Proprietary ashwagandha root extract supports stress and fatigue in recent study

Photo © iStockphoto.com/BartekSzewczyk

A recent randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial¹ found that a proprietary ashwagandha root extract (Witholytin from Verdure Sciences) significantly reduced stress in overweight and mildly obese men and women between the ages of 40 and 75 years. In the study, 120 subjects were given either 200 mg of the ashwagandha root extract or placebo twice daily for 12 weeks.

Subjects’ stress, fatigue, and quality of life were evaluated at baseline using the Perceived Stress Scale (PSS), Chalder Fatigue Scale (CFS), and PROMIS-29 + Interest in Sexual Activity subscale score at baseline, week 4, week 8, and week 12. Researchers also took blood samples, measured grip strength, heart rate variability, and took anthropometric measures at baseline and 12 weeks.

Results showed that subjects taking the ashwagandha root extract saw a significant reduction (38.59%) in stress levels based on PSS, but that these improvements were not significantly different from the placebo group. Based on CFS, however, subjects in the ashwagandha group did see significant reductions (45.8%) in fatigue symptoms compared to placebo, as well as a significant increase in heart rate variability. No significant between-group differences were found in PROMISE-29 self-report outcomes. Compared to placebo, men taking the ashwagandha root extract saw a significant increase in blood concentrations of free testosterone (12.87% increase) and non-significant increase of 7.15% in luteinizing hormone.

“We are excited to have this new publication join the evidence in support of Witholytin and our mounting body of evidence for ashwagandha extract standardization to USP methodology,” said Verdure Sciences’ executive vice president, Sonya Cropper, in a press release. “Tremendous interest continues to build for ashwagandha, adaptogens, fatigue, energy, and mental vitality.”

“Stress and fatigue are certainly health concerns that we would like to address in the coming years in our ingredients’ portfolio and this new scientific research on Witholytin is really exciting and exactly what we have been looking forward to see,” added Teresita Rudà, head of brands and marketing at Lehvoss Nutrition, the exclusive distributor of Witholytin in Europe.

Reference

Smith, S.J.; Lopresti, A.L.; Fairchild, T.J. Exploring the efficacy and safety of a novel standardized ashwagandha (Withania somnifera) root extract (Witholytin®) in adults experiencing high stress and fatigue in a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial. Journal of Psychopharmacology, 2023, 37 (11). DOI: 10.1177/02698811231200023