Ashwagandha (Male Fertility)

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE: Withania somnifera popularly known as Aswagandha or Indian Ginseng/Poison Gooseberry have thousands years of history of use in Indian traditional medicine. Besides, finding place root of the plant as Indian Ginseng, Ayurveda also uses root of this plant as general health tonic, adaptogenic, nootropic, immunomodulatory etc. With its widespread and growing use, it becomes prudent to scientifically evaluate and document both the efficacy and safety of this plant in humans. AIM OF THE STUDY: Aswagnadha root is rapidly gaining popularity abroad for use as medicine. Current article attempts to primarily review the human efficacy and safety of Aswagandha generated through clinical trials. METHODS: A systematic search both for indexed and non-indexed literature was made for W. somnifera using various search engines and databases and the details of research articles pertaining to all clinical trials/human studies, animal studies addressing safety issues of CNS, CVS, general toxicity, mutagenicity, genotoxicity, reproductive safety and herb-drug interactions were reviewed and compiled comprehensively from full texts. RESULTS: A total of 69 (39 pre-clinical and 30 clinical) studies documenting efficacy and safety aspects were identified and the desired information of these studies is comprehensively presented in this review. Retrieved thirty(30) human studies demonstrated reasonable efficacy of root preparations in subclinical hypothyroidism (1), schizophrenia (3), chronic stress (2), insomnia (2), anxiety (1), memory and cognitive improvement (2), obsessive-compulsive disorder (1), rheumatoid arthritis (2), type-2 diabetes (2), male infertility (6), fertility promotion activity in females (1), adaptogenic (3), growth promoter in children (3) and chemotherapy adjuvant (1). Reasonable safety of root preparations of Aswagandha has been established by these retrieved 30 human trials. No serious adverse events or any changes in haematological, biochemical or vital parameters were reported in these human studies. Only mild and mainly transient type adverse events of somnolence, epigastric pain/discomfort and loose stools were reported as most com

BACKGROUND: Various medications, surgeries, and assisted reproductive techniques are used to treat male infertility, but the high cost and low effectiveness have made these methods unpopular. The use of herbal medicines such as Withania somnifera, Ceratonia siliqua, Nigella sativa and Alpinia officinarum for the treatment of male infertility has become highly popular in recent years. OBJECTIVE: We conducted this systematic review to evaluate the recent scientific evidence regarding herbal medicines used to treat idiopathic male infertility (IMI). METHODS: Online literature resources were checked using different search engines, including ISI, Web of Knowledge, Medline, PubMed, Scopus, and Google Scholar. Date restrictions were applied to 2020, and the publication language was restricted to English and Persian. The risk of bias was evaluated using the Cochrane method. RESULTS: Out of 851 articles, 14 trials with 1218 participants were included. Of the 15 plants and medicinal products introduced in the selected studies, 12 cases were effective in treating male infertility. Each of these plants or products affects specific components of male fertility for which various mechanisms were mentioned, but most of them had antioxidant effects. No serious side effects were reported. CONCLUSION: Whitania somnifera roots, Alpinia officinarum, Nigella sativa seeds, Tomato, and Ceratonia siliqua and the formulation of Xperm, PHF, Churna Ratnam, Svaguptadi Churna, Y virilin capsule, manix capsule, and Tradafertil tablet revealed successful outcomes in treatment of idiopathic male infertility.

OBJECTIVE: Infertility, defined as the inability to conceive after one year of intercourse without the use of contraception, affects 15% of couples. Many factors, such as genitourinary tract infections, endocrine disorders, immunological factors and drug-related injuries, affect the male reproductive system and cause infertility. Due to men's fear of infertility, it is very important to pay attention to medicinal plants that are effective in male fertility. Therefore, the aim of this study was to evaluate the medicinal plants that affect sperm and testosterone production in men. METHODS: In this review, we used the following search terms, consisting of herbal medicine, traditional medicine, traditional therapies, sperm, testosterone, testicles and Iran were used to retrieve the relevant articles published in the journals indexed in the Information Sciences Institute, Science Direct, PubMed, Scopus, PubMed Central and Scientific Information Databases. We searched and used papers published between 2000 and 2020. Then, we analyzed the eligible papers. We collected and analyzed 35 papers from the databases. We selected only the articles about herbs that affect sperm and testosterone production. RESULTS: Based on the results, herbs Apium graveolens, Cinnamomum camphora, Cornus mas, Satureja khuzestanica, Withania somnifera, Fumaria parviflora, zingiber officinale, cinnamomum zeylanicum and Phoenix dactylifera are used in the male reproductive system. CONCLUSIONS: Plants can probably be useful in increasing fertility due to their antioxidant power and low side effects.

BACKGROUND: Acute mountain sickness (AMS) poses a unique and formidable challenge to healthy personnel at high altitudes. OBJECTIVE: This randomized controlled trial (RCT) protocol aimed to assess the effectiveness of Ayurvedic nutritional supplements in conjunction with a yoga protocol in reducing the incidence and severity of AMS among healthy personnel stationed in the challenging high-altitude landscapes of the western Himalayas. METHODS: The proposed open-label, parallel-group RCT was conducted in apparently healthy individuals of any gender aged 18-50 years. The study was conducted at two distinct high-altitude stages within the western Himalayan region: stage I, situated at an elevation ranging from 9000 to 12,000 feet and stage II, spanning 12,000 to 15,000 feet. A total of 1660 participants (n=830 per stage) underwent random assignment in a 1:1 ratio to receive either the existing acclimatization schedule (AS) for high altitude (control group) or the Ayush intervention (Ayush group) in addition to the AS. The participants in the Ayush group received Ayurvedic nutritional supplements, including the Ayur-nutri kit (Ayush poshak yoga, 25 g, and Ayush cardiac care tea, 125 mL), twice daily, along with a yoga protocol (60 min daily) for 120 days. The primary outcome was the incidence of AMS, assessed using the 2018 Lake Louise Scoring System, and the proportion of participants with a Lake Louise Scoring System score of 6 or higher during the first 7 days from baseline. The secondary outcome measures included the proportion of participants with thromboembolic events; changes in coagulation and hemostasis activation markers and proinflammatory markers; and changes in self-reported negative emotional states (depression, anxiety, and stress), sleep quality, and overall quality of life (assessed through Depression Anxiety Stress Scale-21 items, Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index, and 12-item short-form, respectively) on day 60 and day 120 from baseline. RESULTS: The study was funded in March 2023. The data collection was completed in December 2023. A total of 1660 participants were enrolled in the study. The analysis of the study data is in progress. The study outcom

INTRODUCTION AND OBJECTIVE: Adaptogens are plant-derived substances that enhance the body's resilience to physical and psychological stress, with Withania somnifera and Rhodiola rosea being among the most studied representatives. The aim of this review is to evaluate the adaptogenic effects of W. somnifera and R. rosea based on randomized controlled trials (RCTs). REVIEW METHODS: A systematic literature search was performed using the key words: 'ashwagandha', 'Withania somnifera', 'Rhodiola rosea', and 'plant adaptogen'. Twenty-four studies met the inclusion criteria - 19 on W. somnifera and 5 on R. rosea. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE STATE OF KNOWLEDGE: The analyzed trials involved 10-590 participants, aged 18-75 years, both healthy individuals and patients with stress-related or functional disorders. Interventions included standardized extracts at daily doses of 120-1000 mg for W. somnifera and 290-1500 mg for R. rosea, with supplementation lasting 3-16 weeks. Reported benefits included reduction of stress and anxiety, alleviation of depressive symptoms, improved sleep quality, enhancement of cognitive functions, increased muscle strength and recovery, and favourable hormonal changes. Methodological heterogeneity, short intervention periods, and small sample sizes remain limitations. SUMMARY: Evidence from RCTs confirms that W. somnifera and R. rosea exert multi-dimensional adaptogenic effects, improving psychophysical health and supporting stress resilience. Their mechanisms involve regulation of the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis, neurotransmission, immune and hormonal pathways. Further long-term, high-quality clinical trials, supplemented with molecular and systemic approaches, are required to consolidate their role in integrative, evidence-based medicine.

Objectives: This study investigates the effects of 600 mg/day Ashwagandha root extract on physiological stress biomarkers, perception of recovery, muscle strength and aerobic capacity in team sports athletes during pre-season training, a period associated with elevated cortisol and accumulated training stress. Methods: Fifty-six athletes (26.8 ± 4.4 years, 1.74 ± 0.10 m, 79.4 ± 17.3 kg, 11.0 ± 7.1 career years) across rugby, water polo and football were randomly assigned to an Ashwagandha (ASH; n = 28, 14 males and 14 females) or placebo (PLA; n = 28, 14 males and 14 females) group for 42 days. Salivary biomarkers were assessed after training, muscle strength and aerobic capacity were measured during training, and perception of recovery was evaluated with Hooper Index (HI) the following day. Mixed ANOVA was used to determine group × time interactions and Bonferroni post hoc analyses were conducted for multiple pairwise comparisons. Results: In female athletes, salivary cortisol increased significantly in PLA (p = 0.001), while recovery parameters such as the overall HI score (p = 0.001), Delayed Onset Muscle Soreness (DOMS) (p = 0.008) and perception of fatigue (p = 0.026) scores improved significantly in ASH. In males, salivary cortisone increased significantly in PLA (p = 0.022), while Countermovement Jump (CMJ) improved significantly in ASH (p = 0.018). Pull-up performance increased in both PLA (p = 0.004) and ASH (p < 0.0001) in males. Conclusions: Supplementation with 600 mg/day of Ashwagandha root extract for 42 days may stabilise stress biomarkers, improve perception of recovery and enhance muscle strength in team sports athletes during pre-season training. The trial is registered on ClinicalTrials.gov with the ID NCT07041853.

BACKGROUND: Overweight and obesity are widespread in Mexico, often linked to dyslipidemia and higher cardiovascular risk. The search for safe and effective treatments has promoted interest in natural supplements such as Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera), recognized for its adaptogenic and potential lipid-lowering properties. OBJECTIVE: To assess the impact of Ashwagandha supplementation on serum lipid profiles and anthropometric parameters in Mexican adults with overweight and obesity. METHODS: A double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled pilot clinical trial was carried out with 43 adults (n = 17 in the control group and n = 21 in the intervention group) over 40 days. Participants followed a monitored diet and received one daily capsule containing 500 mg of Ashwagandha or a placebo, in addition to a guided unrestricted dietary plan. Anthropometric and biochemical measurements were taken at baseline and after the intervention. In silico analysis was also performed to examine the binding affinity of Ashwagandha bioactive compounds to key proteins involved in lipid metabolism. RESULTS: Ashwagandha supplementation did not produce statistically significant changes in body weight, body mass index (BMI), or waist circumference (WC). However, significant reductions were observed in triglyceride and VLDL-c levels (p = 0.0082 and p = 0.0321, respectively). In silico results supported these findings, showing favorable interactions between compounds such as withanolide A and lipid metabolism targets, including AMPK, CETP, and LPL. CONCLUSIONS: Ashwagandha supplementation improved serum lipid profiles in adults with overweight and obesity, suggesting potential lipid-lowering effects when combined with a prescribed dietary plan. Also, it was possible to elucidate some metabolic pathways in which Ashwagandha composition has an influence on producing the reported effects. Further long-term studies with controlled dietary intake are needed to confirm these findings and clarify the underlying molecular mechanisms. © 2025. The Author(s).

BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVES: High-intensity interval training (HIIT) is considered an effective way in improving aerobic capacity and selected health parameters. Ashwagandha is an herb with possible health-promoting properties that may affect metabolism and performance. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of ashwagandha supplementation (600 mg/day) during an 8-week HIIT on body composition, lipid profile and hormone levels related to energy homeostasis in healthy young men. METHODS: The study was randomised, double-blind and placebo-controlled (Placebo group, PL, n = 20; ashwagandha, A, n = 18). HIIT was conducted on a rowing ergometer (3 times per week, 5-7 series of 1.5 min at 85-95% of maximum power, with intervals of 1.5 min at 70 W). Body composition (BIA, Tanita TBF 300P), serum lipid profile (tChol, HDL-cholesterol, LDL-cholesterol, TG) and serum levels of adiponectin, asprosin and irisin were analysed before (term 1) and after the8-week study (term 2). Both the lipid and hormonal profiles were measured in three time points: pre- and post-graded exercise test and after 24 h recovery period. RESULTS: Analysis showed no effect of training or supplementation on body composition and lipid profile (p > 0.05). In turn, the 8-week HIIT decreased resting levels of adiponectin and increased irisin levels post-exercise and after 24 h (p < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: In young, healthy men, an 8-week HIIT programme significantly affects selected hormones related to energy metabolism of adipose (adiponectin) and muscle (irisin) tissues, but ashwagandha supplementation did not significantly affect any of the hormonal parameters analysed.

BACKGROUND AND AIMS: Elevated plasma levels of total homocysteine (Hcy) and S-Adenosylhomocysteine (SAH) are associated with increased risks of neurological and cardiovascular diseases (CVD). Whilst elevated plasma levels of Hcy can be managed through supplementation with B-group vitamins, there are no effective therapies for managing SAH in patients with elevated SAH and normal Hcy. SAH, a by-product of cellular methylation reactions, is considered a more sensitive biomarker for CVD than homocysteine (Hcy). The aim of this study was to determine if a test product containing ashwagandha extract, alpha-glycerylphosphorylcholine and creatine monohydrate, could lower plasma SAH levels in adults with elevated SAH and normal Hcy. METHODS AND RESULTS: In this prospective, randomized, single-blind, placebo-controlled clinical trial, 40 participants with elevated SAH (≥20 nmol/L) and normal Hcy (≤13 μmol/L) were randomized into two groups: 15 participants received the placebo, and 25 participants received the test product. The test product significantly lowered plasma SAH levels by approximately 12% and increased S-Adenosylmethionine (SAM): SAH ratio by approximately 26% after 12 weeks of supplementation compared to baseline. The test product was safe and well-tolerated, with no serious adverse events. No clinically relevant changes in vital signs and safety laboratory parameters were detected. CONCLUSION: This is the first demonstration of a nutritional product's effectiveness in decreasing plasma levels of SAH in otherwise healthy individuals with elevated SAH and normal Hcy. Hence, this test product offers a unique opportunity for investigating the impact of lowering plasma SAH on the risk of developing CVD and other diseases. Clincaltrial.gov registration: NCT05994794, 2023-08-16.

BACKGROUND: Withania somnifera (L.) Dunal, commonly known as ashwagandha, is a well-known plant in ayurvedic medicine, widely valued for its therapeutic potential. Although numerous clinical studies have explored its diverse health benefits, limited data are available on the pharmacokinetic (PK) properties and comparative bioavailability of its key bioactive constituents in humans. OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to evaluate and compare the oral bioavailability of 4 commercially standardized ashwagandha extracts under fasting conditions in healthy adults. METHODS: This randomized, double-blind, 4-treatment, 4-period, 4-sequence, single dose, 4-way crossover study was conducted in 16 healthy human volunteers. Participants received a single oral dose of 1 of 4 ashwagandha extracts, with varying compositions of 35% (Withania somnifera [WS]-35) or 10% (WS-10) withanolide glycosides, or 5% (WS-5) or 2.5% (WS-2.5) withanolides, each standardized to deliver 185 mg of total withanolides. Seventeen blood samples were collected over a 24-hour period after dose administration. Plasma concentrations of withanolide A, withanoside IV, withaferin A, and total withanolides were quantified, and PK parameters were calculated. RESULTS: Withania somnifera-35 had significantly superior bioavailability compared with the other extracts. The AUC0-t for total withanolides per gram of WS-35 was 118.28, 226.11, and 267.83 times better than WS-10, WS-5, and WS-2.5 respectively. Withania somnifera-35 exhibited a significantly higher Cmax, longer half-life, extended mean residence time, and lower systemic clearance, attributable to its higher withanolide glycoside content. CONCLUSIONS: These findings emphasize the critical role of withanolide glycosides in determining the PK performance of ashwagandha supplements. The enhanced bioavailability of WS-35 supports its preferential use in therapeutic applications and provides a strong rationale for further investigation into dose-response relationships and the long-term efficacy of standardized, high-bioavailability formulations. Clinical Trial Registry of India identifier: CTRI/2020/10/028397. © 2025 The Authors.

INTRODUCTION: Ashwagandha has multiple medicinal properties and is widely used as a supplement to address various health conditions including stress and anxiety. The bioavailability of Ashwagandha bioactives provide critical information on the biological effects in humans after oral supplementation. METHODS: A randomized, double-blind, single-dose, cross-over comparative oral bioavailability study was conducted in 20 healthy, adult human subjects under fasting conditions. All subjects consumed single dose of ZEN 1.5 (Zenroot™ Ashwagandha 1.5% 125 mg), ASH 5 (Reference product 1-Ashwagandha 5% 600 mg) and ASH 10 (Reference product 2-Ashwagandha 10% 500 mg) as per a randomization schedule. Blood samples were collected at 0.00 h, and at 00.25, 00.50, 00.75, 01.00, 02.00, 03.00, 04.00, 05.00, 06.00, 09.00, 12.00, and 24.00 h post-dose. Total withanolides (consisting of withanoside IV, withanolide A, 12-deoxywithastramonolide, and withaferin A) were quantified in plasma using the LC-MS/MS method and pharmacokinetics parameters like area under the curve, AUC0-t, Cmax, Tmax, t½ and test/reference (T/R) ratio for test product, ZEN 1.5, versus reference products, ASH 5 and ASH 10, were used for statistical comparisons. RESULTS: Subjects in the ZEN 1.5 group showed significantly (P < 0.05) higher total withanolides concentration in plasma at all post-dose time points except 12.00 and 24.00 h compared to ASH 5. In addition, subjects in Ashwagandha ZEN 1.5 group showed significantly higher (P < 0.05) total withanolides concentration in plasma at 0.25, 1.00, 2.00, 3.0, and 4.00 h compared to ASH 10. Further, ZEN 1.5 showed significantly higher bioavailability for total withanolides compared to ASH 5 and ASH 10 with significantly higher (P < 0.05) Cmax and AUC0-t parameters, T/R ratio, and 90% CI. ZEN 1.5 at 125-mg dose showed 2.1-fold higher bioavailability compared to ASH 5 at 600 mg, and 1.3-fold higher bioavailability compared to ASH 10 at 500 mg. ZEN 1.5 was well tolerated during the study period. CONCLUSION: A low dose of 125 mg of ZEN 1.5 showed greater total withanolides bioavailability compared to reference products. The Cmax and AUC parameters were significantly hig

BackgroundThe global medicine market is projected to reach US$417 billion by 2033, reflecting rising demand for natural healthcare alternatives. Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera) is widely used in Ayurvedic medicine for stress management, but evidence supporting its efficacy remains inconsistent.AimThis systematic review and meta-analysis evaluated Ashwagandha's impact on cortisol levels (a biological stress marker) and perceived stress via Perceived Stress Scale (PSS) scores across randomized controlled trials (RCTs).MethodPRISMA guidelines were followed. Four databases (PubMed, CINAHL, Google Scholar, and Scopus) were searched for studies from January 2012 to February 2024, yielding seven studies on cortisol and six on perceived stress (n = 488 participants). Inclusion criteria were RCTs longer than or equal to two weeks, oral doses ≥250 mg/day, and reporting cortisol and PSS outcomes. The Cochrane Risk of Bias 2 tool was used to assess the risk of bias.ResultsThere was a statistically significant reduction in cortisol levels (-1.16 µg/dL, 95% CI: -1.64 to -0.69, P < 0.001). No significant impact was observed on perceived stress (SMD = -0.355, 95% CI: -1.188 to 0.47; P = 0.40). Heterogeneity was moderate (I2 = 50.9%). However, no statistically significant impact was observed on perceived stress (SMD = -0.355, 95% CI: -1.188 to 0.47; P-value = 0.40). The heterogeneity among studies was moderate (I2 = 50.9%). Risk of bias was generally moderate; most studies reported adequate randomization, but some lacked allocation concealment. No publication bias was detected.ConclusionFindings support Ashwagandha's role in lowering cortisol, but gaps remain regarding long-term safety, dosing, and effectiveness across diverse populations. The disconnect between cortisol and PSS outcomes highlights the need for longer treatment duration and broader demographic inclusion. Longitudinal research is recommended to validate Ashwagandha as a holistic stress management tool.

Background: A nutritional supplement based on medicinal plants (saffron and ashwagandha), tryptophan, and vitamin B6 could contribute to alleviating/improving mood and associated disorders. The aim of this study was to evaluate the potential benefits of this combination supplement. During the study period, participants underwent a period of forced home confinement due to the COVID-19 pandemic, which represented an unexpected impact factor. Methods: This open-label prospective trial enrolled a cohort of female employees who reported mild to moderate anxiety. The primary objective was to evaluate changes in the level of anxiety using the adapted Hamilton Anxiety Rating Scale (HARS) after 12 weeks of regular supplementation with Safromotive (two tablets daily, for 12 weeks). The secondary objectives were to evaluate health-related quality of life (HRQoL) and tolerability. Results: In total, 46 women with a mean age of 45.0 (6.5) years were included. A statistically significant improvement in HARS was observed, with a 7.5-unit decrease from baseline to 12 weeks (p < 0.0001) and from 4 to 12 weeks of supplement intake (p=0.0058). However, no significant changes were found during the lockdown period (between weeks 8 and 12 of the study). No relationship was found between women's sociodemographic characteristics and the HARS total score. A significant reduction in the HRQoL questionnaire score of 1.2 units was observed between baselines and 12 weeks of treatment (p=0.0273). At the end of the study, 78.6% of the women reported consistency the supplement intake during the study course. Conclusion: This nutritional supplement composed of saffron, ashwagandha, tryptophan, and vitamin B6 appears to improve anxiety and HRQoL, but confinement could have impacted the evolution of the outcome.

Erratum in Eur J Sport Sci. 2025 May;25(5):e12292. doi: 10.1002/ejsc.12292. Ashwagandha is a supplement with the potential to improve exercise performance. However, research on its impact on female athletes remains limited. This study investigates the effects of ashwagandha on exercise recovery and muscle strength in professional female athletes, addressing a gap in understanding its role in this underrepresented population. Female footballers were randomly assigned to a 600 mg/day ashwagandha root extract group (ASH, n = 15; age: 26.0 ± 4.9 years, height: 1.66 ± 0.1 m, body mass: 61.5 ± 7.5 kg, and career: 15.2 ± 7.4 years) or a placebo group (PLA, n = 15; age: 23.5 ± 5.5 years, height: 1.66 ± 0.1 m, body mass: 61.5 ± 6.0 kg, and career: 13.1 ± 4.9 years). Recovery was assessed with total quality recovery (TQR), Hooper Index (HI) and rate of perceived exertion (RPE). Strength was assessed by hand grip, medicine ball throw (MBT), countermovement jump (CMJ) and peak power. Dietary intake was recorded prior to baseline measurements. Repeated measures ANOVA, Bonferroni test, independent t-tests and ANCOVA were used in the analysis. A significant group × time interaction effect was found for TQR (p = 0.026), with the post-hoc analysis revealing a significant difference between ASH and PLA at 28 days (p = 0.039). Perceived sleep quality from HI improved significantly in ASH compared to PLA (p = 0.038), with a significant change at 14 days. The ANCOVA analysis highlighted the significant influence of carbohydrate intake on hand grip strength (p = 0.005), MBT (p < 0.001) and body mass (p < 0.001). A dosage of 600 mg of ashwagandha root extract for 28 days may improve TQR and enhance perceived sleep quality in female footballers. Future research should investigate the optimal dosage and test across a broader range of athletic populations. Trials Registration: The trial is registered on ClinicalTrials.gov with the ID NCT06264986. © 2025 The Author(s). European Journal of Sport Science published by Wiley‐VCH GmbH on behalf of European College of Sport Science.

INTRODUCTION: Allergic rhinitis (AR) is an IgE-mediated reaction to inhaled allergens, and is a prominent health concern affecting approximately 400 million people worldwide. A comprehensive understanding of AR's pathophysiology is imperative for developing novel therapies, especially considering its frequent co-morbidity with asthma and conjunctivitis. The escalating prevalence of AR is correlated with increased urbanization and environmental pollutants, recognized as prominent contributing factors. Dysregulation in immune networks, Th1/Th2 cytokine imbalance, activation of mast cells and eosinophils are implicated in AR progression. Classic AR symptoms include nasal congestion, nasal itching, rhinorrhea, and sneezing which significantly impact the quality of life, social interactions, and workplace productivity. METHODS: This randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, three-arm, three-sequence study was aimed to assess the efficacy of supplementation of a co-delivery form of turmeric extract with ashwagandha extract (CQAB) in comparison with a bioavailable curcumin (CGM) and placebo in alleviating AR symptoms and enhancing the quality of life in individuals with mild AR. Participants received either placebo, CGM, or CQAB twice/day for 28 days, and subjective measures were recorded at the baseline and at the end of study. RESULTS: CQAB supplementation demonstrated a significant (P < 0.05) improvement in Total Nasal Symptom Score (TNSS) compared to placebo and CGM. Furthermore, CQAB administration resulted in enhanced sleep quality (P < 0.05) as evaluated by the BIS questionnaire, heightened energy levels, and decreased fatigue and overall mood disturbance (POMS-SF) compared to both placebo and CGM. CONCLUSION: The results suggests that CQAB has the potential to be used as a dietary supplement in alleviating AR discomforts. CLINICAL TRIAL REGISTRATION: https://ctri.nic.in/Clinicaltrials/login.php; Identifier CTRI/2021/01/030355. © 2024 K, Aryan, Prabhakaran, Mulakal, Das S, IM and Parameswara Panicker.

Update of Res Sq. 2024 Jan 12:rs.3.rs-3787917. doi: 10.21203/rs.3.rs-3787917/v1. Sub-optimal response in schizophrenia is frequent, warranting augmentation strategies over treatment-as-usual (TAU). We assessed nutraceuticals/phytoceutical augmentation strategies via network meta-analysis. Randomized controlled trials in schizophrenia/schizoaffective disorder were identified via the following databases: PubMed, MEDLINE, EMBASE, Scopus, PsycINFO, CENTRAL, and ClinicalTrials.gov. Change (Standardized Mean Difference = SMD) in total symptomatology and acceptability (Risk Ratio = RR) were co-primary outcomes. Secondary outcomes were positive, negative, cognitive, and depressive symptom changes, general psychopathology, tolerability, and response rates. We conducted subset analyses by disease phase and sensitivity analyses by risk of bias and assessed global/local inconsistency, publication bias, risk of bias, and confidence in the evidence. The systematic review included 49 records documenting 50 studies (n = 2384) documenting 22 interventions. Citicoline (SMD =-1.05,95%CI = -1.85; -0.24), L-lysine (SMD = -1.04,95%CI = -1.84; -0.25), N-acetylcysteine (SMD = -0.87, 95%CI = -1.27; -0.47) and sarcosine (SMD = -0.5,95%CI = -0.87-0.13) outperformed placebo for total symptomatology. High heterogeneity (tau2 = 0.10, I2 = 55.9%) and global inconsistency (Q = 40.79, df = 18, p = 0.002) emerged without publication bias (Egger's test, p = 0.42). Sarcosine improved negative symptoms (SMD = -0.65, 95%CI = -1.10; -0.19). N-acetylcysteine improved negative symptoms (SMD = -0.90, 95%CI = -1.42; -0.39)/general psychopathology (SMD = -0.76, 95%CI = -1.39; -0.13). No compound improved total symptomatology within acute phase studies (k = 7, n = 422). Sarcosine (SMD = -1.26,95%CI = -1.91; -0.60), citicoline (SMD = -1.05,95%CI = -1.65;-0.44), and N-acetylcysteine (SMD = -0.55,95%CI = -0.92,-0.19) outperformed placebo augmentation in clinically stable participants. Sensitivity analyses removing high-risk-of-bias studies confirmed overall findings in all phases and clinically stable samples. In contrast, the acute phase analysis restricted to low risk-of-bias studies showed a superior effe

BACKGROUND: Ashwagandha has been reported to reduce stress and attenuate cognitive decline associated with inflammation and neurodegeneration in clinical populations. However, the effects as a potential nootropic nutrient in younger populations are unclear. This study examined the effects of liposomal ashwagandha supplementation on cognitive function, mood, and markers of health and safety in healthy young men and women. METHODS: 59 men and women (22.7 ± 7 yrs., 74.9 ± 16 kg, 26.2 ± 5 BMI) fasted for 12 h, donated a fasting blood sample, and were administered the COMPASS cognitive function test battery (Word Recall, Word recognition, Choice Reaction Time Task, Picture Recognition, Digit Vigilance Task, Corsi Block test, Stroop test) and profile of mood states (POMS). In a randomized and double-blind manner, participants were administered 225 mg of a placebo (Gum Arabic) or ashwagandha (Withania somnifera) root and leaf extract coated with a liposomal covering. After 60-min, participants repeated cognitive assessments. Participants continued supplementation (225 mg/d) for 30 days and then returned to the lab to repeat the experiment. Data were analyzed using a general linear model (GLM) univariate analysis with repeated measures and pairwise comparisons of mean changes from baseline with 95% confidence intervals (CI). RESULTS: Ashwagandha supplementation improved acute and/or 30-day measures of Word Recall (correct and recalled attempts), Choice Reaction Time (targets identified), Picture Recognition ("yes" correct responses, correct and overall reaction time), Digit Vigilance (correct reaction time), Stroop Color-Word (congruent words identified, reaction time), and POMS (tension and fatigue) from baseline more consistently with several differences observed between groups. CONCLUSION: Results support contentions that ashwagandha supplementation (225 mg) may improve some measures of memory, attention, vigilance, attention, and executive function while decreasing perceptions of tension and fatigue in younger healthy individuals. Retrospectively registered clinical trial ISRCTN58680760.

BACKGROUND: Back pain is a common health problem that affects both workers and older people, reducing their quality of life. The primary objective was to assess the effect of dietary supplementation with plant extracts of rosemary, ashwagandha, and sesame consumed for 12 weeks on the intensity of back pain. METHODS: A single-center randomized double-blind study with three parallel arms depending on the product consumed. The duration of treatment was 12 weeks. The investigational product, Berelief®, contained a blend of three polyphenolic standardized extracts: rosemary (Rosmarinus officinalis L.), ashwagandha (Withania somnifera L.), and sesame (Sesamum indicum L.) seed. Two doses were tested: low dose (400 mg) and high dose (800 mg). There were 42 subjects in the placebo group, 39 in the low dose and 42 in the high dose groups. Study variables included back pain intensity [VAS score, Patient-Reported Outcomes Measurement Information System (PROMIS-29), and Cornell Musculoskeletal Discomfort Questionnaire; functionality Roland-Morris Disability (RMD) questionnaire]; quality of life (QoL) [36-item Short Form Survey (SF-36), the Beck Depression Inventory-II (BDI-II), the State-Trait Anxiety Inventory (STAI), and the Perceived Stress Scale (PSS)]; sleep quality [accelerometer and Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI)]. RESULTS: The improvement in back pain recorded by the visual analogue scale (VAS) at the study visits after the beginning of treatment, as well as on a weekly basis recorded in the diary card was significantly higher in the intervention group than in the placebo group (p < 0.044 dose-low; p < 0.005 dose-high). Significant differences in pain intensity of the PROMIS-29 (p = 0.002) and upper back pain in the Cornell questionnaire (p = 0.011) in favour of the investigational product were found. Furthermore, benefits in improving health-related quality of life, mood and sleep quality were also detected. CONCLUSION: Dietary supplementation for 12 weeks of a blend of polyphenolic standardized extracts of rosemary, ashwagandha, and sesame was effective in reducing the intensity of pain in subjects with chronic myofascial cervical and back pain.