Clinical Evaluation of the Spermatogenic Activity of the Root Extract of Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera) in Oligospermic Males: A Pilot Study

Abstract

Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera) has been described in traditional Indian Ayurvedic medicine as an aphrodisiac that can be used to treat male sexual dysfunction and infertility. This pilot study was conducted to evaluate the spermatogenic activity of Ashwagandha root extract in oligospermic patients. Forty-six male patients with oligospermia (sperm count < 20 million/mL semen) were enrolled and randomized either to treatment (n = 21) with a full-spectrum root extract of Ashwagandha (675 mg/d in three doses for 90 days) or to placebo (n = 25) in the same protocol. Semen parameters and serum hormone levels were estimated at the end of 90-day treatment. There was a 167% increase in sperm count (9.59 ± 4.37 × 106/mL to 25.61 ± 8.6 × 106/mL; P < 0.0001), 53% increase in semen volume (1.74 ± 0.58 mL to 2.76 ± 0.60 mL; P < 0.0001), and 57% increase in sperm motility (18.62 ± 6.11% to 29.19 ± 6.31%; P < 0.0001) on day 90 from baseline. The improvement in these parameters was minimal in the placebo-treated group. Furthermore, a significantly greater improvement and regulation were observed in serum hormone levels with the Ashwagandha treatment as compared to the placebo. The present study adds to the evidence on the therapeutic value of Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera), as attributed in Ayurveda for the treatment of oligospermia leading to infertility.

Vrishya and Vajikarana - Exploring Ancient Science of Aphrodisiacs

“…Furthermore, a significantly greater improvement and regulation were observed in serum hormone levels with the Ashwagandha treatment as compared to the placebo. (Vijay R. Ambiye et al 2013) [33]. Withania somnifera possesses phytoremedial effect.…”

Medicinal herbs in the management of male infertility

“…The aqueous extract of this herb has been shown to improve spermatogenesis, owing to elevated interstitial cell stimulating hormone and testosterone-mimicking effects together with induction of nitric oxide synthase [22]. Yet another study showed that Ashwagandha root extract administration resulted in a significantly greater improvement in spermatogenic activity and increase in serum hormone levels in the oligospermic patients as compared to the placebo treated [23]. This herb evidently combats against oxidative stress by reducing lipid peroxidation as well as protein carbonyl content, increasing sperm count and motility, rejuvenating the seminal plasma levels of antioxidant enzymes.…”

Evaluation of Immune Biomarkers After Oral Administration of Biofield Energy Healing Based Herbomineral Formulation in Male &lt;i&gt;Sprague Dawley&lt;/i&gt; Rats

“…Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera) has been described in the traditional Indian Ayurvedic medicine as an aphrodisiac that can be used to treat male sexual dysfunction and infertility. From the scientific literature it was evident that ashwagandha root extract has increased in sperm concentration, ejaculate volume, and motile sperm count and an increased in the serum levels of testosterone [41]. Cinar et al reported that the supplementation of magnesium (Mg) had increased the both free and total testosterone levels [42].…”