Exploring the efficacy and safety of a novel standardized ashwagandha () root extract (Witholytin®) in adults experiencing high stress and fatigue in a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial.

Background: Stress is a state of homeostasis in the body being challenged, resulting in a systemic response. It has become more prevalent in recent years and affects mental and physical health.

Aims: Evaluate the effects of ashwagandha on stress, fatigue, and sex hormones in overweight or mildly obese men and women with self-reported stress and fatigue.

Methods: Two-arm, parallel-group, 12-week, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial on overweight or mildly obese men and women aged 40-75 years, supplementing with 200 mg of an ashwagandha root extract (Witholytin®) twice daily.

Results/outcomes: Supplementation with ashwagandha was associated with a significant reduction in stress levels based on the Perceived Stress Scale (primary outcome); however, the improvements were not significantly different to the placebo group ( = 0.867). Based on the Chalder Fatigue Scale, there was a statistically significant reduction in fatigue symptoms in the ashwagandha group compared to the placebo group ( = 0.016), and participants taking ashwagandha also experienced a significant increase in heart rate variability ( = 0.003). However, there were no significant between-group differences in other self-report outcome measures. In the men taking ashwagandha, there was a significant increase in the blood concentrations of free testosterone ( = 0.048) and luteinizing hormone ( = 0.002) compared to the placebo group.

Conclusions/interpretation: The results of this study suggest that in overweight middle-to-older age adults experiencing high stress and fatigue, compared to the placebo, ashwagandha did not have a significantly greater impact on perceived stress levels. However, based on secondary outcome measures, it may have anti-fatigue effects. This may be via its impact on the autonomic nervous system. However, further research is required to expand on these current findings.