Ashwagandha And Testosterone: The Science Behind The Link
Ashwagandha is an adaptogenic plant in the nightshade family. Treatments made from its roots and berries have long been a part of traditional Ayurvedic, Indian, and African medicine. Its potential benefits include improving overall wellbeing, lowering inflammation markers, and increasing muscle strength and sizebut one of its most sought-after health benefits is its potential ability to boost testosterone. Ashwagandha may help boost levels of T directly, but it may also do so by affecting cortisol levels. Since the FDA does not regulate ashwagandha, its important to purchase a supplement from a company you can trust.
Which Ashwagandha Dosage Is Right For You
Ashwagandha, also known as Indian ginseng, poison gooseberry or Indian winter cherry, is known to be a broad-spectrum remedy that has positive effects on many bodily systems, including the immune, neurological, endocrine and reproductive systems. What does the latest research tell us about ashwagandha benefits?
This powerful herb can help a wide range of conditions and symptoms, such as anxiety, restlessness, high blood pressure and fatigue. So if youre looking to increase your energy, improve your mood and fight the effects of aging, what is the proper ashwagandha dosage?
Based on factors like your current health, age, the severity of your symptoms and how familiar with taking adaptogen herbs you are, ashwagandha dosage recommendations can vary considerably. When it comes to all herbal remedies, its best to start low and slow. This way you can safely test your reaction and determine the dose that works best.
Special Precautions & Warnings
Pregnancy and breast-feedingLIKELY UNSAFE
Diabetes: Ashwagandha might lower blood sugar levels. This could interfere with medications used for diabetes and cause blood sugar levels to go to low. If you have diabetes, monitor your blood sugar closely.
High or low blood pressure: Ashwagandha might decrease blood pressure. This could cause blood pressure to go to low in people with low blood pressure or interfere with medications used to treat high blood pressure. Ashwagandha should be used cautiously if you have low blood pressure or take medications for your blood pressure.
Stomach ulcers: Ashwagandha can irritate the gastrointestinal tract. Don’t use ashwagandha if you have a stomach ulcer.
“Auto-immune diseases” such as multiple sclerosis , lupus , rheumatoid arthritis , or other conditions: Ashwagandha might cause the immune system to become more active, and this could increase the symptoms of auto-immune diseases. If you have one of these conditions, it’s best to avoid using ashwagandha.
Surgery: Ashwagandha may slow down the central nervous system. Healthcare providers worry that anesthesia and other medications during and after surgery might increase this effect. Stop taking ashwagandha at least 2 weeks before a scheduled surgery.
Thyroid disorders: Ashwagandha might increase thyroid hormone levels. Ashwagandha should be used cautiously or avoided if you have a thyroid condition or take thyroid hormone medications.
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Reverses Ill Effects Of Smoking On Fertility
Like on other body parts, smoking has an adverse effect on sperms as well. It exposes the sperm to cadmium and lead, affecting sperm count, motility, and structure.
A study found that ashwagandha could reverse the adverse effects of cadmium on sperm-producing tubules. It could also improve the motility and density of the sperm in the cauda epididymis, the latter part of a tubular structure in the male reproductive system where sperm is stored.11
How Much Ashwagandha Should I Take To Increase Testosterone
As with all herbal supplements, the amount of Ashwagandha you need to take really depends on twhat you’re looking to achieve. However, when it comes to increasing your testosterone levels, its recommended that you start with a smaller dose of 300-500mg twice per day.
Doing this allows your body to get used to it over time. After a few weeks, you can start increasing the amount of Ashwagandha youre taking to between 1,000 and 1,500 milligrams twice per day.
One thing that you need to keep in mind, however, is that some Ashwagandha products can be diluted, which means that you may not be getting as much as you thought. Luckily, you can determine how concentrated your Ashwagandha supplements are by looking at the withanolide content.
For boosting your testosterone levels, youll need to make sure that your chosen Ashwagandha supplements have a withanolide content of between 5%-10%.
Getting your dosage correct isnt only important for making sure you get the most out of your Ashwagandha supplement, though. Taking too much could result in some serious side effects. These can include:
- Drowsiness
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It Doesnt Boost Testosterone In Humans
A quick online search for Tribulus terrestris supplements shows that many products made with the plant are focused on boosting testosterone.
One review analyzed the results from 12 major studies on the plants effects in men and women aged 1460. The studies lasted from 290 days, and the participants included healthy people and those experiencing sexual problems.
The researchers found that this supplement did not increase testosterone .
Other researchers found that Tribulus terrestris may increase testosterone in some animal studies, but that this result is not usually seen in humans (
9 ).
Also, 67% of women with very low libidos experienced increased sexual desire after they took supplements of 5001,500 mg for 90 days .
Other studies have also reported that supplements containing the herb enhanced sexual desire, arousal and satisfaction in women with low libido .
However, studies in men with erectile dysfunction have yielded mixed results.
Some research shows that taking 800 mg of this supplement per day may not effectively treat erectile dysfunction .
However, other reports showed significant improvements in erections and sexual satisfaction with a dose of 1,500 mg per day .
While it seems that Tribulus terrestris may improve libido in women and men, more research is needed to clarify the extent of the sexual effects of this supplement.
How Does Ashwagandha Work
While there are several benefits associated with the use of Ashwagandha, men need to understand how exactly the herb will work in their bodies.
First of all, it should be noted that only two parts of the Ashwagandha plant are used in the production of supplements that contain this ingredient. The specific parts that are used include the berry that grows at the top of the plan, as well as the root.
The plant contains a range of chemicals that are responsible for the specific health benefits that have been associated with its use. The majority of these chemicals are classified under the category of withanolides.
These chemicals may interact with the brain and produce a calming effect. They may also have an interaction with inflammatory triggers and responses in the human body, which could provide a reduction in inflammation that has developed.
Furthermore, the withanolides found in Ashwagandha may interact with blood pressure. This may lead to a reduction in blood pressure levels. There may also be an alteration in immune function when the body is exposed to these chemicals.
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How Much Ashwagandha For Stress & Anxiety
In several studies looking at the effect ashwagandha has on chronic mental stress and cortisol levels, a dose of 600mg daily was used for 60 days. Symptoms of stress and anxiety improved over this time period, and cortisol was reduced by 27.9% – better than any other supplement previously reported.1
How Much Ashwagandha Should You Take Per Day
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In this article, we’ll answer how much ashwagandha should you take per day and cite different effective dosages that have been studied.
First, we’ll explain briefly what ashwagandha is and what its effects are. Then we’ll go into how much you should take on a daily basis and finish with the best times to take ashwagandha.
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Ashwagandha Health Benefits For Men Libido Energy & More
Ashwagandha is increasingly becoming one of the most popular herbal supplements around the world, and it is no surprise given its remarkable health benefits. It is fairly well known in the world of womens health, but it also offers great health benefits for men.
Ashwagandha has been used for thousands of years in Ayurvedic medicine and it is well-known for its rejuvenating and adaptogenic properties. It is effective in regulating hormones and the immune system, relieving stress, increasing energy levels and improving concentration.
A testosterone booster
Reduces cortisol, a testosterone stealer
Cortisol, a stress hormone, is physiologically released in response to stress. This becomes problematic when stress is persistent and cortisol levels become chronically elevated. Both cortisol and testosterone are made from the same precursor in the body, therefore, if there is a high demand for cortisol it will have a negative impact on testosterone production. This explains how stress can affect your libido, energy, weight gain, and mood, as these are all health benefits of optimal testosterone levels. The good news is that ashwagandha can also reduce cortisol levels. A study showed that supplementation with the herb in chronically stressed adults significantly reduced their cortisol levels, compared to the control group. If you would like to discuss if cortisol is an issue and test your levels, please contact our naturopath.
Improves muscle mass and strength
Risks Side Effects And Interactions
Ashwagandha is made up of steroidal lactones or withanolides, including withanolide A, withaferin A and withanone. These structures are unique to this herb.
They have different medicinal effects and are responsible for many ashwagandha benefits.
Some parts of the plant contain more of these compounds than others, so when you choose an ashwagandha extract, you should pay attention to where it comes from. Leaf extracts usually contain higher levels of withaferin A than root extracts.
When taken in appropriate doses for therapeutic use, it has been regarded as safe for human consumption. Some possible side effects of ashwagandha include upset stomach, vomiting and diarrhea.
If you notice any of these ashwagandha side effects, stop taking the herb right away.
It should never be used by women who are pregnant or breastfeeding. There is some evidence it may induce miscarriages, and there is no available safety information about breastfeeding while taking the herb.
People using diabetes medications, blood pressure medications, medications that suppress the immune system, sedatives or medications for thyroid problems should not use ashwagandha unless theyve consulted with their doctor first.
Those with hyperthyroidism may notice an additional increase of thyroid function when taking the herb and should only do so under the controlled supervision of a doctor, if at all. Because the herb also works to modify these conditions, there may be adverse interactions.
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Side Effects Of Ashwagandha
There have been no reported side effects of supplementing with ashwagandha. As with any supplement, its important to follow the dosage instructions and consult your doctor before taking anything new.
Taking a higher dose will not necessarily yield greater results, and anything more than 600mg has not been reported to be any more effective.
Low Testosterone In Men
Ashwagandha for men has become an exceptionally popular herbal supplement. Several claims have been made regarding the potential of Ashwagandha to increase testosterone.
Many studies have looked at how the effects of Ashwagandha could potentially act as a therapeutic agent for men who have testosterone levels that is lower than what it should be.
Symptoms of low testosterone include
- Sleep apnea
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Ashwagandha As A Testosterone Booster
Ashwagandha is an extremely powerful testosterone booster. Multiple clinical trials have found that ashwagandha supplementation is able to quickly increase free serum testosterone levels.
In most good quality clinical trials, researchers have given participants a large dose of KSM-66 Ashwagandha root extract per day for over 6 weeks. In the vast majority of studies, researchers find that ashwagandha supplementation increases free serum testosterone levels by 10-33%. The effect is prticularly pronounced in infertile men, or men with low testosterone.
Rather than being a testosterone booster, it is probably more accurate to refer to ashwagandha as a testosterone restorer it seems to replenish free serum T in men who have unnaturally low levels of the hormone.
Improves Testicular Health And Libido
Animal studies have shown that ashwagandha leads to improvements in sexual parameters, presumably by exerting a testosterone-like effect. The herb
- increases testicular weight
- increases the diameter of seminiferous tubules that produce sperms and the number of seminiferous tubular cell layers in the testes
- increases the daily generation of sperms
- increases pro-sexual behavior67
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The Benefits And Effects Of Ashwagandha On Your Testosterone Levels
Withania Somnifera, commonly known as Ashwagandha, is a herb of Indian origin which is popular for its therapeutic qualities for mens health. The Sanskrit word Ashwagandha literally means The Scent of Horse. This could have probably been derived due to its acclaimed ability to make men manlier.
Traditionally, ashwagandha is used for arthritis, anxiety, insomnia, tumors, breathing trouble, bronchitis, backache, and chronic liver disease. It is also considered as an adaptogen which helps the body to cope with daily stress. Ashwagandha is also used for improving thinking ability, decreasing pain, inflammation, and the effects of aging. It is favored for the use for fertility problems in men and women and also to increase libido.
Does Ashwagandha Increase Stamina
Yes, Ashwagandha can increase stamina in bed. It helps cure low libido, erectile dysfunction, improve sex drive and even reduce stress and boost testosterone release. It acts as a natural aphrodisiac. Moreover, studies show that Ashwagandha has helped with better endurance while having sex. A test was conducted to see the impact of Ashwagandha for men. At the end of the test, the results showed that the group with Ashwagandha supplements had better stamina than the group without those supplements.
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Study : Ashwagandha Increases Sperm Count Quality And Quantity
Heres a pretty interesting research study showing multiple benefits for men in addition to improving semen quality.
They took a bunch of infertile guys and broke them into 3 groups. All groups had normal sperm but were unable to get their partners pregnant.
They supplemented each group with 5 grams of ashwagandha each day for 90 days.
This is what happened:
It should also be noted that pregnancy rate increased by 15% in groups treated with ashwagandha.
Will Ashwagandha Keep Me Awake
Researchers found that an active component of Ashwagandha leaves significantly induces sleep. Cant sleep? Your sleep problems may be improved if you try an Indian herb, Ashwagandha. Researchers in the sleep institute in Japan found that an active component of Ashwagandha leaves significantly induces sleep.
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Does Ashwagandha Boost Your Testosterone Levels
Weve learned all those therapeutic qualities of ashwagandha so far. However, you are probably here to learn whether it could increase testosterone levels or not. Dont worry. Ashwagandha is undeniably one of the most effective testosterone-booster out there.
Research published in the World Journal of Dairy & Food Sciences states that longtime oral administration of ashwagandha root could be used as a good candidate in the treatment of reproductive hormones deficiency.
A study titled Withania Somnifera Improves Semen Quality by Regulating Reproductive Hormone Levels and Oxidative Stress in Seminal Plasma of Infertile Males concluded that the treatment with ashwagandha effectively reduced oxidative stress.
As assessed by decreased levels of various oxidants and improved level of diverse antioxidants, and the levels of testosterone were also reversed in infertile subjects after treatment with the ashwagandha herbal preparation.
Another study states that the oral consumption of M-A-T or the combination of the herbs Mucuna, Ashwagandha and Tribulus could enhance testosterone and reduce oxidative stress. The study concludes that M-A-T can improve sexual health.
Does Ashwagandha Really Boost Testosterone
Here on AndrogenHacker, you wont find me talking much about testosterone boosters. Targeted lifestyle manipulation is the primary strategy we focus on to increase T levels.
Heres the truth:
99% of T boosters are total junk.
There is ONE exception.
Based on scientific literature Ashwagandha is different.
There have been several scientific studies done on ashwagandha and testosterone and every single one of them have compelling results.
Studies 1 & 2 listed below are the most compelling evidence showing a relationship between ashwagandha and testosterone.
These two studies are VERY similar in both design and results. So similar in fact, that its basically the same study conducted by two different organizations at different times and with different participants. Did I mention that the results were more-or-less the same?
In other words, the results have been replicated.
This is powerful.
Why?
In medicine, a single study typical holds little weight. Even if design, methods, and analysis are flawless, a single study is just, well, one study.
Once a study has been replicated, its results are significantly more meaningful.
Pay close attention as we go through the nitty-gritty details of the testosterone boosting effects of ashwagandha in each of these studies.
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Id Like To Hear From You
Now its your turn to get in on the conversation about ashwagandha and testosterone:
Do you think the research is accurate?
Have you ever used ashwagandha before?
If you have taken ashwagandha, what benefits have you noticed? Side effects?
Let me know your thoughts in the comments below.
21 Nov 2020
Does Ashwagandha Help Pcos
There are many prescription medications available to help with PCOS, but if you want to keep things as natural as possible, Ashwagandha could be the perfect herbal supplement for managing it.
There are a few reasons for this, but lets take a moment to look at what POCS is, to begin with. Polycystic ovary symptom is caused by a hormonal imbalance, and it can have several effects on the female body. These include weight gain, irregular periods, acne, metabolic syndrome, and more.
So, how could Ashwagandha help anybody suffering from PCOS? First of all, it is believed to help reduce stress. This means that it could be useful for alleviating depression and anxiety associated with PCOS. One 2019 study found that a 240mg daily dose of Ashwagandha significantly reduced stress levels compared to those given a placebo.
Another way that Ashwagandha could help those suffering from PCOS is by reducing inflammation. There have been many animal studies on this, but one, in particular, found that a 250mg daily dose of Ashwagandha decreased the bodys inflammatory markers by 36%. With this in mind, Ashwhaganda could be a useful supplement for alleviating any physical pain associated with PCOS.
Each of the reasons above go to show that Ashwagandha might be a good choice of natural supplement for anybody suffering from PCOS.
If you want to find out more about the huge range of health benefits provided by taking Ashwagandha, hit play on the video below:
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