The Claim

Ashwagandha root extract (600 mg/day standardized to >5% withanolides) combined with eight weeks of resistance training produces a statistically significant increase in upper body muscle strength, as measured by one-repetition maximum (1RM) bench press, in healthy adults aged 18-45, with effect sizes of 0.91 in males (p=0.0084) and 1.56 in females (p=0.0005) compared to placebo.

Source: Effects of Ashwagandha ( Withania somnifera) standardized root extract on physical endurance and VO 2max in healthy adults performing resistance training: An eight-week, prospective, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study

What the research says

Supports is higher

Support is ahead, but a single strong opposing study can change this.

Supports
61score
Challenges
0score

These are independent scores, not a percentage. Higher-grade studies count more, so a single strong opposing study can outweigh several weaker ones.

Cause and effect
1 study reviewed
In plain English

Taking ashwagandha root extract while doing resistance training for 8 weeks helps people build more upper body strength, with bigger improvements in women than in men.

See the scientific wording

Ashwagandha root extract (600mg/day standardized to >5% withanolides) combined with eight weeks of resistance training significantly increases upper body muscle strength (1RM bench press) in healthy adults aged 18-45, with effect sizes of 0.91 in males (p=0.0084) and 1.56 in females (p=0.0005) compared to placebo

What the research says

1 study

  1. Study: Effects of Ashwagandha ( Withania somnifera) standardized root extract on physical endurance and VO 2max in healthy adults performing resistance training: An eight-week, prospective, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study

    This study used exactly the same ashwagandha dose (600mg/day), same training duration (8 weeks), same population (healthy adults 18-45), and measured the same outcome (bench press strength) as the claim describes. The results showed significant improvements in bench press strength for both males and females, matching the p-values in the claim.

Score breakdown, mechanism chain, raw evidence, ideal studies needed & 1 supporting studies

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