Efficacy and safety of ashwagandha root extract on sexual health in healthy Men: a prospective, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study
Abstract
Introduction Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera) is widely recognized in Ayurvedic medicine as a potent Rasayana and aphrodisiac herb, with preclinical studies demonstrating androgen-modulating, anxiolytic, and antioxidant properties that may enhance male reproductive physiology. The present study aimed to rigorously evaluate the efficacy and safety of a standardized Ashwagandha Root Extract (ARE) in improving sexual function in healthy adult men. Methods A prospective, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, parallel-group clinical trial was conducted over 8 weeks in 76 healthy males aged 30–50 years. Participants were randomized (1:1) to receive either 300 mg ARE twice daily or a matched placebo. Sexual functioning was evaluated using validated instruments, including the Sexual Desire Inventory-2 (SDI-2), number of Satisfying Sexual Events (SSEs), and the International Index of Erectile Function (IIEF). Semen parameters were analyzed using WHO-standardized procedures, and quality of life was assessed with the Short Form-12 Health Survey. Both intention-to-treat and safety analyses were performed with a significance threshold of α = 0.05. Results ARE supplementation resulted in statistically significant improvements across multiple domains of sexual function compared with placebo, including SDI-2 scores, SSEs, sexual desire, and overall IIEF outcomes (p ≤ 0.001). Semen analysis demonstrated a 36% increase in ejaculate volume, 38% improvement in total sperm count, and an…
How strong is the evidence?
Evidence Hub reads this as a randomized trial, done in people. Its evidence level is 2 of 5 (High · randomized trial). Randomized trials of a reasonable size are the strongest single-study design.
Read the paper
Related studies
- Cortisol, obesity and the metabolic syndrome: A cross-sectional study of obese subjects and review of the literature
- Relationships between lead biomarkers and diurnal salivary cortisol indices in pregnant women from Mexico City: a cross-sectional study
- Pubertal Recalibration of Cortisol Reactivity Following Early Life Stress: A Cross-Sectional Analysis
- High-end normal adrenocorticotropic hormone and cortisol levels are associated with specific cardiovascular risk factors in pediatric obesity: a cross-sectional study
- Effects of remote virtual work environment during COVID-19 pandemic on technostress among Menoufia University Staff, Egypt: a cross-sectional study
- Low serum albumin, aspartate aminotransferase, and body mass are risk factors for frailty in elderly people with diabetes–a cross-sectional study
Go deeper in Evidence Hub
Evidence Hub adds a study data sheet (design, sample size, evidence level, key numbers), an AI summary and a chat grounded in the paper's text.