Ashwagandha Does Not Enhance the Effect of High-Intensity Interval Training on Selected Energy Metabolism Parameters in Young Healthy Men.

2025-10-16
Nutrients 17(20)
- Małgorzata Charmas
- Ewa Jówko
- Barbara Długołęcka
- Andrzej Klusiewicz
- Iwona Przybylska
- Anna Galczak-Kondraciuk

PubMed: 41156498
DOI: 10.3390/nu17203245

Study Design

Type: Randomized Controlled Trial (RCT)
Population: healthy young men
Methods: randomised, double-blind and placebo-controlled, 8 weeks of ashwagandha supplementation (600 mg/day) during HIIT on a rowing ergometer (3 times per week, 5-7 series of 1.5 min at 85-95% of maximum power, with intervals of 1.5 min at 70 W)
Blinding: Double-blind
Duration: 8 weeks
Funding: Unclear

Rigorous Journal

Background/objectives

High-intensity interval training (HIIT) is considered an effective way in improving aerobic capacity and selected health parameters. Ashwagandha is an herb with possible health-promoting properties that may affect metabolism and performance. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of ashwagandha supplementation (600 mg/day) during an 8-week HIIT on body composition, lipid profile and hormone levels related to energy homeostasis in healthy young men.

Methods

The study was randomised, double-blind and placebo-controlled (Placebo group, PL, n = 20; ashwagandha, A, n = 18). HIIT was conducted on a rowing ergometer (3 times per week, 5-7 series of 1.5 min at 85-95% of maximum power, with intervals of 1.5 min at 70 W). Body composition (BIA, Tanita TBF 300P), serum lipid profile (tChol, HDL-cholesterol, LDL-cholesterol, TG) and serum levels of adiponectin, asprosin and irisin were analysed before (term 1) and after the8-week study (term 2). Both the lipid and hormonal profiles were measured in three time points: pre- and post-graded exercise test and after 24 h recovery period.

Results

Analysis showed no effect of training or supplementation on body composition and lipid profile (p > 0.05). In turn, the 8-week HIIT decreased resting levels of adiponectin and increased irisin levels post-exercise and after 24 h (p < 0.05).

Conclusions

In young, healthy men, an 8-week HIIT programme significantly affects selected hormones related to energy metabolism of adipose (adiponectin) and muscle (irisin) tissues, but ashwagandha supplementation did not significantly affect any of the hormonal parameters analysed.

Research Insights

Ashwagandha→Increased High-Density Lipoprotein Cholesterol
Analysis showed no effect of training or supplementation on body composition and lipid profile (p > 0.05).
Effect
Neutral
Effect size
Small
Dose
600 mg/day
Ashwagandha→Increased Irisin Level
ashwagandha supplementation did not significantly affect any of the hormonal parameters analysed.
Effect
Neutral
Effect size
Small
Dose
600 mg/day
Ashwagandha→Reduced Adiponectin Level
ashwagandha supplementation did not significantly affect any of the hormonal parameters analysed.
Effect
Neutral
Effect size
Small
Dose
600 mg/day
Ashwagandha→Reduced Asprosin Level
ashwagandha supplementation did not significantly affect any of the hormonal parameters analysed.
Effect
Neutral
Effect size
Small
Dose
600 mg/day
Ashwagandha→Reduced Blood Cholesterol
Analysis showed no effect of training or supplementation on body composition and lipid profile (p > 0.05).
Effect
Neutral
Effect size
Small
Dose
600 mg/day
Ashwagandha→Reduced Body Fat
Analysis showed no effect of training or supplementation on body composition and lipid profile (p > 0.05).
Effect
Neutral
Effect size
Small
Dose
600 mg/day
Ashwagandha→Reduced LDL Cholesterol
Analysis showed no effect of training or supplementation on body composition and lipid profile (p > 0.05).
Effect
Neutral
Effect size
Small
Dose
600 mg/day
Ashwagandha→Reduced Triglyceride Levels
Analysis showed no effect of training or supplementation on body composition and lipid profile (p > 0.05).
Effect
Neutral
Effect size
Small
Dose
600 mg/day