Learn — Ashwagandha for athletes
Ashwagandha as an Ergogenic Aid: Evidence on Performance, Recovery, and Hormonal Adaptation in Athletes
Abstract Summary Objective To evaluate ashwagandha (Withania somnifera) as an ergogenic aid for athletes, focusing on physical performance, recovery, and hormonal regulation. Context Ashwagandha is a traditional adaptogenic herb known for its potential to modulate the stress response, enhance physical performance, and improve recovery in healthy populations. Its growing presence in sports nutrition has prompted increasing clinical investigation. Methods Used Approach Systematic review of RCTs, meta-analyses, and clinical trials sourced from PubMed, Scopus, SPORTDiscus, and Web of Science. Data Collection Outcomes assessed included VO2max, muscle strength, cortisol, testosterone, recovery indices, and inflammatory markers across supplementation protocols of 300–600 mg/day for...