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

NCT07041853 | Completed

• 1 other identifier: 05-03-2025
• Study Type: interventional
• Target: 56
• Locations: 1 country
• Sites: 1

Brief Summary

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).

Conditions

Recovery; Strength; Exercise Training

Keywords

ashwagandha; athlete; recovery; performance; cortisol

Outcome Measures

Primary Outcomes (2)

• Cortisol

  Salivary cortisol

  Baseline and final measurement at 6 weeks

• Hand grip

  Hand grip strength in kilograms, CAMRY dynanometer

  Baseline and final measurement at 6 weeks

Secondary Outcomes (6)

• Testosterone

  Baseline and final measurement at 6 weeks

• Melatonin

  Baseline and final measurement at 6 weeks

• DHEA-s

  Baseline and final measurement at 6 weeks

• Alpha-amylase

  Baseline and final measurement at 6 weeks

• Cortisone

  Baseline and final measurement at 6 weeks

Study Arms (2)

KSM-66 Ashwagandha

EXPERIMENTAL

600mg root extract KSM-66 Ashwagandha, once daily taken with dinner

Dietary Supplement: KSM-66 Ashwagandha

Placebo

PLACEBO COMPARATOR

600mg organic chickpea flour, once daily taken with dinner

Dietary Supplement: Placebo

Interventions

KSM-66 Ashwagandha DIETARY_SUPPLEMENT

Root extract ashwagandha, KSM-66

KSM-66 Ashwagandha

Placebo DIETARY_SUPPLEMENT

Organic chickpea flour

Placebo

Eligibility Criteria

• Age: 18 Years+
• Sex: all
• Healthy Volunteers: Yes
• Age Groups: Adult (18-64), Older Adult (65+)

You may qualify if:

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

You may not qualify if:

• 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

Sponsors & Collaborators

• University Ramon Llull: lead

Study Sites (1)

Club Natació Poble Nou

Barcelona, Spain

Location

Related Publications (1)

• Coope OC, Otaegui E, Suarez M, Levington A, Abad-Sangra M, Lloyd B, Spurr TJ, Roman-Vinas B. Ashwagandha Root Extract Stabilises Physiological Stress Responses in Male and Female Team Sports Athletes During Pre-Season Training. Nutrients. 2026 Jan 12;18(2):230. doi: 10.3390/nu18020230.

  PMID: 41599843 DERIVED

Study Design

• Study Type: interventional
• Phase: not applicable
• Allocation: RANDOMIZED
• Masking: DOUBLE
• Who Masked: PARTICIPANT, INVESTIGATOR
• Purpose: BASIC SCIENCE
• Intervention Model: PARALLEL
• Sponsor Type: OTHER
• Responsible Party: PRINCIPAL INVESTIGATOR
• PI Title: Professor

Study Record Dates

• First Submitted: June 19, 2025
• First Posted: June 27, 2025
• Study Start: June 12, 2025
• Primary Completion: July 31, 2025
• Study Completion: August 25, 2025
• Last Updated: September 2, 2025

Record last verified: 2025-08

Data Sharing

• IPD Sharing: Will share
• Shared Documents: ICF

Locations

ES (1)