title: Body Weight Management in Adults Under Chronic Stress Through Treatment With Ashwagandha Root Extract: A Double-Blind, Randomized, Placebo-Controlled Trial.
abstract: Chronic stress has been associated with a number of illnesses, including obesity. Ashwagandha is a well-known adaptogen and known for reducing stress and anxiety in humans. The objective of this study was to evaluate the safety and efficacy of a standardized root extract of Ashwagandha through a double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled trial. A total of 52 subjects under chronic stress received either Ashwagandha (300 mg) or placebo twice daily. Primary efficacy measures were Perceived Stress Scale and Food Cravings Questionnaire. Secondary efficacy measures were Oxford Happiness Questionnaire, Three-Factor Eating Questionnaire, serum cortisol, body weight, and body mass index. Each subject was assessed at the start and at 4 and 8 weeks. The treatment with Ashwagandha resulted in significant improvements in primary and secondary measures. Also, the extract was found to be safe and tolerable. The outcome of this study suggests that Ashwagandha root extract can be used for body weight management in adults under chronic stress.
authors.affiliation: Indian Red Cross Society, Red Cross House, Pune, Maharashtra, India.
authors.forename: Dnyanraj
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Choudhary
authors.affiliation: NSHM Knowledge Campus, Kolkata, West Bengal, India dr.sauvik.bhattacharyya@gmail.com.
authors.forename: Sauvik
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Bhattacharyya
authors.affiliation: Bharati Vidyapeeth Medical College & Hospital, Sangli, Maharashtra, India.
authors.forename: Kedar
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: Joshi
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D001835:Body Weight / Q000502:physiology*; D002908:Chronic Disease; D004311:Double-Blind Method; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D006854:Hydrocortisone / Q000097:blood; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D008517:Phytotherapy; D010936:Plant Extracts / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D013315:Stress, Psychological / Q000628:therapy*; D015430:Weight Gain; D055815:Young Adult
chemical_list: D010936:Plant Extracts; C030693:Ashwagandha; D006854:Hydrocortisone
keywords: Withania somnifera; food craving; serum cortisol; stress; weight gain