A Unique Low-dose Ashwagandha Root Extract (ASHWA.30™) Benefits on Endurance: A Rodent Study

Background Withania somnifera (Ashwagandha) is a well-known adaptogen that helps manage daily stress, energy, and physical performance. However, evidence on the endurance promoting effects of low-dose, specifically standardized Ashwagandha preparations remains limited. Purpose The present study aimed to evaluate the effects of Ashwa.30 TM , a novel low-dose, patent-pending W. somnifera root extract standardized to an ATP-active fraction, on physical endurance using treadmill running and swim endurance models in Swiss albino mice. The study further aimed to determine whether the ATP-active fraction contributes to the observed endurance-enhancing effects. Materials and Methods Ashwa.30™ was evaluated in Swiss albino mice by treadmill running test at oral doses of 3 and 6 mg/kg body weight and swim endurance test at oral doses of 3, 6, and 12 mg/kg body weight. Based on the results, an adenosine triphosphate (ATP) active fraction from Ashwa.30™ was tested in both these models at an oral dose of 6 mg/kg body weight. Results In the treadmill running test, Ashwa.30™ at both doses increased the distance travelled (>2-fold, p < .05) and running time (>1.7-fold, p < .05) compared to its vehicle control group. In the swim endurance test, Ashwa.30™ increased the swimming time to exhaustion (>1.5-fold higher, p < .05) at all tested doses compared to its vehicle control group. The ATP active fraction increased the running time (by 1.79-fold, p < .05) and distance travelled (by 1.57-fold, p < .05) compared to its vehicle control group in the treadmill running test and showed 1.83-fold higher swimming time (475.83 ± 42.1 min) compared to its vehicle control group (260 ± 31.5 min) in the swim endurance test. Conclusion The findings provide preliminary evidence that low-dose Ashwagandha extract (Ashwa.30™) standardized to its ATP active fraction can enhance physical endurance in mice. These results support further investigation of the bioactive mechanisms in Ashwagandha-based performance enhancement.