Ashwagandha Supplementation for Prevention of Muscle Damage

Not Applicable

Recruiting

• Conditions: Muscle Damage

• Registration Number: NCT06900569
• Lead Sponsor: University of Saskatchewan

Brief Summary

Ashwagandha is an herbal supplement that has a wide range of benefits related to exercise when supplemented for about 8-12 weeks. This study aims to investigate whether short-term Ashwagandha supplementation can enhance muscle recovery following exercise by measuring muscle strength recovery, swelling, and soreness in the biceps.

Detailed Description

The purpose of the study is to determine the effects of Ashwagandha supplementation on recovery from muscle-damaging exercise. Ten to twenty participants will be randomized to receive Ashwagandha supplementation (600 mg/d) or placebo for 10 days. On day 7, participants will perform a muscle damaging exercise session (six sets of concentric and emphasized eccentric repetitions with the biceps). Before and after exercise and at 24, 48, and 72 hours after exercise, isometric muscle strength, muscle swelling (ultrasound), and muscle soreness will be assessed. The investigators hypothesize the Ashwagandha will alleviate symptoms of muscle damage (swelling and soreness) and enhance strength recovery after a bout of muscle-damaging exercise.

Study Timeline

• Study First Submitted: 2025-03-15
• Study First Submitted QC: 2025-03-21
• Study Start: 2025-03-22
• Study First Posted: 2025-03-28
• Status Verified: 2025-04
• Last Update Submitted: 2025-04-17
• Last Update Posted: 2025-04-20
• Primary Completion: 2025-04-30
• Study Completion: 2025-05-15

Recruitment & Eligibility

• Status: RECRUITING
• Sex: All
• Target Recruitment: 20

Inclusion Criteria

male or female, aged 18-35y

Exclusion Criteria

Conditions that may be affected by exercise (determined by "yes" answers to the "Get Active Questionnaire") Pregnant Breastfeeding

Allergies to:

• Dicalcium Phosphate
• Cellulose
• Vegetable magnesium stearate
• Silica

Study & Design

• Study Type: INTERVENTIONAL
• Study Design: PARALLEL

Primary Outcome Measures

Name	Time	Method
Change in isometric biceps strength measured with a dynamometer (Nm)	72 hours

Secondary Outcome Measures

Name	Time	Method
Change in muscle thickness measured with ultrasound (cm)	72 hours
Change in muscle soreness measured with a visual analog scale with scores ranging from 0 (no soreness) to 10 (maximal soreness)	72 hours
Change in sleep quality with the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index with scores ranging from 0 (no sleep problems) to 3 (lowest sleep quality)	10 days

Trial Locations

Locations (1)

University of Saskatchewan; 🇨🇦 Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, Canada