Adaptogenic Ashwagandha root extract modulates inflammatory markers in feline stress management: a double-blind placebo-controlled clinical trial
Abstract
ABSTRACT This study aimed to evaluate the safety and efficacy of oral administration of Ashwagandha root extract (ARE) in cats subjected to different types of stress. A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled veterinary clinical trial was conducted with sixteen healthy pet cats. Each cat was randomly assigned to receive ARE (15 mg/kg body weight) or a placebo and were subjected to four types of stress over a period of one month. No detrimental changes were observed in ALP, ALT, AST, glucose, creatinine, and BUN levels on day 30 with ARE with all values within the physiological range. Additionally, in the ARE-treated group, the protein (p < 0.05) and albumin (p < 0.01) levels were increased significantly, indicating overall improved liver function. Post 30 days ARE treatment, significant modulation of malondialdehyde (MDA) (p < 0.001), superoxide dismutase (SOD) (p < 0.001), glutathione (GSH) (p < 0.01) and catalase (p < 0.001) levels were observed with ARE compared to placebo control group. After 30 days ARE treatment, serum cortisol levels significantly decreased (p < 0.001), indicating strong anti-stress effects. There was a significant decrease in cytokine levels (TNF-α, IFN-γ & IL-10), NFκB and Nrf-2 levels in ARE treated group indicating potent anti-inflammatory effects. Overall, these promising results demonstrate that ARE possesses adaptogenic and anti-inflammatory properties and is safe in felines.
How strong is the evidence?
Evidence Hub reads this as a randomized trial, done in people. Its evidence level is 2 of 5 (High · randomized trial). Randomized trials of a reasonable size are the strongest single-study design.
Read the paper
Related studies
- Cortisol, obesity and the metabolic syndrome: A cross-sectional study of obese subjects and review of the literature
- Relationships between lead biomarkers and diurnal salivary cortisol indices in pregnant women from Mexico City: a cross-sectional study
- Pubertal Recalibration of Cortisol Reactivity Following Early Life Stress: A Cross-Sectional Analysis
- High-end normal adrenocorticotropic hormone and cortisol levels are associated with specific cardiovascular risk factors in pediatric obesity: a cross-sectional study
- Effects of remote virtual work environment during COVID-19 pandemic on technostress among Menoufia University Staff, Egypt: a cross-sectional study
- Low serum albumin, aspartate aminotransferase, and body mass are risk factors for frailty in elderly people with diabetes–a cross-sectional study
Go deeper in Evidence Hub
Evidence Hub adds a study data sheet (design, sample size, evidence level, key numbers), an AI summary and a chat grounded in the paper's text.