Is Ashwagandha Good for Men: Science-Tested Health Benefits
Botanically known as Withania somnifera, ashwagandha is an evergreen shrub that grows in India and nearby countries. It is often said that ashwagandha may help improve men’s health. So, is Ashwagandha truly good for men? What is it that makes ashwagandha good for males? Does it increase libido? Can you use this ayurvedic remedy to treat erectile dysfunction?
Read on to find the science-based answers to all these and numerous other questions about ashwagandha: benefits for men, side effects, and dietary supplements.
Is Ashwagandha Root Good for Testosterone Levels?
In a 2019 study male participants who used ashwagandha extract (300 mg per day) achieved a markedly higher increase in testosterone compared to the control group. A similar result was achieved in an older 2015 placebo-controlled study (participants used 600 mg of plant extract daily). It is these increased levels of testosterone, the male sex hormone, that leads to better sexual performance, higher energy levels, and improved fertility.
What’s more, increased testosterone levels seem to help male athletes improve their exercise performance and build up stamina as confirmed by numerous studies.
It is also important to note that ashwagandha helps increase testosterone levels in men but not in women as demonstrated by a 2019 study. Current research shows that this remedy can help women improve their sexual lives as well: these improvements do not cause any negative shifts in female hormonal levels.
Is Ashwagandha Good for Male Fertility?
A 2017 review of four scientific studies makes a conclusion that ashwagandha can increase sperm concentration and motility in men with both low and normal sperm counts. During an older 2009 study, 14% of the male participants’ partners got pregnant.
The higher the number of spermatozoa in sperm and the faster they move, the higher the chance that one of them will reach the ovum. So, although more research is needed, if you plan to have a baby, you might want to make use of health benefits of ashwagandha to increase the chances of conception. Even healthy men who take this remedy will benefit from its effects. Other supplements to use include:
- Zinc (found in semen in copious quantities)
- B-vitamins (believed to help sperm quality)
- Vitamin C (increases the number of spermatozoa and their motility)
- Calcium (low levels of this mineral are linked to infertility in men)
- Selenium (improves semen quality).
Does Ashwagandha Extract Increase Libido in Males?
For men, taking this remedy might be one of the better (and safer) ways to boost their sex drive. A recent 2022 study investigated the aphrodisiac properties of this plant in males. Ashwagandha root extract was used in doses of 600 mg of ashwagandha per day. The study continued for 8 weeks and involved 50 participants.
A significant increase in hormone levels was found in people who used ashwagandha. Males who were given plant extract reported increased sexual desire, faster sexual arousal, improved sexual behavior, and a better orgasm. No serious adverse effects were reported (except for a few episodes of mild drowsiness). The study suggests that ashwagandha root extract indeed has an aphrodisiac effect in adult men.
It also needs to be said that this plant is known to improve sleep and relieve anxiety. Good sleep and the absence of stress are very important factors that directly influence the sexual life of any man. So, ashwagandha helps you improve your sexual life both in direct and indirect ways.
Is Taking Ashwagandha Good for Erectile Dysfunction?
An older 2011 study investigated the efficacy of ashwagandha in men with psychogenic erectile dysfunction. As no significant differences were found between the ashwagandha and control groups, this plant was found to be not effective in treating this disorder. In 2014 the same researchers reconsidered their data and reconfirmed their findings.
So, if a person’s issues with having an erection are caused by psychological factors, ashwagandha is unlikely to be of help. Consult an experienced health practitioner who will recommend a better therapy for your condition.
Is Ashwagandha Good for Enlarged Prostate?
First of all, there are not enough quality studies that would allow us to give a definite answer to this question.
What’s more, if you suffer from an enlarged prostate you need to consult with an experienced health practitioner before using ashwagandha. The reason for this is that it can negatively affect hormone-sensitive prostate cancer. Do not take unnecessary risks and seek expert consultation first.
Potential Side Effects of Ashwagandha
Ashwagandha is generally safe. In numerous studies, people who used this remedy tolerated it well.
The side effects of the plant are rare and usually mild. They may include:
- Gastrointestinal discomfort
- Diarrhea
- Drowsiness.
These side effects usually do not last long and disappear quickly. However, if they persist, you need to discontinue the use of the supplement.
Ashwagandha Supplements: Health Benefits for Men
If there are no established doses of the remedy, it is always a good idea to take it in quantities used in scientific studies. The dose of 600 mg of root extract per day is by far the most often used, while the dose of 1.000 mg of ashwagandha daily might be even more effective.
This supplement that comes from a well-known brand contains 600 mg of ashwagandha root extract:
Organic Ashwagandha by Natural Factors
- 30 capsules
- Vegan
If you want to take 1.000 mg of plant extract daily, decide on this supplement that comes from a dependable brand:
- Organic
- Each capsule contains 500 mg of plant extract
- 60 capsules
- Ginger root is known to enhance bioavailability
When using dietary supplements, it is recommended that you start from lower doses and very slightly increase your daily dosage. This will help you monitor and prevent any adverse effects.
It is also always a good idea to divide your total daily dose into several smaller doses and uses them at regular intervals. This way you will be able to achieve the concentrations of bioactive compounds in the bloodstream that are universally high regardless of the time of the day.
Is Ashwagandha Good for Sex and Libido: Summing Up
The results of the recent studies speak for themselves. So, is Ashwagandha good for men? It definitely is. While this herb will not turn you into a hyped-up ‘sex machine’, it can definitely help you increase your sexual desire and boost your performance in bed. It will also improve your sperm concentration which is important if you and your partner are going to conceive a baby.
On the other hand, if you suffer from erectile dysfunction caused by psychogenic factors, ashwagandha will be of little help. Look for other remedies for your condition.
There are also other uses of this time-tested remedy. Recent scientific studies have found that ashwagandha can help improve overall health, build up stamina and strength in men, help you cope with anxiety, and even relieve the symptoms of numerous mental health conditions. Find out more about them from our comprehensive guide to ashwagandha.