The Effects of KSM-66 Ashwagandha Supplementation on Recovery and Muscle Strength in Academy Athletes

University Ramon Llull

Status

Active, not recruiting

Conditions

Exercise Training

Strength

Recovery

Treatments

Dietary Supplement: KSM-66 Ashwagandha

Dietary Supplement: Placebo

Study type

Interventional

Funder types

Other

Identifiers

NCT07041853

05-03-2025

Details and patient eligibility

About

This double-blind, randomised, placebo-controlled trial will examine the effects of 42-day root extract ashwagandha (KSM-66) supplementation on recovery and muscle strength in male and female rugby and water polo players. Participants will receive either 600 mg of ashwagandha or a placebo daily. Outcomes include hormonal stress markers, perceived exertion, wellness, muscle soreness and strength and performance metrics (grip strength, jump tests, 1RM lifts, Bronco test).

Full description

This double-blind, randomised, placebo-controlled trial aims to investigate the effects of ashwagandha (ASH) supplementation on recovery and muscle strength in male and female rugby and water polo players. Participants will supplement either KSM-66 ashwagandha (600 mg, standardised to 5% withanolides) or a placebo once daily for 42 days. The study will evaluate outcomes related to hormonal stress markers, perceived exertion, wellness, muscle soreness, and physical performance.

Primary biomarkers include cortisol, DHEA-S, testosterone, melatonin, alpha-amylase, and cortisone, assessed through saliva samples. Subjective measures will include the Borg Rate of Perceived Exertion Scale and the Hooper Index for sleep quality, stress, fatigue, and delayed onset muscle soreness (DOMS). Physical performance will be assessed using grip strength (CAMRY dynamometer), vertical jump tests (countermovement jump, squat jump), broad jump, 1-repetition maximum (1RM) tests for deadlift, bench press, and pull-up, as well as the Bronco test. Supplement satisfaction will be evaluated via questionnaire.

Participants' dietary intake will be recorded using a self-tracking method (Snap-N-Send) and analysed using Nutritics software; food diaries will serve as covariates in the final analysis. The study will be conducted in partnership with CN Poble Nou, a professional sports club in Barcelona, Spain.

Ashwagandha use is increasingly common among athletes despite limited evidence on appropriate dosing and performance outcomes. This study will contribute to scientific understanding of its potential short-term benefits, particularly in high-contact sports where managing cortisol and recovery is critical.

All participants will provide informed consent, and ethical considerations focus on safety, data privacy, and the right to withdraw from the study at any time.

Enrollment

60 estimated patients

Sex

All

Ages

18+ years old

Volunteers

Accepts Healthy Volunteers

Inclusion criteria

Above the age of 18
Healthy and free of disease
Assigned as an athlete at CN Poble Nou sports academy

Exclusion criteria

Allergies to nightshades such as tomato, aubergine, potatoes and peppers
Active supplementation with other ergogenic aids (to not interfere with existing treatment)
Medication or contraceptives (to not interfere with existing treatment)
Liver conditions (to not interfere with existing treatment)
Thyroid conditions (to not interfere with existing treatment)
Diabetes or certain autoimmune conditions (to not interfere with existing treatment)
Active pregnancy (to not interfere with existing treatment)
No signing of the consent form