Effects of Withania somnifera root extract on sleep quality, body composition, and menopausal symptoms in postmenopausal women: a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial.

Objective

To evaluate the effects of Withania somnifera (ashwagandha) root extract supplementation on sleep quality, body composition, and menopausal symptoms in postmenopausal women.

Methods

This randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial enrolled 66 postmenopausal women aged 45-65 years at a single center in Amritsar, India. Participants were randomly assigned to receive either ashwagandha root extract (600 mg/day; n=34) or placebo (n=32) for 12 weeks. Primary outcomes were sleep quality assessed by the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index, body composition assessed by dual-energy x-ray absorptiometry, and menopausal symptoms assessed by the Menopause Rating Scale. Secondary outcomes included health-related quality of life assessed by the 36-Item Short Form Health Survey. Bone mineral density was assessed as an exploratory outcome.

Results

Sixty-three participants completed the study (ashwagandha n=33; placebo n=30). The ashwagandha group demonstrated significantly greater improvements in sleep quality (mean change -5.2 vs. -0.8; P<0.001), menopausal symptom scores (mean change -8.1 vs. -1.2; P<0.001), and body fat percentage (mean change -0.6% vs. +0.03%; P<0.01) compared with placebo. Quality of life improved significantly across multiple domains. No significant between-group differences in bone mineral density were observed. The intervention was well tolerated with no serious adverse events.

Conclusions

Twelve weeks of ashwagandha supplementation significantly improved sleep quality, menopausal symptoms, and body composition in postmenopausal women, with an excellent safety profile.