Does Ashwagandha Support Testosterone and Vitality in Men? What Research Shows
Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera) is an adaptogenic herb traditionally used in Ayurvedic medicine and has gained attention in modern research for its potential effects on stress, hormone balance, and overall vitality. Researchers have investigated whether standardized ashwagandha supplementation may influence testosterone levels and markers of well-being in aging men.
A study published in the American Journal of Men’s Health examined the effects of ashwagandha supplementation on hormone levels and vitality outcomes in overweight men aged 40–70. The goal was to determine whether daily supplementation could produce measurable changes in testosterone, DHEA-S, and self-reported well-being. (Lopresti et al., 2019)
Study Design
This research utilized a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, crossover design.
Participants were assigned to receive either:
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A standardized ashwagandha extract (providing 21 mg of withanolide glycosides daily), or
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A placebo
Each intervention phase lasted 8 weeks, followed by crossover to the alternate condition, for a total study duration of 16 weeks.
Researchers evaluated multiple outcomes before and after each phase, including:
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Testosterone levels
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Dehydroepiandrosterone sulfate (DHEA-S)
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Cortisol and estradiol
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Fatigue and vigor (Profile of Mood States)
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Symptoms associated with aging males (Aging Males’ Symptoms questionnaire)
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Sexual well-being and psychological measures
Compliance and safety were also monitored throughout the study period. (Lopresti et al., 2019)
Key Findings
The study reported that ashwagandha supplementation was associated with:
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Increased testosterone levels, with an average rise of approximately 14.7% compared to placebo
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Increased DHEA-S levels, with an approximate 18% increase
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No significant changes in cortisol or estradiol levels
In addition, participants in both the ashwagandha and placebo groups demonstrated improvements in:
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Fatigue
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Vigor
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Sexual well-being
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Psychological symptoms
However, these improvements were not significantly different between groups, suggesting a potential placebo effect or influence of external factors.
Ashwagandha supplementation was well-tolerated, with high adherence and no reported adverse events. (Lopresti et al., 2019)
What This Means
This research suggests that ashwagandha supplementation may help support:
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Increased testosterone levels in aging, overweight men
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Elevated DHEA-S levels, which play a role in hormonal balance
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A favorable safety profile under controlled conditions
While improvements in fatigue and well-being were observed, these changes were not significantly greater than placebo, indicating that additional factors may contribute to these outcomes.
Conclusion
Ashwagandha shows potential as a supplement for supporting certain hormonal markers in aging men, particularly testosterone and DHEA-S. However, its effects on energy, mood, and vitality remain less clear and may depend on individual factors, baseline health status, and lifestyle variables.
Further research with larger populations is needed to better understand its role in long-term hormonal health and performance outcomes.
References
Lopresti, A. L., Drummond, P. D., & Smith, S. J. (2019)
A Randomized, Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled, Crossover Study Examining the Hormonal and Vitality Effects of Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera) in Aging, Overweight Males
American Journal of Men’s Health
https://doi.org/10.1177/1557988319835985
Educational Disclaimer
This post summarizes peer-reviewed scientific research for informational purposes only. It does not provide medical or nutritional advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional before making changes to your diet, training program, or supplement routine
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