Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera) is a shrub that’s long been used in Ayurveda or traditional Indian medicine as a panacea for a wide array of illnesses that has undergone scientific studies to determine its viability.
Research findings are inconclusive, with mixed results, though there is some indication that it may be beneficial for individuals with certain types of stress and anxiety.
Since ashwagandha is a natural supplement as opposed to a drug, the FDA regulates products containing it as food, rather than medicines.
Therefore, supplements containing ashwagandha don’t fall under as much scrutiny as medicines do, nor are they FDA-approved for safety or effectiveness as medical treatments.
Ashwagandha can often be found in online supplement stores and health food stores. Plenty of ashwagandha supplements are marketed as immune-boosting supplements, herbal testosterone boosters, or to stabilize or improve moods.
The Lowdown on Ashwagandha and Testosterone: Can You Boost T Levels With Ashwagandha?
Currently, there isn’t plenty of solid research regarding how effective ashwagandha supplements are in boosting testosterone.`
Several clinical studies indicate that ashwagandha may induce an incremental yet noticeable increase in healthy men’s testosterone levels.
Healthy testosterone levels support a healthy libido, robust erections, strong, high-performance bone and muscle mass, as well as improved cognitive function.
On the other hand, low testosterone levels are linked to a low sex drive, reduced muscle and bone mass, diminished strength, fatigue, depression, anxiety, and an inability to concentrate.
Moreover, low T can severely affect your quality of life as a male.
The thing is, testosterone levels gradually diminish as you age, generally beginning at age 30 and beyond.
Certain medical conditions and the use of certain medicines can influence your serum testosterone levels and lead to low T.
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What Does the Science Say About Ashwagandha and Testosterone?
Currently, there aren’t any well-grounded clinical studies examining the benefits of ashwagandha as it relates to sexual health and testosterone compared to treatments for low testosterone such as testosterone replacement therapy (TRT).
There are, however, several limited studies with small sample sizes that have been conducted as far as how ashwagandha supplements affect testosterone levels.
It must be noted that there is a dearth of studies that actually examine the link between ashwagandha and testosterone. Only several reputable studies have been made on the subject, and they are all small-scale studies. The largest one involved 150 subjects.
Now that we’ve got that sorted out and qualified, we can say this: the scarce amount of reliable studies appear to indicate a real if tenuous link between ashwagandha and testosterone.
In the largest study conducted on the topic published in 2010 involving 150 individuals, 50% of the men were fertile, and the remaining 50% were infertile.
Researchers determined that ashwagandha supplementation improved levels of testosterone and its related predecessors such as luteinizing hormone, follicle-stimulating hormone, and prolactin in infertile subjects, all of which play a major role in male virility and sperm quality.
In a study published in 2019 conducted over 16 weeks involving overweight men, it was found that the subjects that received an ashwagandha extract showed almost a 15% increase in testosterone than subjects that took a placebo.
And that’s pretty much it. Granted, while more reputable and reliable research into ashwagandha as regards its effect on testosterone is scarce, the existing studies out there definitely demonstrate how ashwagandha can potentially boost testosterone levels in men.
That said, despite the promising results, we must note that there are no indications of whether ashwagandha boosts testosterone by more than just increments, or if it’s a better option than other proven methods of increasing testosterone production.
So, rather than speaking in absolutes, it’s probably most prudent to imagine ashwagandha as something that *could* increase your testosterone levels, rather than believing it to be the be-all and end-all cure for low libido or other symptoms of hypogonadism (or low testosterone).
How to Take Ashwagandha for Testosterone Gains
Ashwagandha can be freely purchased as an over-the-counter supplement that requires no prescription. Ashwagandha supplements are often sold in tablet, extract, or powder form in health food stores, pharmacies, and online supplement stores
Simply follow the instructions that come with your supplement. It’s also best to consult your healthcare provider before taking any supplements due to the potential interactions it may cause when taken with other medicines you might be on.
As ashwagandha is not an FDA-approved therapy for low testosterone, there is no specific dosage for ashwagandha that has been officially endorsed for treating testosterone levels.
A majority of scientific research on ashwagandha has typically involved dosages of about 500 mg. For instance, one study that studied ashwagandha as an enhancement for physical activity used a single 500mg dose per day, while another focusing on muscle strength involved two 300 mg doses taken twice a day.
Given that there is no regulated dosage for ashwagandha as a testosterone booster, it is a good idea to consult a healthcare professional in order to determine the best way to take advantage of its potential benefits to your hormonal health.
Ashwagandha Side Effects: What Are They?
Ashwagandha is typically safe for otherwise healthy men to take. If you’re under any other medication, however, or if you have any underlying medical conditions, it’s best to discuss it with your healthcare provider before going on an ashwagandha supplement (or any supplement for that matter). Taking ashwagandha may cause potential interactions with medications such as those used to control blood pressure, diabetes, anxiety, autoimmune disorders, and certain thyroid conditions.
Never go over the recommended dose. Taking copious amounts of ashwagandha has been found to potentially cause gastrointestinal discomfort, loose bowel movements, and diarrhea. Ashwagandha has also been associated with liver health issues in a fraction of people that take it.
Additionally, ashwagandha could potentially trigger or exacerbate immune and thyroid disorders, as well as post-surgery recovery.
Lastly, the long-term consequences of taking ashwagandha are as yet undetermined. While it’s generally safe to take for up to 90 days, more studies are needed to determine what the long-term side effects of ashwagandha look like.
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The Final Word on Ashwagandha and Testosterone
Investigation into the advantages of ashwagandha on human health has been inconclusive on the whole; nevertheless, there is some tangible proof that it can enhance testosterone, with several studies demonstrating discernible raises in testosterone levels for men who consumed ashwagandha supplements.
Studies indicate that Ashwagandha may be a catalyst for enhanced physical potency, with some investigations displaying an augment in strength and muscle mass.
Despite the fact that these studies are limited in size, it is still prudent to consider ashwagandha as a supplement that may facilitate a rise in testosterone production rather than a dependable solution to issues such as decreased testosterone.
Ultimately, given that ashwagandha is accessible without the need for a prescription, it may be a consideration worth entertaining if you are seeking to boost your testosterone levels with a product that can be seamlessly inserted into your regular regimen.
