Effects of ashwagandha (withania somnifera) supplementation on strength and anaerobic capacity of upper and lower limbs of elite wrestlers

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Effects of ashwagandha (withania somnifera) supplementation on strength and anaerobic capacity of upper and lower limbs of elite wrestlers

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Details: Category: 2026, Volume 22; 02 May 2026; Hits: 518

Dariusz Gierczuk¹, Ewa Jówko², Tomasz Sacewicz³, Barbara Długołęcka², Wiktoria Gierczuk⁴, Jerzy Sadowski⁵

¹ Department of Combat Sports, University of Physical Education in Warsaw, Faculty of Physical Education and Health in Biala Podlaska, Poland
² Department of Physiology and Biochemistry, University of Physical Education in Warsaw, Poland; Faculty of Physical Education and Health in Biala Podlaska, Poland
³ Department of Biomechanics, University of Physical Education in Warsaw, Faculty of Physical Education and Health in Biala Podlaska, Poland
⁴ University of Physical Education in Warsaw, Faculty of Physical Education and Health in Biala Podlaska, Poland
⁵ Department of Sport and Training Sciences, University of Physical Education in Warsaw, Faculty of Physical Education and Health in Biala Podlaska, Poland

Author for correspondence: Dariusz Gierczuk Department of Combat Sports, University of Physical Education in Warsaw, Faculty of Physical Education and Health in Biala Podlaska, Poland , Send to: D. Gierczuk

Gierczuk Dariusz: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-1131-8095

Jówko Ewa: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-4687-6281

Sacewicz Tomasz: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-4417-9220

Długołęcka Barbara: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-5360-062X

Gierczuk Wiktoria: https://orcid.org/0009-0003-1360-9157

Sadowski Jerzy: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-1751-9613

Abstract

Background and study Aim: Wrestling is a strength and endurance sport. Understanding the methods and means that support the development and enhancement of muscle strength and anaerobic capacity can provide valuable insights and facilitate the design of appropriate training programs in competitive wrestling. The aim of this study was to determine the effect of supplementation with ashwagandha on changes in muscle strength and endurance of the upper and lower limbs in highly skilled wrestlers during an 8-week training program.

Material and Methods: The study included 26 elite wrestlers. All participants were enrolled in a structured sports training program. During the 8-week training period, the athletes received either a placebo or an ashwagandha supplement (2 × 300 mg/day). Before and after the 8-week supplementation period, selected indicators of muscle strength and anaerobic capacity of the upper and lower limb muscles were assessed.

Results: No differences in muscle strength were observed in wrestlers after the placebo and ashwagandha supplementation periods. The rate of decline in maximum upper and lower limb muscle power and the time to maintain maximum lower limb muscle power worsened in the placebo group, which may be a result of the intensive 8-week preparation period. This effect was not observed in the ashwagandha group.

Conclusions: Ashwagandha does not improve muscle strength in elite wrestlers; however, it may enhance athletes’ tolerance to fatigue resulting from an intensive training period, as evidenced by measures of anaerobic capacity in the upper and lower limbs. To identify measures and methods for opximizing the training process, further research should be conducted by extending the duration of supplementation or increasing the dose of ashwagandha or other supplements while developing various motor skills in wrestlers, taking into account their athletic level, gender, and fighting style.

Keywords: Greco-Roman wrestling, nutritional supplements, muscle strength, anaerobic exercise, personal safety

AMA
Gierczuk D, Jówko E, Sacewicz T, Długołęcka B, Gierczuk W, Sadowski J. Effects of ashwagandha (Withania somnifera) supplementation on strength and anaerobic capacity of upper and lower limbs of elite wrestlers. Arch Budo J Innov Agon. 2026;22.

APA
Gierczuk, D., Jówko, E., Sacewicz, T., Długołęcka, B., Gierczuk, W., & Sadowski, J. (2026). Effects of ashwagandha (Withania somnifera) supplementation on strength and anaerobic capacity of upper and lower limbs of elite wrestlers. Arch Budo Journal of Innovation Agonology, 22.

Chicago
Gierczuk, Dariusz, Ewa Jówko, Tomasz Sacewicz, Barbara Długołęcka, Wiktoria Gierczuk, and Jerzy Sadowski. 2026. “Effects of Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera) Supplementation on Strength and Anaerobic Capacity of Upper and Lower Limbs of Elite Wrestlers.” Arch Budo Journal of Innovation Agonology 22.

Harvard
Gierczuk, D., Jówko, E., Sacewicz, T., Długołęcka, B., Gierczuk, W. & Sadowski, J. (2026). Effects of ashwagandha (Withania somnifera) supplementation on strength and anaerobic capacity of upper and lower limbs of elite wrestlers. Arch Budo Journal of Innovation Agonology, 22.

MLA
Gierczuk, Dariusz, et al. “Effects of Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera) Supplementation on Strength and Anaerobic Capacity of Upper and Lower Limbs of Elite Wrestlers.” Arch Budo Journal of Innovation Agonology, vol. 22, 2026.

Vacnouver
Gierczuk D, Jówko E, Sacewicz T, Długołęcka B, Gierczuk W, Sadowski J. Effects of ashwagandha (Withania somnifera) supplementation on strength and anaerobic capacity of upper and lower limbs of elite wrestlers. Arch Budo J Innov Agon. 2026;22.

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Mission of ARCHBUDO

The specific mission of the Archives of Budo 2023 is to strive for a breakthrough in public perception of a broad class of combat sports and martial arts as specific means of innovative agonology.