Impact of ashwagandha (Withania somnifera L.) supplementation on serum lipid concentrations and anthropometric parameters in adults with overweight and obesity: a double-blind, placebocontrolled pilot study.
- Juan Manuel Ballesteros Torres,
- Alejandra Vázquez-Aguilar,
- Ivan Luzardo-Ocampo,
- Anayansi Escalante-Aburto(corresponding author),
- Cindy Joanna Caballero Prado(corresponding author)
- Departamento de Ciencias de la Salud, Centro Universitario de los Valles, Universidad de Guadalajara, Ameca, Jalisco, 46600, México,
- Tecnológico de Monterrey, Instituto de Investigaciones sobre la Obesidad, Av. Eugenio Garza Sada 2501, Col: Tecnológico, Monterrey, 64700, N. L, México,
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Abstract
Background Overweight and obesity are widespread in Mexico, often linked to dyslipidemia and higher
cardiovascular risk. The search for safe and effective treatments has promoted interest in natural supplements such as
Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera), recognized for its adaptogenic and potential lipid-lowering properties.
Objective To assess the impact of Ashwagandha supplementation on serum lipid profiles and anthropometric
parameters in Mexican adults with overweight and obesity.
Methods A double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled pilot clinical trial was carried out with 43 adults (n=17
in the control group and n=21 in the intervention group) over 40 days. Participants followed a monitored diet and
received one daily capsule containing 500 mg of Ashwagandha or a placebo, in addition to a guided unrestricted
dietary plan. Anthropometric and biochemical measurements were taken at baseline and after the intervention. In
silico analysis was also performed to examine the binding affinity of Ashwagandha bioactive compounds to key
proteins involved in lipid metabolism.
Results Ashwagandha supplementation did not produce statistically significant changes in body weight, body
mass index (BMI), or waist circumference (WC). However, significant reductions were observed in triglyceride and
VLDL-c levels (p=0.0082 and p=0.0321, respectively). In silico results supported these findings, showing favorable
interactions between compounds such as withanolide A and lipid metabolism targets, including AMPK, CETP, and LPL.
Conclusions Ashwagandha supplementation improved serum lipid profiles in adults with overweight and obesity,
suggesting potential lipid-lowering effects when combined with a prescribed dietary plan. Also, it was possible to
elucidate some metabolic pathways in which Ashwagandha composition has an influence on producing the reported
effects. Further long-term studies with controlled dietary intake are needed to confirm these findings and clarify the
underlying molecular mechanisms.
cardiovascular risk. The search for safe and effective treatments has promoted interest in natural supplements such as
Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera), recognized for its adaptogenic and potential lipid-lowering properties.
Objective To assess the impact of Ashwagandha supplementation on serum lipid profiles and anthropometric
parameters in Mexican adults with overweight and obesity.
Methods A double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled pilot clinical trial was carried out with 43 adults (n=17
in the control group and n=21 in the intervention group) over 40 days. Participants followed a monitored diet and
received one daily capsule containing 500 mg of Ashwagandha or a placebo, in addition to a guided unrestricted
dietary plan. Anthropometric and biochemical measurements were taken at baseline and after the intervention. In
silico analysis was also performed to examine the binding affinity of Ashwagandha bioactive compounds to key
proteins involved in lipid metabolism.
Results Ashwagandha supplementation did not produce statistically significant changes in body weight, body
mass index (BMI), or waist circumference (WC). However, significant reductions were observed in triglyceride and
VLDL-c levels (p=0.0082 and p=0.0321, respectively). In silico results supported these findings, showing favorable
interactions between compounds such as withanolide A and lipid metabolism targets, including AMPK, CETP, and LPL.
Conclusions Ashwagandha supplementation improved serum lipid profiles in adults with overweight and obesity,
suggesting potential lipid-lowering effects when combined with a prescribed dietary plan. Also, it was possible to
elucidate some metabolic pathways in which Ashwagandha composition has an influence on producing the reported
effects. Further long-term studies with controlled dietary intake are needed to confirm these findings and clarify the
underlying molecular mechanisms.
Publication Information
Output type
Research Output:
Contribution to journal
Article
Peer-reviewOriginal language
EnglishArticle number
134Pages from-to (Number of pages)
Pages 134 (12 pages)Journal (Volume, Issue Number)
Nutrition and Metabolism (Volume 22, Issue 1)Publication milestones
- Published - 12/2025
Publication status
Published - 12/2025
ISSN
1743-7075Publication IDs
- Scopus: 105021129888
- PubMed: 41204297
Funding Details
We thank the University of Monterrey for providing the space and resources necessary for this study. The authors also appreciate the funding received by Fondo de Publicaciones 2025 from the University of Monterrey. We sincerely thank the participants, students, and laboratory technicians for their willingness to participate in the project. We acknowledge the valuable support of Ana Cecilia Gijón-Quintero, Andrea Cecilia González-Poisont, Paola Fernanda Urquídez-Téllez, and Johana Villarreal-Serrato for their collaboration throughout the study. We also thank the Clinical Analysis Laboratory of the University of Monterrey for the technical support provided in biochemical analyses. Particularly, we acknowledge M.Sc. Ivone Garza-Ruizesparza, Q.C.B. Nidia Garza-Segura for their technical assistance, and Dr. C. Edgar Manilla Muñoz for his support.