An Examination into the Anti-stress and Anti-fatigue Effects of an Ashwagandha Extract (Ashwa.30™) in Stressed Adults: A Randomised, Double-Blind, Placebo-controlled Trial.
Adrian L Lopresti, Stephen J Smith, Bharathi Bethapudi, Auxi Arobana R, Deepak Mundkinajeddu, Prashanth D'Souza, Suresh Lakshmikanthan
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引用次数: 0
Abstract
Introduction: Ashwagandha supplementation has been associated with reduced self-reported stress and anxiety, although most trials have used doses of 250-600 mg daily for 6-8 weeks. This study examined the effects of a low-dose ashwagandha extract (Ashwa.30™) on perceived stress, mood, fatigue, and stress reactivity in stressed adults.
Methods: In this 28-day, randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial, 60 adults aged 18-65 years with self-reported stress were randomly allocated to receive ashwagandha 30 mg/day or placebo. Outcomes included the Depression, Anxiety, and Stress Scale, daily mood ratings, and the Chalder Fatigue Scale. The Socially Evaluated Cold-Pressor Test (SECPT) was conducted on Days 7 and 28, with subjective stress and fatigue, cardiovascular and electrodermal measures, skin temperature, and salivary cortisol and chromogranin A assessed.
Results: Compared to the placebo, ashwagandha intake was associated with greater reductions in self-reported stress in the full analysis set (primary analysis; p = 0.046). The per protocol set analysis was directionally consistent but not statistically significant. Mean daily stress ratings were also lower in the ashwagandha group (p = 0.043). During the Day 28 SECPT, the ashwagandha group reported lower stress ratings (p = 0.044), and salivary cortisol concentrations remained relatively stable in the ashwagandha group but increased in the placebo group, suggesting attenuation of cortisol reactivity (p = 0.047). However, no statistically significant between-group differences were detected for other secondary and physiological outcomes.
Conclusions: An ashwagandha extract (Ashwa.30™) administered at 30 mg daily was associated with reduced self-reported stress in the Full Analysis Set and attenuation of SECPT-related salivary cortisol reactivity. These preliminary findings support further investigation in larger, adequately powered trials.
Trial registration: Australian and New Zealand Clinical Trials Registry: (ACTRN12625000129482) https://www.anzctr.org.au/ACTRN12625000129482p.aspx .
期刊介绍：
Advances in Therapy is an international, peer reviewed, rapid-publication (peer review in 2 weeks, published 3–4 weeks from acceptance) journal dedicated to the publication of high-quality clinical (all phases), observational, real-world, and health outcomes research around the discovery, development, and use of therapeutics and interventions (including devices) across all therapeutic areas. Studies relating to diagnostics and diagnosis, pharmacoeconomics, public health, epidemiology, quality of life, and patient care, management, and education are also encouraged.
The journal is of interest to a broad audience of healthcare professionals and publishes original research, reviews, communications and letters. The journal is read by a global audience and receives submissions from all over the world. Advances in Therapy will consider all scientifically sound research be it positive, confirmatory or negative data. Submissions are welcomed whether they relate to an international and/or a country-specific audience, something that is crucially important when researchers are trying to target more specific patient populations. This inclusive approach allows the journal to assist in the dissemination of all scientifically and ethically sound research.
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