Impact of Ashwagandha in Obesity Parameters from Mexican Adults

The experimental supplement administered to patients in this study was Withania somnifera, commonly known as ashwagandha. It is classified as a dietary supplement and is regulated similarly to pharmaceutical medications. The supplement has been authorized for commercialization and use by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). Participants received the supplement in the form of 500 mg capsules, taken daily over a 40-day period, following the manufacturer's instructions. The range of the recommended daily dose is between 240 and 600 mg. The purpose of administering this supplement was to evaluate its impact on various health parameters, including serum lipid concentrations and body composition, in the study's participants.

The product administered to the placebo group was designed to simulate the appearance and administration of the experimental supplement but without containing any active ingredients. Participants in the placebo group received capsules/tablets filled with starch rice. These capsules were taken daily over the same 40-day period as the experimental group, ensuring that the placebo group followed identical administration and monitoring procedures. The use of starch rice capsules aimed to serve as a neutral control, allowing for a comparison between the effects of the actual Withania somnifera supplement and the placebo.