Does Ashwagandha Boost Testosterone Levels? Scientific Facts
Ashwagandha is an ancient herbal plant with umpteen significance in Ayurveda – an alternative medicine system and a conventional science of healing that originated in the Indian subcontinent. It has multiple names – Withania somnifera (scientific), Indian Ginseng, Asgandh, and winter cherry.
Cultivated primarily in India, the Middle East, Africa, and some parts of Southeast Asia, the evergreen shrub is a prominent ingredient in innumerable health supplements, including testosterone enhancers, manufactured worldwide. Let’s plunge deeper to ascertain whether Ashwagandha boosts testosterone levels and virility!
More Insights Into Ashwagandha!
Ashwagandha literally means “the fragrance of a horse” in traditional Sanskrit. However, in reality, it emits an earthy yet distinct barn-like scent. Existing since 6000 BC, Ashwagandha is a well-documented herbaceous flora and a proven cure for dermatological & respiratory issues. It can also alleviate anxiety, insomnia, rheumatic pain, and mood disorders. In particular, it bolsters immunity and male fertility.
Before we discuss the benefits of Ashwagandha in detail, let’s walk through its extraction process. Three types of extracts are engendered from the plant’s roots, fruits, and leaves – powdered, oil-based, and water-based. Many supplements encapsulate the extract, while a few pulverize it as a dried powder.
Typically, Testosterone boosters encompass KSM-66 Ashwagandha – a branded & highly concentrated root extract that tames stress-induced hankerings. It is full-spectrum, meaning the natural proportion of every constituent in the original herb remains as is, even after processing. The extraction methodology entails the pre-treatment of roots with milk to retain the components. Milk-free KSM-66 is available for producers of vegan supplements.
Effects Of Ashwagandha Intake On Testosterone!
For years, there had been inquisitiveness about the inclusion of Ashwagandha in T-enhancing formulations, as no manufacturer could clearly explain its impact on the anabolic male sex hormone. After thoroughly analyzing numerous clinical studies on the adaptogen, we found the below effects from medical journals.
While the above statements aptly capture the positive effects of Ashwagandha ingestion on testosterone, We’ll discuss some scientific studies corroborating the same in the next section.
Ashwagandha’s Impact On Testosterone – Scientific Literature!
As per a 2019 study, an 8-week intake of Ashwagandha supplementation elevated Testosterone production in ageing & obese men by 15% sans side effects. Their DHEA (dehydroepiandrosterone) – a steroid hormone synthesized in the gonads, adrenal gland, and brain – also rose by 18%. It is crucial for androgen and estrogen secretion in males & females, respectively.
In another randomized control trial, 29 males between 18 – 50 years were administered 300mg of Ashwagandha roots twice daily for eight weeks. The results of this study amazed me! Men treated with Ashwagandha showed a marked improvement in endurance, lean muscle mass, and recovery. Their Testosterone levels had ramped up five-fold compared to the placebo group (test subjects not given ashwagandha) despite both groups undergoing resistance training during the test phase.
According to a couple of studies, a day-to-day intake of 5 grams of Ashwagandha for 90 days, improved the semen profile, sperm count, and reproductive hormone generation in impotent men. The partners of 14% of the test subjects were pregnant by the end of the trial period.
Since Ashwagandha has no official prescribed daily value, consult a physician regarding the requisite dosage based on your body composition and current ailments. Also, though some Testosterone enhancers like Testoprime contain higher proportions of Ashwagandha – around 668mg – customers have reported no adverse effects.
For best results, a blend of vitamin D and Ashwagandha, especially in gummy form, should be great as it multiplies their individual benefits.
Other Noteworthy Benefits Of Ashwagandha!
Ashwagandha offers many other health benefits besides imparting youthful vigour and revitalization. They are:
- Works As A Powerful De-Stressor.
Clinical analyses have evidenced the ability of ashwagandha supplementation to curtail stress inducers – cortisol, Hsp70 (heat shock proteins), mitogen-activated protein kinases, especially JNK1, etc. Thus, like every other adaptogen, Ashwagandha is a therapeutic medicine – that mitigates fatigue, actuates calmness, reinstates energy balance post a stressful event, and fosters a peaceful night’s sleep.
According to another research, participants consuming 250 – 600mg of Ashwagandha daily for 60 days experienced considerable decreases in their baseline PSS (perceived stress scale).
- May Cure Mental Disorders.
Ashwagandha can help you keep neurodegenerative disorders like Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s, etc., at bay. Similarly, a few studies have shown that the curative herb can lessen depression, cognitive dysfunction, and hypertension in individuals with bipolar disorder and schizophrenia. Overall, regular Ashwagandha intake bodes well for physical & mental wellness in the long run.
- Controls Blood Glucose.
A thorough review of 24 experimental studies, comprising clinical, in-vitro, and pre-clinical research, stated that Ashwagandha can help maintain optimum blood sugar and raise insulin secretion cum sensitivity. Reason?!! It has a potent compound – Withaferin-A – an anti-diabetic steroidal lactone that stimulates the cells to draw sugar from the bloodstream as fuel for energy.
- Strengthens Muscles
According to Forbes Health, Scientific research has unearthed Ashwagandha’s potential to reduce fat mass, particularly triglycerides and blood fat, and prevent cholesterol levels from spiralling out of control. Muscle strength and chest size – as measured by bench press & leg extension workouts – improved considerably in men who ingested Ashwagandha supplements.
Final Thoughts!
Ashwagandha supplementation is a safe way to raise testosterone and reduce erectile dysfunction risk. It boosts general well-being by strengthening your mental, respiratory, cardiovascular, and reproductive health, regardless of gender. Regular intake of the traditional herb bestows you with exuberance, toughness, sharp memory, and a robust physique.
