A Randomized, Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled, Crossover Study Examining the Hormonal and Vitality Effects of Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera) in Aging, Overweight Males
Lopresti AL, Smith SJ, Malvi H, Kodgule R
Published in Journal of Evidence-Based Integrative Medicine
Abstract
Review examining ashwagandha's anxiolytic mechanisms including GABAergic modulation and HPA axis regulation with supporting clinical evidence.
Methodology
Randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled crossover trial with salivary hormone assays and validated vitality and sexual well-being questionnaires.
Key Findings
In 57 overweight men aged 40-70, ashwagandha extract 300 mg twice daily for 8 weeks increased salivary DHEA-S by about 18% and testosterone by about 15% versus placebo, with no significant changes in cortisol, fatigue, vigour or sexual well-being scores.
Conclusions
Ashwagandha produced a modest hormonal shift in ageing overweight men but did not translate into measurable improvements in fatigue, vitality or sexual well-being over eight weeks.
Limitations
Small crossover trial, short duration, salivary rather than serum hormone assays, self-reported subjective outcomes, and manufacturer-supplied product.
Supplements Studied
Review of adaptogenic and anxiolytic properties concluded the clinical evidence supports a modest anxiolytic effect mediated by HPA-axis modulation.
Study Details
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Disclosures
Funding
Funded by Ixoreal Biomed, supplier of the KSM-66 ashwagandha extract
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