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Key Points
- Ashwagandha showed improved metabolic profiles
- Inflammatory and cardiac stress markers declined
- Testosterone levels significantly increased
- Vital signs and safety measures remained steady
Overview of Methods
Forty healthy adults (36 males, 4 females) aged 50–70 were randomized into two groups for 6 months.
- Test group: 20 participants took 200 mg ashwagandha (WS) oral capsules twice daily (400 mg/day total) for 180 days
- Placebo group: 20 participants took matching placebo oral capsules twice daily for 180 days
Safety and biomarker assessments were taken at baseline (day 1) and at day 180.
Ashwagandha Improved Lipid and Metabolic Markers
Lipid profiles, or fats in the blood, remained stable in the ashwagandha group, while large elevations were seen in the placebo group.
"Total Cholesterol and LDL significantly increased in the placebo group; the changes were non-significant in the test group, indicating that the WS root extract does not have any significant effect on lipid levels"
Blood sugar tests showed glucose was stable in the ashwagandha group but increased in the placebo group. Similarly, fasting insulin decreased with ashwagandha but increased in the control group.
"Fasting blood glucose levels remained normal in the test group but significantly increased in the control group.
"Fasting insulin levels decreased significantly in the test group, while the control group showed an increase."
This suggests that ashwagandha works to support metabolic stability over time, without negatively affecting lipid or blood glucose markers, during long-term use.
Inflammation and Cardiovascular Stress Decreased
People taking ashwagandha showed large drops in blood markers linked to inflammation and heart strain:
- A 51% reduction in CRP, a marker of systemic inflammation
- A 29% reduction in NT-proBNP, a marker linked to cardiac stress and biological aging
"The test group showed a significant decrease in CRP levels (51.1%)... findings indicate that WS root extract has anti-inflammatory properties, as evidenced by its potential to reduce CRP levels."
"In the test group, there was a decrease in NT-pro BNP levels (28.70%) compared to a slight increase in the control group…WS root extract afforded further cardiac protection by reducing the marker."
Importantly, both markers remained within normal ranges, meaning there were no signs of heart stress during long-term supplementation. This supports a favorable cardiovascular safety profile, preventing chronically elevated inflammatory markers closely linked to metabolic decline and accelerated biological aging.
Elevated Testosterone Levels
Among male participants, those in the ashwagandha group saw a nearly 16% increase in testosterone levels, while levels declined in the placebo group.
"Testosterone levels significantly increased (15.7%) in male participants in the WS group… This indicates that WS root extract increases the testosterone level and could increase muscle mass."
Testosterone helps the body maintain muscle by supporting normal repair and upkeep, especially as levels naturally decline with age. By helping maintain healthy levels, ashwagandha may support muscle preservation over time.
Conclusion
This trial provides strong evidence that ashwagandha root extract is well tolerated for long-term use and has the potential to increase testosterone levels in men while improving metabolic, inflammatory, and cardiovascular markers in humans.
"The present study observed a marked increase in testosterone levels among male participants following WS root extract supplementation."
"Notably, significant reductions were observed in inflammatory markers (CRP), NT-pro BNP levels."
Across a comprehensive panel of tests, no adverse effects were observed, helping clarify concerns surrounding ashwagandha and reinforce its profile as a promising longevity support ingredient.
"These findings support the safety of standardized WS root extract for long-term consumption and highlight its potential as a safe nutraceutical intervention to support health and well-being in human populations."
