Clinical Evaluation of the Spermatogenic Activity of the Root Extract of Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera) in Oligospermic Males: A Pilot Study

Ambiye VR, et al

Published in Evidence-Based Complementary and Alternative Medicine

Methodology

Randomised placebo-controlled pilot trial giving oligospermic men 225 mg ashwagandha root extract three times daily for 90 days, with semen analysis and serum hormone measurement before and after.

Key Findings

In 46 oligospermic men, 675 mg/day of Withania somnifera root extract for 90 days increased sperm concentration by about 167%, semen volume by 53% and motility by 57% versus baseline, alongside a rise in serum testosterone and luteinising hormone; placebo changes were minimal.

Conclusions

Ashwagandha root extract improved semen parameters and reproductive hormones in oligospermic men over 3 months, a promising pilot signal that requires larger trials with pregnancy outcomes.

Limitations

Small pilot with no fertility or pregnancy endpoints, single centre, 90-day duration, baseline-referenced percentage changes that can exaggerate effect size, and industry-linked supply of the extract.