The Claim
Withania somnifera supplementation at 300mg twice daily for 8 weeks significantly increases arm muscle cross-sectional area (8.9 cm², 95% CI: 7.0-10.8) compared to placebo (5.3 cm², 95% CI: 3.3-7.3, p=0.01) and chest circumference (3.3 cm, 95% CI: 2.6-4.1) compared to placebo (1.4 cm, 95% CI: 0.8-2.0, p<0.001) in healthy young untrained males undergoing resistance training.
What the research says
Supports is higher
Support is ahead, but a single strong opposing study can change this.
These are independent scores, not a percentage. Higher-grade studies count more, so a single strong opposing study can outweigh several weaker ones.
Taking ashwagandha supplements (300mg twice daily for 8 weeks) while doing weight training makes your arm muscles and chest grow bigger compared to just doing weight training with a fake pill (placebo).
See the scientific wording
Withania somnifera supplementation (300mg twice daily for 8 weeks) significantly increases arm muscle cross-sectional area by 8.9 cm² (95% CI: 7.0, 10.8) compared to 5.3 cm² (95% CI: 3.3, 7.3) in placebo (p=0.01) and chest circumference by 3.3 cm (95% CI: 2.6, 4.1) compared to 1.4 cm (95% CI: 0.8, 2.0) in placebo (p<0.001) in healthy young untrained males doing resistance training
What the research says
1 studyThis RCT directly compared muscle size changes between groups using standardized anthropometric measurements. The statistically significant differences in arm and chest measurements (but not thigh) demonstrate that ashwagandha enhances muscle hypertrophy, particularly in upper body muscle groups.
Score breakdown, mechanism chain, raw evidence, ideal studies needed & 1 supporting studies
Not medical advice. For informational purposes only. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional before making health decisions.