The fast paced, modern world has seen an increase in male sexual dysfunction. Testosterone plays a vital role in male libido. A new study shows that this herb can help both.
Ashwagandha is well known in the Ayurvedic system of medicine of India as an aphrodisiac that improves overall reproductive health in men.
This double-blind study gave either a placebo or ashwagandha to 50 men, between the ages of 21 and 45. They were all generally healthy except for having low sexual desire on the sexual desire domain of the Derogatis Interview for Sexual Functioning-Male (DISF-M) questionnaire. The dose of ashwagandha root extract was 300mg, standardized to at least 5% total withanolides, twice a day. The study lasted 8 weeks.
DISF-M scores improved significantly more in the ashwagandha group, and they improved significantly more in every domain: sexual fantasy, sexual arousal, sexual behavior, orgasm, and sexual drive.
Testosterone levels also increased significantly more in the ashwagandha group than in the placebo group.
The ashwagandha was well tolerated with no serious adverse events.
The researchers concluded that “this study supports ashwagandha root extract’s aphrodisiac effect on sexual well-being in adult men.”
Health Sci Rep. July 20, 2022;5(4):e741.