Ashwagandha, a herbal extract with a long history in alternative medicine, is believed to play a significant role in boosting testosterone levels.
Its use in health and wellness, particularly in enhancing testosterone, dates back centuries, making it a popular ingredient in many top testosterone boosters.
The question arises: Does ashwagandha help with testosterone? This inquiry explores the science behind ashwagandha’s purported benefits for testosterone levels.
Does Ashwagandha Help with Testosterone?
Ashwagandha has been linked to the potential increase in testosterone levels. Research suggests that Ashwagandha may influence testosterone production by affecting the levels of Luteinizing Hormone (LH), a critical hormone for stimulating testosterone production in men.
Studies have indicated that Ashwagandha could boost LH production, decrease cortisol levels, elevate DHEA-S levels, and reduce oxidative stress, all of which may contribute to enhancing testosterone levels.
Although further research is required to fully comprehend the mechanisms and impacts of Ashwagandha on testosterone, existing studies indicate a positive correlation between Ashwagandha supplementation and testosterone levels in men.
How Does Ashwagandha Work to Increase Testosterone?
While the exact mechanisms underlying the increase in testosterone levels through ashwagandha supplementation require further investigation due to limited research and clinical trials, several potential pathways have been proposed.
Firstly, ashwagandha exhibits potent antioxidant properties. By consuming ashwagandha, you may shield testicular cells from oxidative damage. Since the testes are the primary site of testosterone production, reducing damage to these cells could potentially support healthy testosterone levels.
Additionally, ashwagandha has been observed to stimulate the production of luteinizing hormone (LH). LH is synthesized in the pituitary gland and plays a crucial role in supporting the reproductive system. In men, LH essentially triggers testosterone production. Therefore, higher levels of LH may contribute to increased testosterone production. It’s worth noting that the use of ashwagandha in women may have adverse effects on fertility due to its influence on testosterone levels. Women, especially those with conditions like polycystic ovarian syndrome, should consult their healthcare providers before incorporating ashwagandha into their routines.
Furthermore, the anti-stress properties of ashwagandha may play a pivotal role in elevating testosterone levels. Chronic stress and sustained cortisol release can have various physiological effects. Heightened stress levels, particularly oxidative stress, can impact libido and sperm quality, while cortisol may potentially disrupt testosterone levels and functions. As a natural testosterone booster, an ashwagandha supplement might help mitigate oxidative stress in the body and alleviate some symptoms associated with low testosterone.
4 Other Health Benefits That Ashwagandha Brings
Ashwagandha is a versatile herb with a plethora of health advantages, some of which may directly or indirectly impact testosterone levels. Here are some of the health benefits you can expect from this herb:
Enhances Vitality and Performance for Men
As men age, energy and vigor tend to decline.
Ashwagandha counteracts age-related fatigue by restoring energy and endurance, thereby improving athletic performance.
Improve Awareness and Concentration
One of the notable benefits of ashwagandha is its ability to alleviate mental fatigue and enhance memory and focus.
Enhanced focus can aid in more rigorous training and longer workout sessions, positively influencing testosterone production.
Regulate Blood Sugar Levels
Research indicates that ashwagandha has the potential to regulate blood glucose levels and fat absorption in the body.
This can help prevent chronic health conditions such as obesity, type 2 diabetes, and cardiovascular diseases.
Reduce Stress
As mentioned earlier, ashwagandha intake enhances the body’s ability to manage stress and anxiety, promoting overall health and well-being.
Reduced stress levels also facilitate better sleep, which is beneficial for optimal testosterone response.
How to Use Ashwagandha Effectively
To effectively use ashwagandha, follow the instructions that come with your supplement. Moreover, it’s advisable to consult your healthcare provider before incorporating ashwagandha into your regimen, as it may interact with certain common medications when taken concurrently.
Ashwagandha is readily available as an over-the-counter supplement, typically in tablet, powder, or liquid form. You can purchase supplements containing ashwagandha from numerous health stores, pharmacies, and online retailers specializing in natural supplements.
Keep in mind that each product will come with its specific dosage instructions and frequency recommendations. If you’re uncertain about how to proceed, it’s advisable to seek guidance from a healthcare provider.
How Much Ashwagandha Per Day for Testosterone?
While further research is needed to fully understand the link between ashwagandha and testosterone, several clinical studies have suggested that ashwagandha may indeed increase testosterone levels. In most of these studies, participants received doses ranging from 300 mg to 5 g of ashwagandha per day.
For instance, a study conducted in 2010 involved 150 men, half of whom were healthy and fertile, while the other half were being screened for infertility. The infertile group received 5 g of ashwagandha root powder daily for three months, resulting in improved testosterone levels, along with increased levels of luteinizing hormone, follicle-stimulating hormone, and prolactin. Furthermore, their sperm count and motility also showed improvement.
In a 2015 double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical study, 57 men with no significant weight training experience were divided into groups. Some received 300 mg of ashwagandha root twice a day, while others received a placebo. After participating in an eight-week resistance training program, the ashwagandha group exhibited a greater increase in testosterone levels compared to the placebo group.
Another study from 2009 involving 60 infertile men who experienced various stressors showed improved testosterone levels and sperm quality after taking 5 g of ashwagandha daily for three months.
Additionally, a 2019 double-blind trial administered 21 mg of withanolide glycosides, an extract of ashwagandha, daily to overweight men aged 40-70 years for eight weeks. The treatment group experienced increased testosterone levels, as well as improvements in energy levels, sexual well-being, and mental health.
In a more recent study from 2022, adult males were given 300 mg of ashwagandha twice daily for eight weeks. Compared to the placebo group, those who received ashwagandha demonstrated increased testosterone levels and improved sexual functioning.
Is It Okay to Use Ashwagandha Long Term?
Ashwagandha is generally considered safe for use. According to the National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health, ashwagandha appears to be safe for up to three months. However, there isn’t enough research available on its long-term safety.
Ashwagandha may not be safe for certain individuals, including those who:
- Are pregnant or nursing
- Have an autoimmune or thyroid disorder
- Have hormone-sensitive prostate cancer
- Have liver problems
Additionally, ashwagandha may interact with certain medications, including:
- Diabetes medication
- High blood pressure medication
- Immunosuppressants
- Sedatives
- Seizure medications (anticonvulsants)
- Thyroid hormone medications
Potential side effects of ashwagandha may include:
- Upper gastrointestinal discomfort
- Drowsiness
- Diarrhea
- Vomiting
Before incorporating ashwagandha into your routine, especially for long-term use, it’s advisable to consult with a healthcare provider to ensure it’s safe and appropriate for your individual health needs and circumstances
Learn About the Potential Side Effects of Ashwagandha
Ashwagandha is generally regarded as safe to use, but it’s important to consult with your healthcare provider before starting any new supplements.
Why? Ashwagandha supplements and other herbal remedies available over-the-counter may interact with certain medications, including those prescribed for high or low blood pressure, diabetes, anxiety, autoimmune disorders, and certain thyroid conditions.
Additionally, ashwagandha could potentially trigger immune disorders, affect recovery from surgery, and exacerbate existing thyroid disorders.
The long-term effects of ashwagandha are still unknown. While it may be safe to use for up to three months, more research is needed to fully understand the potential side effects of prolonged use.
Therefore, it’s highly recommended to consult with your healthcare provider before using ashwagandha, especially if you are currently taking medication or have any existing health issues. Your provider can offer personalized guidance based on your individual health needs and circumstances.
Conclusion
To answer the question, “Does ashwagandha help with testosterone?” – the response is affirmative. Research involving ashwagandha’s impact on testosterone levels consistently shows a positive link between the two.
Furthermore, there have been no documented negative effects from consuming ashwagandha as a supplement, underscoring its valued position in traditional medicine and its relevance in modern-day therapeutic applications.
Ashwagandha’s inclusion in numerous testosterone boosters, which have proven both effective and safe for consumption, further attests to its benefits for increasing testosterone levels.
Be sure to explore more insightful blogs from Sure Life Health, where we continue to shed light on the latest trends and breakthroughs in health and wellness.
Professor Gaye Cunnane, PhD, MB, FRCPI
As the Director of Health and Wellbeing at RCPI, Professor Gaye Cunnane is at the helm of initiatives aimed at enhancing the health and well-being of RCPI Trainers and Trainees. Her role extends beyond administration; she is also a respected clinical professor of rheumatology and a consultant rheumatologist at Trinity College Dublin (TCD) and St James’s Hospital. Prof. Cunnane’s medical journey began at TCD, where she graduated from medical school, and her path has been marked by both clinical and academic excellence.
After completing her basic clinical training in medicine, she embarked on PhD studies at University College Dublin and St Vincent’s University Hospital. Her research during this period was focused on prognostic markers in early inflammatory arthritis, a project that saw her collaborating with esteemed universities across Europe, including in Switzerland, The Netherlands, the UK, and Sweden.
Prof. Cunnane’s career took her to the University of California, San Francisco, where she spent three years delving into research on new treatments for lupus. Her academic prowess led her to the University of Leeds in 2001 as a senior lecturer, before returning to Ireland in 2003 to assume her current roles. She has also served as the National Specialty Director for Rheumatology training in Ireland, Programme Director for Basic Specialist Training with RCPI, and as a past President of the Irish Society for Rheumatology.
PUBLISHED ARTICLES
“Rheumatic disease differentiation using immunoglobulin G sugar printing by high-density electrophoresis”: Published in The Journal of Rheumatology, this study reflects her in-depth investigation into rheumatic diseases.
“Benefits of exercise in patients with rheumatoid arthritis: a randomized controlled trial”: This research work, highlighting the positive impact of exercise on rheumatoid arthritis, underscores Prof. Cunnane’s dedication to practical, patient-centered research.
Additionally, Prof. Cunnane has made notable contributions to the Annals of the Rheumatic Diseases, discussing early referral, diagnosis, and treatment of rheumatoid arthritis. She has also been involved in a study on the NCBI platform investigating exercise benefits in rheumatoid arthritis patients.
Professor Gaye Cunnane’s career is a testament to her commitment to improving patient outcomes in rheumatology through rigorous research, clinical excellence, and dedicated teaching. Her work continues to influence the field of rheumatology, both in Ireland and internationally.
