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Resistance Exercise PerformanceASHNCT07853274

Dose-Response Effects of Short-Term Ashwagandha on Anaerobic Exercise and Cognitive Function in Resistance-Trained Athletes

A study testing Low-dose Ashwagandha Supplement and High-dose Ashwagandha Supplement in people with Resistance Exercise Performance and Cognitive Functions, run by Jacksonville State University at 1 site in United States.

Completed

Finished. The study has ended and is not enrolling. Results may be posted on the official record.

Official record
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Trial summary

Ashwagandha (ASH) is an herbal supplement derived from the Withania somnifera plant. It is commonly described as an adaptogen, a substance thought to help the body cope with physical and psychological stress. Previous research has examined ashwagandha supplementation using different doses and supplementation periods. Read more about this study

Who is it for?
Ages 18 to 40 yearsHealthy volunteers can take part
What is being tested?
Low-dose Ashwagandha Supplement and High-dose Ashwagandha Supplement
Type of treatment
Pill or oral medicine
Could I receive a placebo?
Yes, some participants may receive a placebo
How many people
23 participants
Where
1 siteUnited States
Study dates
20 Aug 2024to 25 Jan 2025
Phase
Interventional
Are there results?
None posted in the registry

Key requirements

Who can take part, as listed by the sponsor. Only the study team can confirm whether you are eligible, so take this list to your doctor.

  • Ages 18 to 40 years
  • All sexes
  • Healthy volunteers accepted
  • Adult

Who may be able to join

  • Age 18-40 years
  • At least 2 years of regular resistance training that included the bench press and either the leg press or squat
  • Body mass index (BMI) of 18.5-24.9 kg/m²

Who cannot join

  • Age under 18 years and above 40 yrs
  • A history of treatment for metabolic disease (e.g., diabetes), hypertension, hypotension, thyroid disease, arrhythmias, and/or cardiovascular disease
  • Current use of any prescription medication
  • Intolerance to natural stimulants
  • A history of smoking
  • Excessive drinking (12 drinks per week)
  • Known allergy to ashwagandha, as this could affect the participant's safety and the study's outcomes

Trial locations and contacts

1 site in 1 country.

United States1 site
  • Exercise Physiology and Nutrition Laboratory (EPNL) at Jacksonville State University

    Jacksonville, Alabama, 36265-1724

Other trials in United States

About this study

Official title: Dose-Response Effects of Short-Term Ashwagandha Supplementation on Exercise Performance, Resting Energy Expenditure, and Cognitive Function in Resistance-Trained Athletes: A Randomized, Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled Crossover Trial

Ashwagandha (ASH) is an herbal supplement derived from the Withania somnifera plant. It is commonly described as an adaptogen, a substance thought to help the body cope with physical and psychological stress. Previous research has examined ashwagandha supplementation using different doses and supplementation periods. This study examined the effects of seven days of supplementation on muscular strength, exercise performance, cognitive function, and selected physiological measures in healthy, resistance-trained men and women. It also examined whether these effects differed between low and high doses.

The study used a crossover design in which each participant completed four conditions: no supplementation, a placebo containing maltodextrin, low-dose ashwagandha at 4 mg per kilogram of body weight per day for seven days, and high-dose ashwagandha at 14 mg per kilogram of body weight per day for seven days. The three supplementation conditions were separated by seven-day washout periods. During the blinded supplementation conditions, neither the participants nor the researchers conducting the assessments knew which supplement was being administered.

At the end of each seven-day supplementation period, participants completed laboratory assessments. These included the maximum weight lifted for one repetition on the bench press and leg press, total lifting volume across multiple sets, and the speed and power of bar movement. Participants also completed a 30-second all-out cycling sprint to assess anaerobic power, total work, and fatigue, along with a color-word test to assess cognitive performance. Additional assessments included resting energy expenditure, heart rate, blood pressure, perceived exertion, self-reported readiness, focus, alertness, and selected blood markers related to cholesterol, liver function, and muscle damage.

Read the detailed description

Background and Rationale

Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera) has been studied for its potential effects on physical performance, recovery, stress regulation, and cognitive function. Previous studies have used different doses and supplementation periods, leaving uncertainty about the relationship between dose and these outcomes.

Few studies have directly compared different body-mass-adjusted doses of ashwagandha within the same participants following short-term supplementation. This study examined the effects of seven days of supplementation on resting energy expenditure, resistance-exercise performance, anaerobic cycling performance, and cognitive function in resistance-trained adults using a controlled crossover design.

Study Design

The study used a crossover design with an unblinded no-supplement control condition and three randomized, double-blind supplementation conditions: placebo, low-dose ashwagandha, and high-dose ashwagandha. The no-supplement condition provided baseline measurements. The supplementation conditions were randomized and counterbalanced across participants.

The placebo contained maltodextrin. Ashwagandha doses were 4 mg per kilogram of body weight per day in the low-dose condition and 14 mg per kilogram per day in the high-dose condition. Each supplementation condition lasted seven days. Seven-day washout periods separated the supplementation conditions to reduce potential carryover effects. Participants and researchers conducting the assessments were blinded to the assigned supplementation condition.

Before experimental testing, participants attended a familiarization session that included informed consent, health screening, height and body mass measurements, body composition assessment, one-repetition maximum testing for the bench press and leg press, and practice with the Wingate anaerobic cycling test.

Experimental Procedures

Participants arrived at the laboratory after a 12-hour overnight fast. The research team collected a fasting blood sample and measured body mass, heart rate, blood pressure, and resting energy expenditure. During supplementation-condition visits, participants then consumed their assigned dose. Following a standardized waiting period, resting energy expenditure and cognitive function were assessed.

Participants completed standardized bench press and leg press protocols consisting of three sets at 60% of their individual one-repetition maximum, with the final set performed for as many repetitions as possible. A 30-second Wingate test followed to assess anaerobic cycling performance. Heart rate, blood pressure, perceived exertion, readiness to perform, and supplement tolerability were monitored during testing visits, as applicable.

Participants followed standardized pre-visit restrictions concerning fasting, exercise, caffeine, alcohol, dietary supplements, over-the-counter medications, and mouth-rinse use. During each supplementation period, they completed a side-effect questionnaire to document tolerability, symptoms, and adverse events.

Statistical Analysis

Repeated-measures analysis of variance was used to compare outcomes across the no-supplement control, placebo, low-dose ashwagandha, and high-dose ashwagandha conditions. The criterion for conducting least significant difference post hoc comparisons was a statistically significant overall treatment or interaction effect. Statistical significance was evaluated using an alpha level of 0.05.

Being tested
Low-dose Ashwagandha Supplement, High-dose Ashwagandha Supplement, Maltodextrin (Placebo)
Keywords
Ashwagandha, Anaerobic Exercise, Cognitive Function, Resistance Training, Dose-Response, Sports Nutrition, Placebo-Controlled

What participants receive

What participants receive. In a randomised study each person is assigned to one group by chance.

  • Low-dose Ashwagandha SupplementDietary supplement

    A low-dose ashwagandha supplement (4 mg/kg/day) was administered to assess its effects on anaerobic exercise performance and cognitive function.

  • High-dose Ashwagandha SupplementDietary supplement

    A high-dose ashwagandha (14 mg/kg/day) supplement was administered to examine its effects on anaerobic exercise performance and cognitive function.

  • Maltodextrin (Placebo)Dietary supplement

    Maltodextrin capsules matched in appearance to the blackcurrant supplement capsules served as an inert placebo control.

Study groups in NCT07853274
Study groupRoleWhat they receive
No-Capsule ControlNo interventionNo supplement was administered. Participants completed all testing procedures without receiving any substance.
PlaceboPlacebo comparatorParticipants received maltodextrin capsules matched in appearance to the blackcurrant supplement capsules.
Receives: Dietary Supplement: Maltodextrin (Placebo)
Low-dose AshwagandhaExperimentalParticipants received an ashwagandha supplement at 4 mg/kg/day.
Receives: Dietary Supplement: Low-dose Ashwagandha Supplement
High-Dose Rhodiola AshwagandhaExperimentalParticipants received an ashwagandha supplement at 14 mg/kg/day.
Receives: Dietary Supplement: High-dose Ashwagandha Supplement

What is being measured

The primary outcome is the main question the study is designed to answer.

  1. Resistance Exercise Performance

    Outcome measures comprised bench press and leg press one-repetition maximum (1RM), total lifting volume (sets × reps × weight), and Tendo-derived peak and mean barbell power during the bench press. These variables were assessed at four time points within a crossover design incorporating a one-week supplementation phase and a one-week washout phase, with each outcome reported in its corresponding unit (kilograms for 1RM and volume; watts for power).

    Measured: Baseline and after each of three seven-day supplementation periods, with seven-day washouts between conditions; total duration approximately five weeks.

  2. Anaerobic Exercise Performance

    Peak power, mean power, and total work were measured via the 30-second Wingate Anaerobic Test. Assessed at 4 time points across a crossover design (1-week supplementation, 1-week washout). Each measure was reported separately in its respective unit (watts for peak and mean power; joules for total work).

    Measured: Baseline, end of Week 1 (post-supplementation), end of Week 2 (post-washout), and end of Week 3 (post-crossover supplementation)

Secondary outcomes (6)
  1. Cognitive Function

    Cognitive performance was assessed using the Stroop Color-Word Test, measuring selective attention, cognitive flexibility, and processing speed. Assessed at 4 time points across a crossover design (1-week supplementation, 1-week washout).

    Measured: Baseline, end of Week 1 (post-supplementation), end of Week 2 (post-washout), and end of Week 3 (post-crossover supplementation).

  2. Rating of Perceived Exertion (RPE)

    Perceived exertion was recorded using the Borg 6-20 scale at 1 minute post-bench press and post-leg press. Assessed at 4 time points across a crossover design (1-week supplementation, 1-week washout).

    Measured: Baseline, end of Week 1 (post-supplementation), end of Week 2 (post-washout), and end of Week 3 (post-crossover supplementation)

  3. Heart Rate (HR)

    Resting and post-exercise heart rates were recorded at rest and 1 minute after the bench press, leg press, and Wingate test. Assessed at 4 time points across a crossover design (1-week supplementation, 1-week washout).

    Unit of Measure: beats per minute (bpm)

    Measured: Baseline, end of Week 1 (post-supplementation), end of Week 2 (post-washout), and end of Week 3 (post-crossover supplementation)

  4. Systolic Blood Pressure (SBP)

    Resting and post-exercise systolic blood pressure were recorded at rest and 1 minute after the bench press, leg press, and Wingate test. Assessed at 4 time points across a crossover design (1-week supplementation, 1-week washout).

    Unit of Measure: mmHg

    Measured: Baseline, end of Week 1 (post-supplementation), end of Week 2 (post-washout), and end of Week 3 (post-crossover supplementation)

  5. Diastolic Blood Pressure (DBP)

    Resting and post-exercise diastolic blood pressure were recorded at rest and 1 minute after the bench press, leg press, and Wingate test. Assessed at 4 time points across a crossover design (1-week supplementation, 1-week washout).

    Unit of Measure: mmHg

    Measured: Baseline, end of Week 1 (post-supplementation), end of Week 2 (post-washout), and end of Week 3 (post-crossover supplementation)

  6. Tolerability and Adverse Events

    Side-effects questionnaire assessing physical and psychological symptoms during each capsule condition (Placebo, Low-Dose Blackcurrant, and High-Dose Blackcurrant).

    Measured: During each of the 3 supplementation weeks: Week 1, Week 2, and Week 3 (PL, LDBC, and HDBC conditions, each 1 week with a 1-week washout between conditions)

Timeline

From the start of the study to its completion; the mark is today. Estimated dates are the sponsor’s plan.

  1. First posted1 Oct 2026
  2. Study start20 Aug 2024
  3. Primary completion20 Nov 2024
  4. Study completion25 Jan 2025

Resources

More details

For doctors and researchers: how the study is designed, who runs it, and its registry IDs.

Study design
Study type
Interventional
Phase
Phase N/A
Primary purpose
Basic science
Allocation
Randomised
Intervention model
Crossover
Masking
Double blind
Who is masked
Participant, Investigator
Enrolment
23 participants (actual)
IDs, dates and publications
ClinicalTrials.gov ID
NCT07853274
Sponsor's protocol ID
JSU-EPNL-2026-03
Other IDs
10000-30211-20
Acronym
ASH
Status last verified
Aug 2026
First submitted
21 Sep 2026
Last updated
1 Oct 2026
Results posted
No
Data monitoring committee
No
FDA-regulated drug
No
FDA-regulated device
No
Individual data sharing
Yes: Deidentified participant-level data underlying all primary and secondary outcomes, including resistance and anaerobic exercise performance, Stroop test results, resting energy expenditure, hemodynamic responses, perceived exertion, blood biomarkers, and adverse events, will be available from the corresponding author upon reasonable request beginning six months after publication.

Questions about this trial

What is this clinical trial studying?

A study testing Low-dose Ashwagandha Supplement and High-dose Ashwagandha Supplement in people with Resistance Exercise Performance and Cognitive Functions, run by Jacksonville State University at 1 site in United States.

The full registered description is in the About this study section and the official record.

Who may be eligible to take part?

The sponsor lists 3 inclusion and 7 exclusion criteria. Eligibility is decided by the study team after screening, so read the full criteria and contact a listed site.

Is this clinical trial currently recruiting?

The record says: finished, as of the sponsor's last update on 1 Oct 2026. Status can change between updates, so confirm with the study contact before making plans.

Where is the study taking place?

The record lists 1 site in United States. Whether a site is taking part right now should be confirmed with that site. See every site.

What are the possible benefits and risks?

They depend on the study and the treatment, and no study can promise a benefit. Some participants in this study may receive a placebo. The study team explains the known risks during informed consent, before anyone joins; the record itself does not list them.

Are results available for this study?

The study is completed, but results are not available in the source record. That does not mean the treatment did or did not work.

How can a doctor refer a patient or contact the research team?

The record lists no contact. The official record names the sponsor, who can be asked directly. AzTrials does not enrol participants or take referrals.

What does the primary outcome measure?

Resistance Exercise Performance (time frame: Baseline and after each of three seven-day supplementation periods, with seven-day washouts between conditions; total duration approximately five weeks.). The study lists 2 primary outcomes in all. It is what the study was designed to measure, not a finding.

Where can I read the original study information?
Does a listing mean the treatment is approved or proven to work?

No. A listing means the study is registered. It does not show that the treatment is safe, works, or is approved by a regulator.

How often is this information updated?

AzTrials copies changed records from ClinicalTrials.gov every night and reloads the whole registry every week. The sponsor last updated this record on 1 Oct 2026.

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