Effects of Eight Weeks of Ashwagandha Supplementation on Short-Distance Sprint, Change-of-Direction, and Jump Performance in Competitive Male Handball Players

Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera) has been investigated as a potential ergogenic supplement, but its effects on sprint and change-of-direction performance in competitive handball players remain unclear. This randomized, placebo-controlled study examined the effects of eight weeks of supplementation with 600 mg/day of standardized Withania somnifera root extract containing 5% withanolides in 24 male national second-division handball players (Ashwagandha, n = 12; placebo, n = 12). Participants maintained their habitual training, and resting heart rate, blood pressure, handgrip strength, Squat Jump (SJ), Countermovement Jump (CMJ), Modified Agility Test (MAT), and 10- and 20-m sprint performance were assessed before and after the intervention. Mixed-

Design: repeated-measures analyses revealed significant Group × Time interactions for resting heart rate, MAT performance, and 10- and 20-m sprint times. The Ashwagandha group (AG Group) showed lower resting heart rate and improved change-of-direction and sprint performance compared with baseline, whereas no significant Group × Time interactions were observed for body mass, body mass index (BMI), blood pressure, handgrip strength, SJ, or CMJ. These preliminary

Findings: suggest that eight weeks of Ashwagandha supplementation may improve selected sprint and change-of-direction outcomes in competitive male handball players. Larger trials with prespecified primary outcomes, tighter training-load monitoring, independently verified extracts, and appropriate multiplicity control are warranted.