Does Ashwagandha Increase Testosterone?   

Introduction

Ashwagandha is a strong herb famous in age-old Ayurvedic medicine. It’s known for its wide range of potential health benefits. In this article, we will be trying to understand the effect of ashwagandha on testosterone levels.  

We’ll delve into the scientific evidence supporting this idea. We’ll highlight any shortfalls or conflicting findings in the research. We will also discuss about the safe ways to consume ashwagandha.  

What Is Ashwagandha?

Ashwagandha is a plant with a long list of potential health benefits used in Ayurveda since ages. To know about its association with boosting testosterone, let’s look deep into this herb’s roots.  

Botanical Background

Ashwagandha’s botanical name is Withania somnifera. It’s a small shrub with yellow flowers, native to India and Southeast Asia. The meaning of ‘ashwagandha’ in Sanskrit is the ‘smell of the horse’. This cryptic name points to the herb’s unique smell, and its reputed ability to increase strength and stamina.  

Potential Health Benefits

Ashwagandha is used in traditional medicine for several purposes as it is believed to have a huge list of potential health benefits. These are listed below¹: 

• Is said to ease stress and anxiety  
• Proposed to improve sleep quality  
• May help sharpen the mind  
• May improve immunity  
• Is said to aid muscle growth and strength  

Active Compounds and Mechanisms of Action

Ashwagandha houses active compounds called withanolides. The top-studied amongst these is withaferin A. This compound is believed to be at the heart of the herb’s ability to fight inflammation and protect from oxidative stress². Moreover, it is said to aid the body in reacting better to stress, which holds the key to understanding ashwagandha’s possible impact on testosterone levels.  

Testosterone and Its Importance

Testosterone is a key hormone in our bodies. It governs lots of important functions in both men and women. Below we have discussed functions, what happens when testosterone is low, and why these levels might decrease.  

Role of Testosterone in the Body

• Growing and taking care of muscles  
• Ensuring bone strength and density  
• Developing secondary sexual characters (like facial hair, deep voice, and so on)  
• Making sperm  
• Creating red blood cells  
• Managing libido^3,4  

Contrary to common belief, women need testosterone too, though in much lesser amounts. They require it for good bone health and healthy reproductive function.  

Symptoms and Effects of Low Testosterone

Low testosterone might result in quite a few symptoms, such as^4,5: 

• Feeling drained or tired  
• Muscle mass or strength going down  
• Trouble with erections (in men)  
• Low sex drive 
• Mood changes or feelings of sadness  
• Weak bones  
• Anaemia  

Causes of Low Testosterone Levels

• Aging: As we become older, our bodies reduce testosterone production.  
• Stress: Being under constant stress can spike cortisol, which can hamper testosterone levels.  
• Obesity: Extra body weight might can interfere with hormones, leading to lower testosterone.  
• Thyroid: Reduced functioning of the thyroid can lead to a decrease in testosterone. 
• Hypothalamus and pituitary disorders: Problems with these glands located in the brain can affect hormone levels, as they regulate testosterone production. 
• Medication side effect: Drugs used in treatments such as chemotherapy can reduce the production of testosterone⁵.  

Ashwagandha and Testosterone: What Does Research Say?

Lots of clinical trials examine possible links between ashwagandha and testosterone. While some studies back the effect on testosterone, there are others that show conflicting or unclear results.  

Studies Supporting the Effect on Testosterone Levels  

Quite a few studies back the claim that ashwagandha may help increase testosterone levels in certain groups: 

• A study tested on 40-70-year-old overweight men showed that taking 21 mg of withanolide glycosides (an extract from ashwagandha) every day for 8 weeks boosted testosterone levels. The group that took the supplement also felt energized; they reported feeling better mentally and sexually⁶.  
• A study conducted in men aged 22 to 40 years with oligospermia (low sperm count) found that taking 675 mg/day of a full-spectrum Ashwagandha root extract increased sperm concentration by 167%, sperm motility by 57%, semen volume by 53%, and testosterone by 17% from baseline⁷.
• An 8 week randomised controlled study in men aged 21 to 45 years with low sexual desire found that taking 300 mg of standardised Ashwagandha root extract twice daily significantly improved overall sexual-function scores, including sexual desire, arousal, sexual behavior, and orgasm. Testosterone levels also increased by 17% compared with a 2% increase with placebo⁸.

Limitations and Directions for Future Research  

Not all studies draw a clear line between ashwagandha intake and boosting testosterone levels. Some fall short due to the small sample size, different dosages used, and different ways to measure testosterone levels. Also, a good number of the studies are male-biased, leaving questions about how ashwagandha might affect women⁹. Thus, there a need for further studies to confirm this association.  

Also Read: Shilajit Benefits for Male: Exploring Research-Based Advantages for Men’s Health

Dosage and Safety of Ashwagandha for Testosterone

If you’re thinking of using ashwagandha to raise your testosterone levels, it’s important to understand the right dosage to take and the measures needed for safe and efficient use.  

Suggested Dosage Range  

Clinical trials commonly used doses of ashwagandha ranging from 300 mg to 5 g per day to boost testosterone^10,11. Yet, it’s wise to talk to a medical expert before starting any new supplement. They will be able to guide you with the perfect dosage tailored for you.  

Different Forms and Preparations of Ashwagandha  

Ashwagandha comes in various forms such as capsules, tablets, powders, and liquid extracts. Which one you choose depends on your preference and which one’s easier to use. Picking high-quality products from well-known brands and sticking to the recommended dosage is crucial.  

Potential Side Effects and Contraindications  

Even though ashwagandha is usually safe for short term use, some people might experience side effects. Some of these are feeling sleepy, loose stools, or nausea¹². Seeing a doctor if you have these side effects or worries about how safe the supplement is will be prudent.  

Furthermore, some individuals should avoid using ashwagandha. You should avoid it if you,  

• are pregnant or breastfeeding  
• have a disease related to the immune system or thyroid  
• have prostate cancer that’s sensitive to hormones  
• have liver issues  

Long-term Use and Safety

Most of the research on ashwagandha focuses on short-term use (generally up to 12 weeks). Hence, the safety of long-term use remains unknown. Before using ashwagandha for an extended period, it’s vital to see a doctor to weigh the risks and benefits.  

Ashwagandha has shown the potential to improve semen parameters in men. Studies show that it effectively lowers oxidative stress by reducing harmful substances and boosting protective antioxidants. It also improves hormone levels, which are crucial for semen quality in infertile individuals¹⁴.

Dr. Siddharth Gupta, B.A.M.S, M.D

Combining Ashwagandha with Other Testosterone Boosters

Ashwagandha is a popular natural testosterone booster. However, there are other supplements too which are believed to be beneficial for the same purpose. Let’s have a look at these and if Ashwagandha can be used along with.  

Alternative Supplements

Other supplements that might help boost testosterone include D-aspartic acid, vitamin D, Tribulus Terrestris, fenugreek, and zinc¹³. It’s vital to discuss with a doctor and look at the scientific evidence backing these supplements and weigh their pros and cons according to your personal needs.  

Combination of Ashwagandha with Other Testosterone Boosters

Some people might find mixing ashwagandha with other testosterone-boosting supplements helpful in terms of improved efficacy or additional benefits. However, it is important to monitor the dose and possible side effects. If you’re thinking of doing so, it’s key to talk to a doctor first.  

Understanding the Proper Context for Supplement Use

Lastly, remember that no supplement can take the place of healthy lifestyle choices. Keeping a balanced diet, staying physically active, managing stress, and getting sufficient sleep.  All these things have a vital role in maintaining healthy testosterone levels.  

Ashwagandha is not just beneficial for male hormones but also for females experiencing menopause. Studies show Ashwagandha significantly helped in reducing overall menopause-related problems, including psychological, physical, and urogenital issues. It also improved overall quality of life scores, increased estrogen levels, and lowered FSH and LH hormone levels. These findings suggest that ashwagandha root extract can safely and effectively help relieve mild to moderate menopause symptoms in women¹⁵.

Dr. Rajeev Singh, BAMS

Conclusion

The research exploring the link between ashwagandha and testosterone levels is exciting. Although some studies suggest that ashwagandha might indeed help boost testosterone under certain circumstances, it’s important to remember that the research isn’t without its shortfalls or conflicting findings.  

Keep in mind that other health and lifestyle factors also come into play when thinking about using ashwagandha to boost your testosterone. Always talk to a doctor before you start a new supplement and never forget the key to the best hormonal levels is a balanced lifestyle.  

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

References

1. Guo S, Rezaei MJ. The benefits of ashwagandha (Withania somnifera) supplements on brain function and sports performance. Front Nutr. 2024;11:1439294. doi:10.3389/fnut.2024.1439294 https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/39155932/

2. Behl T, Sharma A, Sharma L, et al. Exploring the Multifaceted Therapeutic Potential of Withaferin A and Its Derivatives. Biomedicines. 2020;8(12):571. doi:10.3390/biomedicines8120571 https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/33291236/

3. Rojas-Zambrano JG, Rojas-Zambrano AR, Rojas-Zambrano AF, Barahona-Cueva GE. Benefits of Testosterone Hormone in the Human Body: A Systematic Review. Cureus. 17(2):e78785. doi:10.7759/cureus.78785 https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/39926620/

4. Nassar GN, Leslie SW. Physiology, Testosterone. StatPearls Publishing; 2026. Accessed September 11, 2026. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK526128/ 

5. Could you have low testosterone?: MedlinePlus. Accessed September 11, 2026. https://medlineplus.gov/ency/patientinstructions/000722.htm 

6. Lopresti AL, Drummond PD, Smith SJ. A Randomized, Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled, Crossover Study Examining the Hormonal and Vitality Effects of Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera) in Aging, Overweight Males. Am J Mens Health. 2019;13(2):1557988319835985. doi:10.1177/1557988319835985 https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/30854916/

7. Ambiye VR, Langade D, Dongre S, Aptikar P, Kulkarni M, Dongre A. Clinical Evaluation of the Spermatogenic Activity of the Root Extract of Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera) in Oligospermic Males: A Pilot Study. Evid-Based Complement Altern Med ECAM. 2013;2013:571420. doi:10.1155/2013/571420 https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/24371462/ 

8. Chauhan S, Srivastava MK, Pathak AK. Effect of standardized root extract of ashwagandha (Withania somnifera) on well‐being and sexual performance in adult males: A randomized controlled trial. Health Sci Rep. 2022;5(4):e741. doi:10.1002/hsr2.741 https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/35873404/

9. Smith SJ, Lopresti AL, Teo SYM, Fairchild TJ. Examining the Effects of Herbs on Testosterone Concentrations in Men: A Systematic Review. Adv Nutr. 2020;12(3):744-765. doi:10.1093/advances/nmaa134 https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/33150931/

10. Mahdi AA, Shukla KK, Ahmad MK, et al. Withania somnifera Improves Semen Quality in Stress-Related Male Fertility. Evid-Based Complement Altern Med ECAM. 2011;2011:576962. doi:10.1093/ecam/nep138 https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/19789214/

11. Effect of standardized root extract of ashwagandha (Withania somnifera) on well‐being and sexual performance in adult males: A randomized controlled trial – Chauhan – 2022 – Health Science Reports – Wiley Online Library. Accessed September 11, 2026. https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/full/10.1002/hsr2.741 

12. Ashwagandha: Is it helpful for stress, anxiety, or sleep? Accessed September 15, 2026. https://ods.od.nih.gov/factsheets/Ashwagandha-HealthProfessional/ 

13. Clemesha CG, Thaker H, Samplaski MK. ‘Testosterone Boosting’ Supplements Composition and Claims Are not Supported by the Academic Literature. World J Mens Health. 2020;38(1):115-122. doi:10.5534/wjmh.190043 https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/31385468/

14. Ahmad MK, Mahdi AA, Shukla KK, Islam N, Rajender S, Madhukar D, et al. Withania somnifera improves semen quality by regulating reproductive hormone levels and oxidative stress in seminal plasma of infertile males. Fertil Steril. 2010;94(3):989-96. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/19501822/

15. Gopal S, Ajgaonkar A, Kanchi P, Kaundinya A, Thakare V, Chauhan S, et al. Effect of an ashwagandha (Withania Somnifera) root extract on climacteric symptoms in women during perimenopause: a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study. J Obstet Gynaecol Res. 2021;47(12):4414-25. https://obgyn.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/abs/10.1111/jog.15030
 
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