Comparative Evaluation of Physical Endurance Enhancing Ability of Withania somnifera Stem Powder Versus Spent Root Powder

Abstract

Introduction: Withania somnifera (WS)/Ashwagandha is well-known as an anti-stressor. Although the active constituents are present in the entire plant, only roots are used. Thus, our aim was to evaluate the physical endurance enhancing capacity of the stem extract versus root extract post extraction. Methods: A total of 18 healthy, adult, male Swiss albino mice of age 6 – 8 weeks were randomized into three groups of 6 each: (1) WS stem extract 100mg/kg (2) WS spent root extract 100mg/kg and (3) 0.5% carboxymethyl cellulose. The animals were dosed orally once daily for 7 days and were subjected to the swim endurance test. Results: There was no significant difference in weight between the three groups (p=0.196). Difference in mean swim time across the 3 groups was significant (p=0.006). The mean difference (MD) in swim time between the spent root group and the control group was statistically significant (MD (95% CI) = 113. 64 (48.22, 179.06); p = 0.002). However, the other two comparisons (stem vs spent root and stem vs control) were not significant. Conclusion: The stem extract of WS showed physical endurance enhancing actions not significantly different from that of spent root. However, when compared with the control, spent root extract significantly improved physical endurance. The stem extract although improved physical endurance, did not achieve statistical significance. Thus, the stem of the plant may also be explored for use in therapeutics which otherwise is merely discarded after harvesting the roots. Keywords: Withania somnifera, Ashwagandha, Stem, Physical endurance, Forced swim test