Evidence-backed FAQ
Does ashwagandha increase testosterone in men?
In one small crossover study of overweight men aged 40–70 with mild fatigue, eight weeks of supplementation was associated with higher salivary testosterone and DHEA-S than placebo. Fatigue, vigor and sexual well-being did not improve significantly versus placebo, so these hormone changes do not establish clinical benefit.[1]
Important limitations
The studied extract delivered 21 mg of withanolide glycosides per day. Fifty-seven men enrolled, 50 completed the first eight weeks, and 43 completed the full 16-week crossover study. Fatigue, vigor, and sexual or psychological well-being did not improve significantly versus placebo; the salivary hormone findings do not establish a clinical benefit or effects in women.[1]
What the evidence shows
The studied extract delivered 21 mg of withanolide glycosides per day. Fifty-seven men enrolled, 50 completed the first eight weeks, and 43 completed the full 16-week crossover study. Fatigue, vigor, and sexual or psychological well-being did not improve significantly versus placebo; the salivary hormone findings do not establish a clinical benefit or effects in women.[1]
What the cited evidence shows
In one small randomized placebo-controlled crossover trial of overweight men aged 40 to 70 years with mild fatigue, eight weeks of ashwagandha extract was associated with higher salivary testosterone and DHEA-S than placebo. The studied extract delivered 21 mg of withanolide glycosides per day. Fifty-seven men enrolled, 50 completed the first eight weeks, and 43 completed the full 16-week crossover study. Fatigue, vigor, and sexual or psychological well-being did not improve significantly versus placebo; the salivary hormone findings do not establish a clinical benefit or effects in women.[1]
Safety belongs in the decision
NIH guidance describes short-term tolerability observations for ashwagandha over about three months, while safety over longer periods remains unknown. Short studies cannot establish safety for every person, preparation, or duration of use.[2]
Read the supporting evidence summaries
The linked research pages provide study populations, formulations, doses, outcomes, and limitations in greater detail.
Related questions
References
- 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. 2019. Randomized controlled trial View source →
- Ashwagandha: Usefulness and Safety. NIH National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health. Retrieved 2026-09-30. Government health fact sheet View source →