Effects of Ashwagandha ( Withania somnifera ) on Physical Performance: Systematic Review and Bayesian Meta-Analysis.
Level 1 - systematic review of randomized trials
Systematic review and meta-analysis of clinical trials
PubMed 33670194 · doi:10.3390/jfmk6010020
What was done
PRISMA-guided systematic review and Bayesian meta-analysis searching PubMed, ScienceDirect, and Google Scholar up to 2020 for clinical trials evaluating Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera) supplementation on physical performance in healthy individuals. Bayesian hierarchical models were developed for subgroup meta-analyses on strength/power, cardiorespiratory fitness, and fatigue/recovery variables across 13 included studies (12 in quantitative analysis).
What was found
Included trials showed low-to-moderate risk of bias. Bayesian hierarchical models converged (R-hat = 1) for meta-analytic effect size and between-study standard deviation. Ashwagandha was superior to placebo for physical performance outcomes based on 95% credible intervals, though exact numerical point estimates and interval ranges were not reported in the abstract.
Why it matters
Synthesizes available clinical trial evidence suggesting Ashwagandha holds utility as an ergogenic supplement for physical performance and recovery in healthy adults.
Limits
The abstract does not state the total participant sample size, specific numerical effect sizes, credible intervals, or supplement regimens. Included trials had low-to-moderate risk of bias, and more research is needed in athletic and exercise-trained populations.
Cited by
- supports Meta-analyses demonstrate that ashwagandha supplementation improves lean mass, strength, sleep, and stress management.