Ashwaganda supplementation in endometriosis
How can a plant-based active ingredient such as ashwagandha influence inflammatory processes, stress responses and pain in endometriosis? The team at the University Clinic for Clinical Pharmacology at the Medical University of Vienna is investigating this question in detail. A recently launched research project is being supported by the FWF.
Endometriosis affects around one in ten women of childbearing age and is often accompanied by severe pain, fatigue and a reduced quality of life. Despite available therapies, many patients remain symptomatic, which is why there is a need for additional treatment. Growing scientific evidence suggests that chronic inflammatory processes, changes in the immune system and heightened stress responses play a central role in the development and maintenance of the condition.
This project investigates whether a standardised extract from the medicinal plant ashwagandha can positively influence these processes. Ashwagandha is known for its anti-inflammatory, antioxidant and stress-modulating properties and could therefore represent a new supportive therapeutic approach.
In this randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical trial at the Medical University of Vienna, women with endometriosis are being treated with either ashwagandha or a placebo over a 16-week period. In addition to patient-reported outcomes such as pain, stress and quality of life, biological parameters such as inflammatory markers, hormone levels and immune cell activity are also being analysed.
The aim of the project is to evaluate the efficacy and safety of ashwagandha as a complementary treatment option and to gain new insights into the biological mechanisms of endometriosis.
‘The idea for this study came from my own experience: I took ashwagandha myself for a while and noticed that it eased my period pain. When my son was born, I decided to focus on women’s health issues that are often overlooked- And this idea fitted in perfectly.’