A Randomized, Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled, Crossover Study Examining the Hormonal and Vitality Effects of Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera) in Aging, Overweight Males

Abstract

Ashwagandha ( Withania somnifera ) is a herb commonly used in Ayurvedic medicine to promote youthful vigor, enhance muscle strength and endurance, and improve overall health. In this 16-week, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, crossover study, its effects on fatigue, vigor, and steroid hormones in aging men were investigated. Overweight men aged 40–70 years, with mild fatigue, were given a placebo or an ashwagandha extract (Shoden beads, delivering 21 mg of withanolide glycosides a day) for 8 weeks. Outcome measures included the Profile of Mood States, Short Form (POMS-SF), Aging Males’ Symptoms (AMS) questionnaire, and salivary levels of DHEA-S, testosterone, cortisol, and estradiol. Fifty-seven participants were enrolled, with 50 people completing the first 8-week period of the trial and 43 completing all 16 weeks. Improvements in fatigue, vigor, and sexual and psychological well-being were reported over time, with no statistically significant between-group differences. Ashwagandha intake was associated with an 18% greater increase in DHEA-S ( p = .005) and 14.7% greater increase in testosterone ( p = .010) compared to the placebo. There were no significant between-group differences in cortisol and estradiol. In conclusion, the intake of a standardized ashwagandha extract (Shoden beads) 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. Further studies with larger sample sizes are required to substantiate the current findings.

Immunomodulatory Effect of Withania somnifera (Ashwagandha) Extract—A Randomized, Double-Blind, Placebo Controlled Trial with an Open Label Extension on Healthy Participants

“…The low-circulating concentration of DHEA has been postulated as a concomitant of chronic illness, infection, and stress [20,21]. The present study is more relevant in this context since ashwagandha extract standardized with withanolide glycosides was associated with increases in DHEA-S and lowering of cortisol (stress hormone) levels [22].…”

Withania somnifera (Indian ginseng) in diabetes mellitus: A systematic review and meta‐analysis of scientific evidence from experimental research to clinical application

“…The organ function tests were normal after W. somnifera intervention and escalated doses (750–1,250 mg/day) were well tolerated. Similarly, in two RCTs, supplementation of W. somnifera in healthy young adults (of either sex; 500 mg/day) and aging overweight males (two tablets/day; each tablet containing 10.5 mg of withanolide glycosides) for 8 weeks noted to be safe with well tolerance (Lopresti, Drummond, & Smith, ; Sandhu et al, ). The systematic evaluation of W. somnifera by Mishra, Venkatachalapathy, & Khanli () also reported with no significant safety concerns.…”

Effects of Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera) on Physical Performance: Systematic Review and Bayesian Meta-Analysis

“…This implies that men responded more to supplementation than women, perhaps mediated by an Ashwagandha effect on the endocrine system [ 33 ]. It should also be noted that: (i) athletes and physically active women are more susceptible to iron deficiency, which can contribute directly and indirectly to energy deficiency and changes in performance due to changes at the hematological level [ 64 ]; and (ii) supplementation with Ashwagandha extracts (600 mg per day delivering 21 mg withanolide glycoside) could not only counteract the production of ROS during exercise but also increase the levels of testosterone in healthy males [ 65 ] (probably through metabolic pathways of steroid hormone biosynthesis involving the conversion of saponins or sterane derivatives found in Ashwagandha [ 6 ] to testosterone and derivatives such as DHEA), which would justify the differences in physical performance between men and women if we consider the well-documented erythrogenic effects of testosterone [ 66 ].…”

“…More research comparing sex differences is needed, considering that it seems the production of testosterone derivatives (e.g., DHEA) from withanolides may lead to important differences. In this sense, the positive benefits on the hormonal profile (DHEA-S and testosterone) in overweight men over 50 s [ 65 ], on the immediate and general memory, executive function, attention and speed of information processing in subjects aged 50 with mild cognitive impairment [ 73 ], and on the quality of life, mental alertness and quality of sleep in healthy men and women over 70 s [ 74 ], makes the Ashwagandha root extract a nutritional alternative to optimize physical condition, bone and muscle health while preventing loss of muscle mass and strength in elderly.…”