Withania Somnifera for Moderate-to-Severe Persistent Asthma (WISTA)

This randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical study was conducted at Jawaharlal Nehru Medical College, Aligarh Muslim University, Aligarh, India. Adults aged 18-50 years with moderate-to-severe persistent asthma were included in the study. Eligible participants were non-smokers and were receiving standard asthma medication. Patients with recent respiratory tract infection, pregnancy or lactation, serious comorbid conditions, or hospitalization within the previous month were excluded.

Participants were allocated using computer-generated randomization to three groups: a control group receiving conventional asthma treatment, a placebo group receiving conventional treatment plus starch capsules, and a Withania somnifera-treated group receiving conventional treatment plus Withania somnifera root powder capsules. The Withania somnifera intervention consisted of 300 mg root powder administered orally twice daily for 10 weeks.

Clinical assessments were performed at baseline and after the 10-week intervention. Lung function was evaluated by spirometry using FEV1 percent predicted, FVC percent predicted, and the FEV1/FVC ratio. Asthma control was assessed using the Asthma Control Test, and quality of life was evaluated using the Asthma Quality of Life Questionnaire.

Blood samples were collected for assessment of systemic oxidative stress, inflammation, and allergic markers. Evaluations included total antioxidant capacity, malondialdehyde, total sulfhydryl groups, neutrophil and eosinophil percentages, and circulating IL-4, IL-8, IL-13, IL-17A, and IgE levels. Plasma samples were stored at -80°C until laboratory analysis.

The study was reviewed and approved by the Institutional Ethical Committee of Jawaharlal Nehru Medical College, Aligarh Muslim University (IECJNMC/628), and written informed consent was obtained from the participants.