Mini review on how ashwagandha (Withania somnifera) supports post-exercise recovery

Ashwagandha is known to have many health benefits such as anti-inflammatory, cardioprotective, anti-stress, antioxidant, and revitalizing properties. In the field of sport, Ashwagandha can maintain endurance and reduce post-exercise stress response. However, the mechanism of action remains uncertain. The purpose of this review is to discuss the role of Ashwagandha in sports endurance and recovery. The method used is a literature review which focuses on research publications related to the topic at least from 2015 onwards. Consumption of ashwagandha may reduce cortisol, lactic acid, and urea nitrogen levels and improve Vo2max that may prevent the damaging effects of stress and restore normal physiological functioning during and after exercise. These studies also found ashwagandha may induce muscle cell differentiation. Therefore, ashwagandha extract has a potential effect on endurance and post-exercise recovery.