The Use of Ashwagandha to Increase Testosterone Levels: Limited Clinical Evidence and Lack of Regulatory Supervision
Last updated 5/24/23
What is ashwagandha?
Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera) is an ancient medicinal herb that has gained popularity in recent years for its potential health benefits, including claims of increasing testosterone levels. Testosterone is a crucial hormone in the human body, responsible for various physiological functions such as muscle growth, bone density, libido, and mood regulation. Given the widespread interest in natural remedies to address testosterone-related issues, this essay examines the use of ashwagandha for increasing testosterone levels. Specifically, it focuses on the limited clinical evidence supporting its effectiveness and highlights the lack of regulatory supervision by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) or other regulatory bodies for supplements such as ashwagandha.
Limited Clinical Evidence:
While ashwagandha has been used in traditional Ayurvedic medicine for centuries, its role in influencing testosterone levels has gained attention in recent years. Proponents of ashwagandha argue that it possesses adaptogenic properties, which can help the body adapt to stress and improve overall well-being, including hormonal balance. However, the scientific evidence supporting its ability to increase testosterone levels is limited and inconclusive.
Several studies have explored the effects of ashwagandha on testosterone levels, but most of them have significant limitations. One such study is a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial conducted by Lopresti et al. (2019) that examined the hormonal and vitality effects of ashwagandha in aging, overweight males. The study did find a slight increase in testosterone levels after ashwagandha supplementation; however, the sample size was small, and the results were not statistically significant. Moreover, the study only focused on a specific population, which limits the generalizability of the findings.
Another study by Choudhary et al. (2015) investigated the effects of ashwagandha supplementation on muscle strength and recovery in healthy young men. While the study reported an improvement in muscle strength and size, it did not directly measure testosterone levels. Instead, it relied on indirect markers such as muscle mass and strength gains. Therefore, it does not provide concrete evidence to support the claim that ashwagandha increases testosterone levels.
Overall, the available clinical evidence is limited and inconclusive regarding ashwagandha's ability to increase testosterone levels. More large-scale, well-designed studies are necessary to draw definitive conclusions about its effectiveness in this regard.
Lack of FDA or Regulatory Supervision:
One significant concern surrounding supplements such as ashwagandha is the lack of regulatory oversight by the FDA or other regulatory bodies. Unlike pharmaceutical drugs, dietary supplements like ashwagandha are not subject to the same rigorous testing and approval process. As a result, the quality, safety, and efficacy of these supplements can vary significantly.
The Dietary Supplement Health and Education Act of 1994 (DSHEA) in the United States defines dietary supplements as a category of food and places the responsibility on manufacturers to ensure the safety and labeling accuracy of their products. However, the FDA does not have to approve or evaluate the effectiveness of dietary supplements before they are marketed. Instead, the burden of proof lies with the FDA to demonstrate that a particular supplement is unsafe.
This lack of pre-market approval and regulatory oversight means that consumers may be exposed to supplements like ashwagandha that are of questionable quality, contain impurities, or make unsupported claims. Additionally, the variation in the composition and potency of ashwagandha supplements on the market makes it difficult to determine the appropriate dosage and ensure consistent results.
Takeaway:
Ashwagandha has gained popularity as a potential natural remedy for increasing testosterone levels. However, the limited clinical evidence supporting its effectiveness and the lack of regulatory oversight are significant concerns.
The available studies examining the effects of ashwagandha on testosterone levels have shown mixed results, with small sample sizes and methodological limitations. More well-designed, large-scale studies are needed to establish a clear link between ashwagandha and testosterone levels.
Furthermore, the absence of FDA or regulatory supervision for dietary supplements like ashwagandha raises concerns about product quality, safety, and accurate labeling. Consumers should exercise caution when considering the use of ashwagandha or any other dietary supplement and consult with healthcare professionals before use.
In conclusion, while ashwagandha holds promise as a medicinal herb with potential health benefits, including its influence on testosterone levels, further research and regulatory oversight are necessary to determine its efficacy, safety, and appropriate use.
References:
Choudhary, D., Bhattacharyya, S., & Joshi, K. (2015). Body weight management in adults under chronic stress through treatment with Ashwagandha root extract: A double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled trial. Journal of Evidence-Based Complementary & Alternative Medicine, 22(1), 96-106. doi:10.1177/2156587216641830
Lopresti, A. L., Drummond, P. D., & Smith, S. J. (2019). A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, crossover study examining the hormonal and vitality effects of ashwagandha (Withania somnifera) in aging, overweight males. American Journal of Men's Health, 13(2), 1557988319835985. doi:10.1177/1557988319835985
This article is meant for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. The information, content and media contained is not a substitute for and should never be relied upon for professional medical advice. Always talk to your doctor about the risks and benefits of any treatment.