N/A N=30 Randomized Double-blind Basic Science

The Effects of Ashwagandha (Withania Somnifera) Supplementation on Exercise Performance in Female Footballers

Muscle Strength

Bottom Line

View on ClinicalTrials.gov: NCT06264986 ↗

Enrolled (actual)

Serious AEs

0.0%

Results posted

Jan 2025

Primary outcome: Primary: Increased Lower Body Muscle Strength 1/2 — 2410.0; 2492.5 Watts

Study Design & Population

Study type: Interventional
Phase: N/A
Interventions: Ashwagandha (Dietary_supplement); Placebo (Other)
Age: Pediatric, Adult · 17+ yrs
Sex: Female
Sponsor: Blanca Roman-Viñas, MD
Primary completion: Feb 2024

Outcome Measures

Outcome	Result	p-value
PRIMARY Increased Lower Body Muscle Strength 1/2	2410.0; 2492.5	—
PRIMARY Increased Maximum Voluntary Muscle Strength	33.14; 31.8	—
PRIMARY Increased Upper Body Muscle Strength and Explosiveness	160.7; 153.9	—
PRIMARY Improved Overall Muscle Strength	6.1; 5.4	—
PRIMARY Increased Lower Body Muscle Strength in 2/2	27.9; 28.7	—
SECONDARY Improved Perception of Wellbeing	11.4; 13.5	—
SECONDARY Improved Perception of Recovery	15.9; 14.0	—

Summary

The goal of this clinical trial is to evaluate the effects of short-term root extract ashwagandha supplementation on exercise performance in female footballers. The main question it aims to answer are: Will short-term supplementation of root extract ashwagandha improve muscle strength markers in female footballers? Will short-term supplementation of root extract ashwagandha improve perception of recovery following high-intensity exercise in female footballers? Participants will either supplement 600mg (5% withanolides) root extract ashwagandha or placebo once a day for 28 days. There will be three data points: baseline, 14 days and 28 days. Researchers will compare values of intervention against placebo to see if there is an effect on muscle strength or perception of recovery.

Eligibility Criteria

Inclusion Criteria

Female
Playing football professionally
At a sub-elite to elite standard
Healthy and free of disease

Exclusion Criteria

Active supplementation with other ergogenic aids
Medication or contraceptives (to not interfere with existing treatment)
Thyroid conditions (due to interaction with cortisol)
Diabetes or certain autoimmune conditions (to not interfere with existing treatment)
Active pregnancy (to not interfere with existing treatment)
Allergies to nightshades such as tomato, aubergine, potatoes and peppers
No signing of the consent form

View full record on ClinicalTrials.gov →

Data sourced from ClinicalTrials.gov (NCT06264986). Outcome figures and adverse-event rates are extracted automatically from the registry's posted results and are provided for clinician reference, not as a substitute for the primary publication.