An Examination into the Anti-stress and Anti-fatigue Effects of an Ashwagandha Extract (Ashwa.30™) in Stressed Adults: A Randomised, Double-Blind, Placebo-controlled Trial

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INTRODUCTION: Ashwagandha supplementation has been associated with reduced self-reported stress and anxiety, although most trials have used doses of 250-600 mg daily for 6-8 weeks. This study examined the effects of a low-dose ashwagandha extract (Ashwa.30™) on perceived stress, mood, fatigue, and stress reactivity in stressed adults. METHODS: In this 28-day, randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial, 60 adults aged 18-65 years with self-reported stress were randomly allocated to receive ashwagandha 30 mg/day or placebo. Outcomes included the Depression, Anxiety, and Stress Scale, daily mood ratings, and the Chalder Fatigue Scale. The Socially Evaluated Cold-Pressor Test (SECPT) was conducted on Days 7 and 28, with subjective stress and fatigue, cardiovascular and electrodermal measures, skin temperature, and salivary cortisol and chromogranin A assessed. RESULTS: Compared to the placebo, ashwagandha intake was associated with greater reductions in self-reported stress in the full analysis set (primary analysis; p = 0.046). The per protocol set analysis was directionally consistent but not statistically significant. Mean daily stress ratings were also lower in the ashwagandha group (p = 0.043). During the Day 28 SECPT, the ashwagandha group reported lower stress ratings (p = 0.044), and salivary cortisol concentrations remained relatively stable in the ashwagandha group but increased in the placebo group, suggesting attenuation of cortisol reactivity (p = 0.047). However, no statistically significant between-group differences were detected for other secondary and physiological outcomes. CONCLUSIONS: An ashwagandha extract (Ashwa.30™) administered at 30 mg daily was associated with reduced self-reported stress in the Full Analysis Set and attenuation of SECPT-related salivary cortisol reactivity. These preliminary findings support further investigation in larger, adequately powered trials. TRIAL REGISTRATION: Australian and New Zealand Clinical Trials Registry: (ACTRN12625000129482) https://www.anzctr.org.au/ACTRN12625000129482p.aspx .

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