A double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled trial on the effect of Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera dunal.) root extract in improving cardiorespiratory endurance and recovery in healthy athletic adults.

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE: Ashwagandha is a reputed herb in traditional Ayurveda, used for various ailments and improving general well-being. Improved cardiorespiratory endurance can aid in attaining better physiological, metabolic, and functional abilities in humans. According to Ayurveda, Ashwagandha has such potential to improve human health. AIM OF THE STUDY: This study aimed to evaluate the efficacy and safety of Ashwagandha root extract in enhancing cardiorespiratory endurance in healthy athletic adults. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Fifty healthy athletic adults were selected randomly and equally allocated to Ashwagandha and placebo groups. The Ashwagandha group received 300 mg of Ashwagandha root extract capsules, twice daily, for 8-weeks. Cardiorespiratory endurance was assessed by measuring the maximum aerobic capacity (VO2 max). Estimation of stress management was done through Total Quality Recovery Scores (TQR), Recovery-Stress Questionnaire for Athletes (RESTQ), and Daily Analysis of Life Demands for Athletes (DALDA) questionnaires along with the antioxidant level measurement. RESULTS: At the end of the study, a statistically significant improvement in VO2 max outcome was observed in the Ashwagandha group when compared to the placebo group (P = 0.0074). The subjects in the Ashwagandha group also displayed a statistically significant increase at the end of the study when compared to the baseline (P < 0.0001). Significantly improved TQR scores were observed in the Ashwagandha group members compared to their placebo counterparts (P < 0.0001). DALDA questionnaire analysis in the Ashwagandha group was found statistically significant (P < 0.0001) compared to the placebo group. RESTQ assessment also yielded better outcomes, especially for fatigue recovery (P < 0.0001), lack of energy (P < 0.0001), and fitness analysis (P < 0.0001). The enhanced antioxidant level was significant (P < 0.0001) in the Ashwagandha group. CONCLUSION: The present findings suggest that Ashwagandha root extract can successfully enhance cardiorespiratory endurance and improve the quality of life in healthy athletic adults. No adverse events were reported by any of the subjects in this study.

Safety of Ashwagandha Root Extract: A Randomized, Placebo-Controlled, study in Healthy Volunteers.

BACKGROUND: Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera) is a well-established and reputed herb in Ayurvedic medicine. It has been used as a "Rasayana" (rejuvenator), nootropic, and as a powerful natural adaptogen. The herb extract is extensively used for general wellbeing and in specific ailments. However, only a few studies have investigated the safety and tolerability of Ashwagandha in humans. This study evaluated the safety of Ashwagandha root extract consumption in healthy adults. METHODS: In this randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, and parallel-group study, 80 healthy participants (40 males, 40 females) were randomized in a 1:1 ratio to receive either Ashwagandha 300 mg or a placebo of the same dosage, twice daily, orally for 8 weeks. The study was conducted at MV Hospital, and King George Medical University, Lucknow, India. The primary safety outcomes considered were laboratory assessment of hematological parameters, serum biochemistry analysis including hepatotoxicity evaluation, and thyroid function parameters. The secondary outcomes of this study were the clinical adverse events and the vital parameters. The within and between the groups' datasets were compared using the Wilcoxon signed-rank test and the Mann Whitney U test, respectively. RESULTS: A detailed evaluation of the vital signs such as body weight, body temperature, pulse rate, respiratory rate, systolic and diastolic blood pressure, and Body Mass Index (BMI) were conducted for each participant at the baseline and the end of the study for treatment and placebo groups. Similarly, hematological and biochemical parameters were evaluated at the baseline and at the end of study. The outcome did not indicate any untoward effects in any of the treated volunteers. No statistically significant change or abnormality was observed in the considered parameters including thyroid hormonal profile in both the groups. No adverse events were reported by any of the participants in this study. CONCLUSIONS: Ashwagandha is being consumed since time immemorial following the Ayurvedic medicine practices. Modern science requires evidence of the safety and efficacy of the Ashwagandha extract before mass consumption for various health issues and as a supplement. The present study revealed that the consumption of Ashwagandha root extract for 8 weeks was safe in both males and females volunteers. However, long term study and varying dosage ranges should be investigated in the future.

Antibacterial Activity of Indian Borage (Plectranthus amboinicus Benth) Leaf Extracts in Food Systems andAgainst Natural Microflora in Chicken Meat.

The ability of acetone and ethyl acetate extracts of the leaves of a traditional Indian medicinal plant, Indian borage (Plectranthus amboinicus Benth) to prevent spoilage of artificially inoculated model food systems (cabbage and papaya) and natural microflora of chicken meat was evaluated. These extracts were able to reduce the bacterial counts in all food systems; however, the effective concentration varied with the complexity of the system (cabbage

Evaluation of biophysical parameters of Amrutapatolaksheeravasti Dravya and Karma - An observational study.

The study aims to observe the effects of Amrutapatolaksheeravasti Dravya (medicated milk enema) in values of biophysical-chemical parameters. The classical Vasti (enema) can be analyzed with the help of biophysical parameters like pH, temperature, and specific gravity (Sp.gr.). Three hundred samples of classically prepared Amrutapatolaksheeravasti were analyzed for pH, temp., Sp.gr. with the calibrated instruments before each Vastikarma. The clinical symptoms based on proper Vastikarma and its complication were recorded and assessed. The parameters - pH, temperature, Sp.gr., and viscosity have shown a significant to highly significant value of correlation coefficient "r" and 't' in relation to successful Vastikarma and retention time of Vasti Dravya respectively. pH <5.8 and temperature >39°C led to anal irritation in Ksheera Vasti. Similarly, pH >6.1 and temperature <32°C resulted in flatulence. The effects of pH and Sp.gr. are due to temperature as both are temperature-based variables.