Effects of Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera) on VO2max: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

Nutrients
Q1
Apr 2020
Citations:41
Influential Citations:4
Systematic Reviews / Meta-Analyses
63
S2 IconPDF Icon

Enhanced Details

Methods
Randomized controlled trials; healthy adults and athletes, aged 16–45 years; total participants across studies: 162 (Ashwagandha n=81, placebo n=81).
Intervention
Ashwagandha root extract; 300–1000 mg/day, taken once or twice daily; duration 2–12 weeks.
Results
Ashwagandha supplementation may improve VO2max in athletes and healthy adults. Meta-analysis (4 RCTs, n=142) showed a mean VO2max increase of 3.00 mL/kg/min (95% CI 0.18 to 5.82; p=0.04) with high heterogeneity (I2=84%). Conclusion: supplementation might enhance aerobic capacity, but evidence is limited and inconsistent; more high-quality, standardized trials are needed to confirm optimal dose and duration.
Limitations
Small evidence base (5 RCTs in systematic review; 4 in meta-analysis) with substantial heterogeneity; varying doses (≈330–1000 mg/day) and durations (2–12 weeks); participants were only healthy adults and athletes; one study excluded from meta-analysis due to abnormal VO2 data; English-language search; no prospective registration.

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to systematically review the scientific literature about the effects of supplementation with Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera) on maximum oxygen consumption (VO2max), as well as to provide directions for clinical practice...