 3
in consideration.
6. Weighing machine (auto-inc) and kinanthropometric rod 
were used to measure body mass (kg) and vertical height 
(meter) to calculate Body Mass Index (BMI).
Procedure
The study was approved by the Institutional Medical Ethics 
Committee of Guru Nanak Dev University, Amritsar. Prior to 
the start of data collection, participants were explained about 
the drugs and previous research supporting the effectiveness on 
physical performance and possible side effects due to overdose. 
Only then the subjects who volunteered to participate in the 
study were recruited. A written informed consent was taken 
from each participant prior to recruitment. Only those subjects 
whose BMI was less than 25[19,20] were recruited. 
Test drugs
Withania somnifera was used in the form of a standardized 
aqueous root extract and Teminalia arjuna was in the form of 
aqueous bark extracts. The drugs were obtained from Central 
Council for Research in Ayurveda and Siddha (CCRAS), 
Delhi, India.
Both the drugs were filled in 500mg gelatin capsules. They 
were stored in air tight containers and in room temperature 
below 30ºC throughout the experiment.
Both drugs were given in the dose of 1 capsule/day orally for 
8 weeks.
The compliance of the participant to study drug was ensured as 
the researcher personally administered the drug to the subjects 
over the period of 8 weeks. 
All variables mentioned above were measured before and after 
8 weeks of drug administration in Isotonic and VO2 max lab and 
KMS lab in Department of Sports Medicine and Physiotherapy, 
Guru Nanak Dev University, Amritsar
Monitoring of subjects
All subjects were healthy college going young adults with 
moderately active life style. The subjects were instructed to 
follow the usual routine without any excess physical exertion 
or exercises throughout the duration of experiment. All the 
subjects consumed the same meals given in the hostel mess 
throughout the procedure and were requested to have meals 
within specified mess time, when the researcher was present 
and personally administered the drugs. Volunteers were asked 
to consume the drug 1 hour after the day meal to maintain 
uniformity of the drug administration of Withania somnifera 
and Terminalia arjuna. Though the subjects were informed 
about possible side effects of the drugs in high dosage, 
subjects were also asked to report immediately if they feel 
any side-effect of the drugs but none of them felt any kind of 
the side-effect.
Sandhu et al.: Withania somnifera and Terminalia arjuna on physical performance and cardiorespiratory endurance
Statistical analysis
The data was analyzed for statistical significance by using the 
Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS 17.0) software. 
The student‘t’ test and one way ANOVA were used to analyze 
the data for the level of significance. The related‘t’ test was 
used to find intragroup and ANOVA was used to find intergroup 
differences in pre and post protocol. For all analysis, the P 
value used for statistical significance was 0.05. All results are 
expressed as mean ± standard deviation.
Results
After 8 weeks treatment with Withania somnifera, maximum 
oxygen consumption increased significantly from 13.54±2.46 
to 14.47±2.28 (P=0.005). Similarly, the maximum velocity 
increased from 5.37±0.75 to 5.53±0.70 (P=0.005), the average 
Table 1: Effects of Withania somnifera
Parameters
Withania  
somnifera
Mean ± SD
P value
Max velocity
Pre test
5.37±0.75
0.005
Post test
5.53±0.70
Avg absolute power
Pre test
711.90±221.62
0.002
Post test
774.79±247.42
Avg relative power
Pre test
11.10±3.17
0.007
Post test
12.22±3.40
Balance
Pre test
0.84±0.34
0.412
Post test
0.93±0.33
VO2 max
Pre test
13.54±2.46
0.000
Post test
14.47±2.28
Systolic blood pressure
Pre test
120.20±3.58
0.591
Post test
119.80±3.19
Diastolic blood pressure
Pre test
78.40±3.10
0.443
Post test
78.80±2.70
Table 2 : Effects of Terminalia arjuna
Parameters
Terminalia 
arjuna
Mean ± SD
P value
Max velocity
Pre test
5.19±0.80
0.180
Post test
5.15±0.81
Avg absolute power
Pre test
656.20±220.78
0.024
Post test
680.00±232.51
Avg relative power
Pre test
10.29±2.56
0.671
Post test
10.34±2.59
Balance
Pre test
0.83±0.33
0.82
Post test
0.84±0.28
VO2 max
Pre test
14.34±2.94
0.000
Post test
15.04±2.76
Systolic blood pressure
Pre test
123.00±2.87
0.000
Post test
117.80±1.48
Diastolic blood pressure
Pre test
78.80±2.35
1.000
Post test
78.80±1.69
International Journal of Ayurveda Research | July-September 2010 | Vol 1 | Issue 3 
147
absolute power from 711.90±221.62 to 774.79±247.42 
(P=0.002) and average relative power from 11.10±3.17 to 
12.22±3.40 (P=0.007). However, there was no significant 
improvement in balance and blood pressure. Table 1 
summarizes these results.
The volunteers receiving s treatment with Terminalia arjuna 
demonstrated significant increase in maximum oxygen 
consumption capacity from 14.34±2.94 to 15.04±2.76. The 
systolic blood pressure fell significantly from 123.00±2.87 
to 117.80±1.48 mmHg. The average absolute power also 
increased significantly from 656.20±220.78 to 680.00±232.51 
(P=0.024). None of the other parameters showed significant 
change. This data is summarized in Table 2.
Table 3 shows comparison of variables before and after 
drug administration in group III (Witahnia somnifera and 
Terminalia arjuna). A significant improvement was seen in 
average absolute power from 793.61±286.00 to 883.49±274.00 
(P=0.000), average relative power from 11.10±3.78 to 
12.22±3.69 (P=0.000), maximum oxygen consumption from 
16.58±4.70 to 17.70±4.51 (P=0.000), maximum velocity from 
5.12±0.86 to 5.21±0.89. The systolic blood pressure fell from 
123.40±3.13 to 118.00±2.49 (P=0.000). 
In comparison, 8 weeks of regular administration of placebo 
to the control group showed no significant changes in any of 
the variables [Table 4].
Table 5 shows intergroup comparison of maximum velocity, 
average absolute power, average relative power, maximum 
oxygen consumption, and systolic as well as diastolic blood 
pressure after 8 weeks of drug administration. A significant 
reduction in resting systolic blood pressure was seen in 
only group II when groups were compared with each other. 
ANOVA followed by Post Hoc Multiple Scheffe Range 
Test after completion of drug dosage showed that group 
II (Terminalia arjuna) significantly effective (F= 5.757, 
P= 0.003) in reducing systolic blood pressure [Table 5]. There 
is no statistically significant difference found in any other 
parameters when the all four groups were compared with 
each other.
dIscussIon
The present study was aimed to assess the effects of Withania 
somnifera and Terminalia arjuna singly and in combination 
Withania somnifera and Terminalia arjuna on physical 
performance and endurance in healthy young adults after 
an eight week therapy. Maximum velocity, average power 
(absolute and relative) and balance were measured as physical 
performance parameters and maximum oxygen consumption 
and blood pressure as were measured as endurance parameters. 
Sandhu et al.: Withania somnifera and Terminalia arjuna on physical performance and cardiorespiratory endurance
Table 3: Withania somnifera and Terminalia 
arjuna
Parameters
Withania 
somnifera
+
Terminalia 
arjuna
Mean ± SD
P value
Max velocity
Pre test
5.12±0.86
0.004
Post test
5.21±0.89
Avg absolute power
Pre test
793.61±286.00
0.000
Post test
883.49±274.00
Avg relative power
Pre test
11.10±3.78
0.000
Post test
12.22±3.69
Balance
Pre test
0.72±0.31
0.922
Post test
0.72±0.28
VO2 max
Pre test
16.58±4.70
0.000
Post test
17.70±4.51
Systolic blood pressure
Pre test
123.40±3.13
0.000
Post test
118.00±2.49
Diastolic blood pressure
Pre test
78.60±3.53
0.619
Post test
78.20±1.48
Table 4: Effects of placebo
Parameters
Placebo
Mean ± SD
P value
Max velocity
Pre test
5.30±0.70
0.462
Post test
5.54±0.75
Avg absolute power
Pre test
718.29±280.37
0.258
Post test
726.82±279.96
Avg relative power
Pre test
10.77±3.36
0.556
Post test
10.84±3.16
Balance
Pre test
0.92±0.35
0.974
Post test
0.92±0.29
VO2 Max
Pre test
16.02±2.91
0.825
Post test
16.06±2.54
Systolic blood pressure
Pre test
121.80±3.58
0.798
Post test
121.60±1.84
Diastolic blood pressure
Pre test
79.40±2.99
0.780
Post test
79.60±2.07
Both, the maximum velocity and average power represent short 
term aerobic activity whereas VO2 max represents long term 
aerobic and cardiovascular endurance. Balance is an ability to 
maintain Centre of Gravity (COG) within the base of support 
with minimal postural sway. It requires integration of inputs 
from multiple senses.
Ayurveda is a rich heritage of herbal practices describing 
medicinal and nutritional uses of more than 600 plants 
in seventy books. Many plants have ergogenic effects, 
with no or very less side effects. Ginseng is known as an 
adaptogen, which means it increases resistance to physical, 
chemical, and biological stress and builds energy and general  
vitality.[21] Withania somnifera is considered to be the “Indian” 
ginseng.[22] We found that Withania somnifera improved the 
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Sandhu et al.: Withania somnifera and Terminalia arjuna on physical performance and cardiorespiratory endurance
physical performance and strength parameters in our study 
after 8 weeks of regular consumption (500mg/day). Singh 
et al.[7] have described use of Withania somnifera in chronic 
fatigue syndrome. It helps in delaying onset of fatigue and 
thus increasing the time for exhaustion and maintaining 
the power for relatively longer period. In our study, the 
maximum velocity, average absolute and relative power 
increased by 2.9%, 8.8% and 10.1% respectively following 
drug administration compared to the placebo group. Arman et 
al.,[23] reported that Withania somnifera (improves endurance 
performance (time to exhaustion) at a moderate intensity of 
65% VO2 max, in untrained healthy individuals. In the present 
study, we found that following 8 weeks of administration of 
Withania somnifera maximum oxygen consumption capacity 
increased by 6.8% at moderate intensity but no significant 
change was seen in balance and resting blood pressure. 
Terminalia arjuna is a cardio protective drug and is used in 
ayurveda since centuries for its cardiotonic properties. The 
present study shows that there is significant improvement in 
average absolute power of lower limbs by 3.6%. Bharani et al, 
observed significant improvement in the duration of treadmill 
exercise in stable angina patients who received Terminalia 
arjuna when given 500 mg/day for one week.[24] In our study, 
we found an increase in maximum oxygen consumption 
capacity by 4.9% after treatment. In animal studies, Ghoshal et 
al.[25] reported an increased heart rate and force of contraction 
in cardiac muscles in isolated rats. Shrivastava et al. found a 
dose dependant fall in blood pressure in rats when Terminalia 
arjuna bark was given in aqueous form, intravenously.[26] 
According to Colabawala (1951), the drug is known to have 
no significant effect on heart rate, blood pressure and cardiac 
output in healthy volunteers but causes an increase in cardiac 
output and blood pressure and a decrease in heart rate in 
patients with a failing heart.[27] Contradicting this statement, in 
our study we found that, there is significant decrease in systolic 
blood pressure by 4.2% when compared with placebo group 
[group IV] but no significant improvement was seen in diastolic 
blood pressure in healthy young adult volunteers following 8 
weeks of Terminalia arjuna bark extract consumption.
When Withania somniferaand and Terminalia arjuna were 
given in combination in group III, all parameters showed 
significant improvement except balance and diastolic blood 
pressure. The maximum velocity, average absolute power, 
average relative power, VO2 max and systolic blood pressure 
improved by 1.8%, 11.3%, 10.1%, 6.8% and 4.4% respectively 
in its group when compared with placebo group [group IV].
When results between groups were compared the group which 
was given both Terminalia arjuna and Withania somnifera 
(group III) was the most effective in reducing systolic blood 
pressure (4.37%), which is highest significant reduction in 
systolic blood pressure between groups followed by group 
II (4.22%) that consumed only Terminalia arjuna. There is 
no significant difference were seen for any other parameters 
Without training or excessive physical exertion, Terminalia 
arjuna was found to be effective in reducing resting systolic 
blood pressure in healthy young adults. 
The maximum velocity was found to be improved the most 
in the Withania somnifera treated group followed by the 
group that received both Withania somnifera and Terminalia 
arjuna. Average absolute power was found to be improved 
most in the Withania somnifera and Terminalia arjuna group, 
followed by Withania somnifera group and Terminalia arjuna 
Table 5: Intergroup comparison of all parameters  (One way ANOVA)
 
Sum of Squares
df
Mean Square
F
Sig. (p)
Max Velocity
Between groups
0.853
3
0.284
0.456
0.714
Within groups
22.425
36
0.623
Total
23.278
39
Avg Abs Power
Between groups
228120.9
3
76040.29
1.132
0.349
Within groups
2418566
36
67182.39
Total
2646687
39
Avg Rel Power
Between groups
44.083
3
14.694
1.403
0.258
Within groups
377.145
36
10.476
Total
421.227
39
VO2 max (ml/kg)
Between groups
60.229
3
20.076
2.025
0.128
Within groups
356.909
36
9.914
Total
417.138
39
Systolic blood pressure
Between groups
94.8
3
31.6
5.757
0.003
Within groups
197.6
36
5.489
Total
292.4
39
Dialostic blood 
pressure
Between groups
9.9
3
3.3
0.796
0.504
Within groups
149.2
36
4.144
Total
159.1
39
International Journal of Ayurveda Research | July-September 2010 | Vol 1 | Issue 3 
149
Sandhu et al.: Withania somnifera and Terminalia arjuna on physical performance and cardiorespiratory endurance
group respectively. Withania somnifera and Terminalia arjuna 
were equally effective in improving relative power of the 
lower limbs. The maximum oxygen consumption capacity 
was effectively increased in those subjects, who were given 
Withania somnifera and Terminalia arjuna in combination 
followed by those who were given just Terminalia arjuna.
The present study was limited to an 8 week period on healthy 
young adults. The future research should focus on longer 
treatment duration, dose finding as well as gender specific 
effects of the drugs. Further studies are also required to assess 
whether the drugs can improve other physical parameters and 
to see the effectiveness in elite sports persons so that in future 
these drugs can be given as ergogenic elements.
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. 
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Source of Support: Nil, Conflict of Interest: None declared.

Effects of Withania somnifera (Ashwagandha) and Terminalia arjuna (Arjuna) on physical performance and cardiorespiratory endurance in healthy young adults.
Sandhu, Jaspal Singh,Shah, Biren,Shenoy, Shweta,Chauhan, Suresh,Lavekar, G S,Padhi, M M