A Randomized, Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled, Crossover Study Examining the Hormonal and Vitality Effects of Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera) in Aging, Overweight Males
Adrian L Lopresti, Peter D Drummond, Stephen J Smith
Published in American Journal of Men's Health
Methodology
Eight-week randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled crossover trial of 600 mg/day standardised ashwagandha extract in overweight men aged 40-70, measuring salivary DHEA-S, testosterone, cortisol, oestradiol and self-reported fatigue, vigour and sexual and psychological well-being.
Key Findings
Ashwagandha increased salivary DHEA-S by 18% and testosterone by 14.7% relative to placebo, but produced no statistically significant change in cortisol or oestradiol and no significant improvement in self-reported fatigue, vigour, sexual well-being or psychological well-being.
Conclusions
Ashwagandha raised DHEA-S and testosterone in aging overweight men, but the hormonal shift did not translate into measurable improvements in vitality or well-being over eight weeks.
Limitations
Largely null on the patient-reported outcomes, modest hormone changes of uncertain clinical significance, salivary rather than serum assays, and a short eight-week exposure.
Supplements Studied
Ashwagandha increased salivary DHEA-S by 18% and testosterone by 14.7% versus placebo, but produced no significant improvement in self-reported fatigue, vigour or sexual well-being.
Outcomes Measured
Despite hormonal changes, self-reported fatigue and vigour did not improve significantly versus placebo.
Salivary DHEA-S rose 18% and testosterone 14.7% versus placebo, with no significant change in cortisol or oestradiol.
Ashwagandha supplementation for 8 weeks was associated with increased levels of DHEA-S and testosterone, although no significant between-group differences were found in cortisol, estradiol, fatigue, vigor, or sexual well-being.
Related Health Concerns
Study Details
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Disclosures
Funding
Supported by an ashwagandha extract supplier; authors report the funder had no role in analysis
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