Physical Endurance Enhancing Capacity of Withania somnifera Root Powder Post-water Extraction in Mice

Background: Withania somnifera (WS), Indian ginseng/ashwagandha, is a common household plant. Its commercially available aqueous or ethanolic root powder extract containing the active substance withanolides is known to enhance physical endurance (stamina). The potency of crude root powders, especially post-extraction, is unknown. Objectives: The aim of this study was to compare the efficacy of crude root powder of WS post-extraction with commercial root preparation in enhancing the physical endurance of mice using forced swim endurance model. Materials and Methods: Male Swiss albino mice, 6–8 weeks old with mean (standard deviation) weight of 35.17 (3.36) g, were randomized into three groups of six animals each: control – carboxymethyl cellulose 0.5%, standard – commercial root preparation of WS (100 mg/kg), and test – crude root powder post-extraction (100 mg/kg). Drugs were administered per oral, once daily, for 7 days. On the 8th day, animals were allowed to swim till exhaustion in a propylene tub of dimension 25 cm radius and 30 cm height, with water level at 15 cm. The end point of swim endurance was when the mice near drowned. Results: There was no significant difference in body weight of mice between groups. One‑way ANOVA between groups for drowning time was significant (F[2,15] = 12.771, P = 0.001). Tukey’s post hoc test was significant for test versus control (P < 0.001) and standard versus control (P = 0.047). However, test versus standard was not statistically significant (P = 0.069). Conclusion: Hence, we conclude that crude root powder of WS after extraction also possesses physical endurance enhancing property and may be used to enhance the stamina.