Effects of ashwagandha (Withania somnifera) root extract on aging-related changes in healthy geriatric dogs: A randomized, double-blinded placebo-controlled study – PubMed Black Hawk Supplements

BLACK HAWK: Most trusted ashwagandha supplement for

Published article

CONCLUSION: In conclusion, the findings of this study suggest that ARE has adaptogenic properties in healthy geriatric dogs by improving haematological and biochemical profiles, enhancing antioxidant defence, reducing stress and modulating inflammatory responses.
Black Hawk Supplements, best supplements in the UK

Effects of ashwagandha (Withania somnifera) root extract on aging-related changes in healthy geriatric dogs: A randomized, double-blinded placebo-controlled study - PubMed

Effects of ashwagandha (Withania somnifera) root extract on aging-related changes in healthy geriatric dogs: A randomized, double-blinded placebo-controlled study

Kala Kumar Bharani et al. Vet Med Sci. 2024 Sep.

Abstract

Background and aim: This study aimed to explore the clinical potential of Withania somnifera/ashwagandha root extract (ARE) to mitigate age-related changes in healthy geriatric dogs. We hypothesized that ARE can reduce the effects of advancing age, including physiological changes, immune response decline and susceptibility to diseases, by its immunomodulatory effects.

Methods: A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial was conducted in Telangana, India, from July 2022 to September 2022. Twenty apparently healthy dogs, aged 8 years or older, were enrolled. The dogs were divided into two groups to receive ARE (15 mg/kg, once daily, orally) or a placebo control. Various parameters, including serum cortisol levels, haematological profiles, biochemical markers, antioxidant indicators and anti-inflammatory responses, were assessed at the initiation of study, day 30, and day 60.

Results: The erythrocyte count and haemoglobin levels were significantly increased with ARE (p < 0.001), whereas leukocyte count decreased (p < 0.05). Moreover, significant decreases in important markers of liver function (alanine aminotransferase, aspartate aminotransferase, albumin and globulin; p < 0.001 at day 60), as well as kidney function markers (creatinine and blood urea nitrogen; p < 0.001 at days 30 and 60), were observed in ARE-treated dogs compared to the placebo control group. In addition, the levels of markers of oxidative stress (superoxide dismutase, catalase, glutathione and malondialdehyde) were significantly modulated by ARE intervention, indicating strong antioxidant effects. Interestingly, serum cortisol levels reduced significantly with ARE (p < 0.001). Compared to baseline, ARE significantly decreased key inflammatory markers, including interferon-γ, tumour necrosis factor-α, nuclear factor kappa light chain enhancer of activated B cells and interleukin-10 (p < 0.001) levels at day 60.

Conclusion: In conclusion, the findings of this study suggest that ARE has adaptogenic properties in healthy geriatric dogs by improving haematological and biochemical profiles, enhancing antioxidant defence, reducing stress and modulating inflammatory responses.

Keywords: adaptogen; aging‐related changes; ashwagandha root extract; geriatric dogs; stress.

PubMed Disclaimer

Conflict of interest statement

The authors declare that there are no conflicts of interest pertaining to the research described in this article.

Figures

FIGURE 1
FIGURE 1

The pictorial representation of the study design. IFN‐γ, interferon‐γ; Nrf‐2, nuclear factor erythroid 2‐related factor 2.

FIGURE 2
FIGURE 2

Effect of treatment interventions on haematological parameters: (a) red blood cell count (RBC); (b) white blood cell count (WBC); (c) haemoglobin (Hb). Data n = 10; statistically analysed by mean ± SD. *Significantly different from placebo group at p < 0.05, **Significantly different from placebo group at p < 0.01 and ***significantly different from placebo group at p < 0.001. ARE, ashwagandha root extract.

FIGURE 3
FIGURE 3

Effect of treatment interventions on the liver function markers: (a) aspartate aminotransferase (AST); (b) alanine aminotransferase (ALT); (c) alkaline phosphatase (ALP); (d) protein. Data n = 10; statistically analysed by mean ± SD. ***Significantly different from placebo group at p < 0.001. ARE, ashwagandha root extract.

FIGURE 4
FIGURE 4

Effect of treatment interventions on important serum markers: (a) albumin; (b) globulin; (c) creatinine; (d) blood urea nitrogen (BUN); (e) glucose. Data n = 10; statistically analysed by mean ± SD. ***Significantly different from placebo group at p < 0.001. ARE, ashwagandha root extract.

FIGURE 5
FIGURE 5

Effect of treatment interventions on the markers of oxidative stress: (a) superoxide dismutase (superoxide dismutase [SOD]); (b) catalase; (c) glutathione (GSH); (d) malondialdehyde (MDA). Data n = 10; statistically analysed by mean ± SD. ***Significantly different from placebo group at p < 0.001. ARE, ashwagandha root extract.

FIGURE 6
FIGURE 6

Effect of treatment interventions on cortisol and cytokines: (a) cortisol; (b) interferon‐γ (IFN‐γ); (c) tumour necrosis factor‐α (TNF‐α); (d) interleukin‐10 (IL‐10). Data n = 10; statistically analysed by mean ± SD. **Significantly different from placebo group at p < 0.01, ***significantly different from placebo group at p < 0.001. ARE, ashwagandha root extract.

FIGURE 7
FIGURE 7

Effect of treatment intervention on Nrf‐2 and NFκB: (a) Nrf‐2 and (b) NFκB. Data n = 10; statistically analysed by mean ± SEM. ARE, ashwagandha root extract; NFκB, nuclear factor kappa light chain enhancer of activated B cells; Nrf‐2, nuclear factor erythroid 2‐related factor 2.

References

    1. Ahmad, M. K. , Mahdi, A. A. , Shukla, K. K. , Islam, N. , Rajender, S. , Madhukar, D. , Shankhwar, S. N. , & Ahmad, S. (2010). Withania somnifera improves semen quality by regulating reproductive hormone levels and oxidative stress in seminal plasma of infertile males. Fertility and Sterility, 94(3), 989–996. – PubMed
    1. Ahmed, S. M. U. , Luo, L. , Namani, A. , Wang, X. J. , & Tang, X. (2017). Nrf2 signaling pathway: Pivotal roles in inflammation. Biochimica et Biophysica Acta (BBA)‐Molecular Basis of Disease, 1863(2), 585–597. – PubMed
    1. Alexander, J. E. , Colyer, A. , Haydock, R. M. , Hayek, M. G. , & Park, J. (2018). Understanding how dogs age: Longitudinal analysis of markers of inflammation, immune function, and oxidative stress. The Journals of Gerontology: Series A, 73(6), 720–728. – PubMed
    1. Arbeev, K. G. , Ukraintseva, S. V. , & Yashin, A. I. (2016). Dynamics of biomarkers in relation to aging and mortality. Mechanisms of Ageing and Development, 156, 42–54.. – PMC – PubMed
    1. Asher, L. , Diesel, G. , Summers, J. F. , Mcgreevy, P. D. , & Collins, L. M. (2009). Inherited defects in pedigree dogs. Part 1: Disorders related to breed standards. The Veterinary Journal, 182(3), 402–411.. – PubMed

Publication types

MeSH terms

Substances

BLACK HAWK: Best shilajit supplement for men

Read the original publication:

Effects of ashwagandha (Withania somnifera) root extract on aging-related changes in healthy geriatric dogs: A randomized, double-blinded placebo-controlled study – PubMed