Does Ashwagandha Raise Testosterone Levels in Men? [4 Study Results]

Does Ashwagandha raise testosterone levels in men? Ashwagandha is an adaptogenic herb used in Ayurvedic medicine to reduce the body’s physiological response to stress.

In addition to supporting a positive mood, restful sleep and vitality, this supplement may have benefits for hormone balance and male sexual health.

Historically, Ashwagandha extract has been used for male virility and strength. The name of this herb translates to ‘Smell of Horse’, because it was believed to impart masculine characteristics like energy, a strong sex drive and vigor that were associated with horses.

Recent research suggests that it may have testosterone-boosting properties. In studies on young male subjects, it has been shown to increase serum testosterone levels, improve muscle size and strength.

It may help to raise testosterone levels by inhibiting the release of cortisol. In research studies on men, the supplement has also been observed to decrease body fat percentage to a greater degree than a placebo.

Ashwagandha

Adaptogen

Stress

Mood

Sleep

How It Works:

• Reduces stress and anxiety
• Improves concentration, fatigue & sleep
• Protects against oxidative stress

Dosage:

Between 300 - 1000 mg per day

Safety:

Rated Possibly Safe

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Ashwagandha for Testosterone

In traditional Indian medicine, Ashwagandha (Withania Somnifera) is used as an adaptogen to reduce anxiety and improve symptoms of stress.

This plant contains a number of active constituents including the steroidal lactones withanolides and withaferins as well as saponins.

Sometimes referred to as “Indian Ginseng”, it has also been shown to exhibit immune-boosting properties, to support physical performance, promote brain health and boost factors related to cardiovascular health.

Research also suggests benefits for balancing male hormones, supporting sexual health and improving testosterone levels.

There is research evidence from both animal and clinical studies showing that it can increase serum levels of testosterone. However, more research is needed to validate these claims. The FDA has not approved the use of Ashwagandha herbal extracts for low testosterone therapy.

In one research study on Wistar male rats, oral ashwagandha extracts were given in pellet form with food at a dosage ratio if 6.25% for 4 weeks. After 4 weeks, levels of several sex hormones were measured in the rats.

The research showed that those rats treated with ashwagandha experienced higher levels of progesterone and testosterone. They also had higher levels of Luteinizing hormone (LH), which stimulates the production of testosterone by the Leydig cells. [1]

Human Research Studies

A small number of studies have examined the effects of ashwagandha supplementation for raising testosterone levels in both healthy men and individuals with fertility issues.

One 8-week, prospective, double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical study involved 57 young male subjects between the ages of 18–50 years old.

The study participants were healthy but were untrained with little experience in resistance training. Participants were randomized into two groups given either 300 mg of ashwagandha root extract twice per stay or a starch placebo.

Over the course of 8 weeks, they underwent resistance training and were monitored for muscle strength, recovery as well as hormone levels.

Participants given the twice daily ashwagandha extract experienced a significant increase in muscle size, higher testosterone levels and a greater decrease in body fat percentage. [3] The results were as follows:

• 46.0 kg increase on the bench press versus 26.4 kg for those using the placebo
• 14.5 kg increase on the leg extension versus 9.8 kg for those using the placebo
• 8.6 cm2 increase in arm muscle size versus 5.3 cm2 for those using the placebo
• 3.3 cm2 increase in chest size versus 1.4 cm2 for those using the placebo
• Improved stabilization of serum creatine kinase, indicating reduced exercise-induced muscle damage
• Significantly higher increase in serum testosterone of 96.2 ng/dL compared to 18.0 ng/dL for those taking the placebo
• Significantly greater decrease in body fat percentage of 3.5% compared to 1.5% for those taking the placebo

In addition to showing that ashwagandha extract can increase testosterone levels in healthy males, this study also showed that it could improve results in a resistance training program.

In another study, Withania somnifera root extract was given to 75 men undergoing infertility screening and 75 normal healthy fertile control subjects. The men were then tested for reproductive hormone levels as well as markers of oxidative stress in seminal plasma.

The study fond that treatment with this herbal extract resulted in increased testosterone levels and improved indicators of semen quality. According to the researchers, “treatment also significantly increased serum T and LH and reduced the levels of FSH and PRL.” [4]

Effects on Male Infertility

Several studies have examined the effects of ashwagandha root extract on infertility in men. According to the Natural Medicines Database, there is currently insufficient research evidence to evaluate the efficacy of this supplement for supporting fertility.

In one study, 5 grams of ashwagandha churna was given daily with milk for three months to 150 Indian men, half of whom were fertile and half of whom were infertile.

After the three-month treatment period, those taking the supplement experienced decreased oxidative stress and improved indicators of semen quality based on levels of testosterone, luteinizing hormone (LH), follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH), and prolactin.

The study authors reported that sperm count and motility were improved in both groups. They attributed this to reduced oxidative stress and improved levels of diverse antioxidants in the semen. [4]

Another study found that Withania Somnifera extract could improve semen quality in infertile men affected by high stress levels. In this study, men given 5 g/day of ashwagandha root powder for 3 months showed improvements in measures of stress and fertility.

The trial involved 60 normozoospermic but infertile individuals as well as 60 normozoospermic fertile men who were used as controls. At the end of the treatment period, 14% of the infertile male reported pregnancies with their partners. [5]

A third preliminary clinical trial looked at the effects of the KSM-66 Ashwagandha proprietary extract made by Ixoreal Biomed Private Ltd. From Hyderabad, India.

In this study, patients were given 225 mg of KSM-66 three times daily for 12 weeks. At the end of the 12-week treatment period, participants had improve measures of semen analysis. Compared to baseline levels, they had greater sperm motility (57%), volume (53%) and concentration (167%) as well as improved hormone levels, when compared with baseline. [6]

What is the Best Way to Take Ashwagandha for Men?

Based on the studies above, ashwagandha root powder is typically taken at a dosage of 5 grams daily with milk. If using a concentrated form of the extract like KSM-66, it is recommended to take 225 mg three times per day.

As a general dietary supplement, it is recommended to take between 300 – 1000 mg per day. This supplement is generally taken 2-3 times per day and should be consumed with food to minimize potential stomach upset.

When used as a testosterone booster, it is commonly stacked with other herbs and nutrients that have a beneficial effect on testosterone levels. It may be combined with D-Aspartic Acid, Zinc, Magnesium, Vitamin D, and DHEA.

Is Ashwagandha a Safe Testosterone Booster?

Ashwagandha has a long history of use as a traditional herbal remedy. The Natural Medicines Database rates it as Possibly Safe when used orally and appropriately for the short-term.

In clinical trials, it has been well-tolerated when taken for up to 12 weeks at a time. Using this product for longer periods of time could increase the risk of negative effects.

Some people may experience adverse effects, especially if using high dosages of this supplement. The most common side effects include upset stomach, diarrhea, vomiting, skin rashes, nausea, flatulence, and gastritis.

In one rare case, a 28-year old male was reported to be taking 5 grams of ashwagandha powder daily over 10 days. He subsequently developed burning, itching, and discoloration of his penis.

To avoid the risk of rare side effects, do not take this product in higher than recommended dosages and consult with a doctor before using it. Always use the smallest dose required to experience beneficial effects.

If you are using other supplements or drugs to treat Low T levels or are taking Testosterone Replacement Therapy, do not use this herbal extract without first checking with a doctor.

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