Ashwagandha: Effects on Stress, Inflammation and Immune Cell Activation
试验速览
- 阶段
- 1 期
- 状态
- 已完成
- 入组人数
- 25
- 试验地点
- 2
- 主要终点
- The primary endpoint of this study will be to measure immune cell activation, inflammatory cytokines and cortisol levels after administration of the herb.
研究概览
简要总结
Ayurvedic medicine has been practiced in for more than 2,500 years. Ashwagandha is one of the most widely utilized herbs in the system. It is thought to affect the endocrine, immune, nervous, and cardiopulmonary systems. This study is designed as a preliminary investigation of the effects of Ashwagandha on stress, inflammation, and immune modulation. Participants will take the liquid extract in cow's milk twice a day for five days. The results of initial, one-day, and final blood draws will be compared to determine participant's beginning and ending levels of cortisol, inflammatory cytokines, and immune-cell activation (CD4 T-cells, CD8 T-cells, B cells and natural killer cells). Measurements will be completed using flow cytometry and ELISA assay. The purpose of this study is to determine which effects of Ashwagandha are most suitable for further investigation.
详细描述
Due to the increased use of alternative medicine, supplements and herbs are consumed more frequently in the treatment of common ailments. This pilot study investigates the immune, anti-inflammatory and anti-stress effects of Ashwagandha in human subjects.
Liquid extract of the herb will be taken followed by milk; this mode of administration will be used as it approximates the traditional administration as well as making self administration easier for participants. Extract will be taken in 3 milliliter quantities 2 times per day, (morning and evening), for five days. Total dosage of 6 milliliters will approximate the higher end of the traditional daily dosage of 6 grams daily of powdered root.
Flow of visit:
25 participants will arrive at the research lab and after being consented, filling out health histories and two stress questionnaires, (POMS and STAI Self-Evaluation), average milk intake questionnaire. The 25 participants will receive blood draws. They will then be administered the herb extract, milk and instructions for taking them.
Subjects will return to the research institute after 24 hours for a second blood draw and then after 5 days for a final blood draw and two more stress questionnaires, (POMS and STAI Self-Evaluation).
研究设计
- 研究类型
- Interventional
- 分配方式
- Non Randomized
- 干预模型
- Single Group
- 主要目的
- Prevention
- 盲法
- None
入排标准
- 年龄范围
- 18 Years 至 55 Years（Adult）
- 性别
- All
- 接受健康志愿者
- 是
入选标准
- •Healthy adults, not pregnant
排除标准
- •Fear or aversion to needles or blood draws.
- •Recent infection or immunocompromised.
- •Allergy to cow's milk.
- •Known herb allergies.
- •Aversions or medical contraindications to alcohol.
- •Medication contra-indications, such as: benzodiazepines, CNS depressants,immunosuppressants and thyroid hormone and supplements.
结局指标
主要结局
The primary endpoint of this study will be to measure immune cell activation, inflammatory cytokines and cortisol levels after administration of the herb.
时间窗: 24 hours and again at 5 days
次要结局
- The secondary endpoint of this study will be to measure and correlate stress levels to the use of the herb.(24 hours and again at 5 days)