Efficacy and Safety of Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera) Root Extract for Improvement of Sexual Health in Healthy Women: A Prospective, Randomized, Placebo-Controlled Study

Abstract

BackgroundPoor sexual function is a widespread problem affecting about 40% of women and this may worsen their quality of life. Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera) an adaptogenic herb has been reported to improve sexual satisfaction, sleep, and quality of life in women. ObjectiveThe purpose of the study was to evaluate the efficacy and safety of standardized Ashwagandha root extract in improving sexual function in healthy females. MethodsIn this prospective, randomized, placebo-controlled study, 80 women between 18 and 50 years of age without any hormonal disturbances and having hypoactive sexual desire disorder (HSDD) with a Female Sexual Function Index (FSFI) score <26, or Female Sexual Distress Scale (FSDS) score >11 were randomized to receive either capsule containing standardized Ashwagandha root extract 300mg twice daily (n=40), or identical placebo (n=40) for eight weeks. Sexual function was assessed using FSFI, FSDS, and Satisfying Sexual Encounters (SSEs). Assessments were done at baseline, four weeks, and eight weeks. Quality of life (QoL) was assessed using the general health questionnaire (GHQ-28) scale, and safety was assessed using clinical signs and symptoms. Repeat measures analysis of variance (ANOVA) was used for the assessment of treatment effect at different time periods. Nominal data were analyzed for differences using Fischer's Chisquare test. ResultsThere was statistically significant improvement (p<0.0001) in FSFI scores with Ashwagandha [14.20 (0.98) at baseline to 22.62 (2.06) at week 8] as compared to placebo [14.17 (0.71) at baseline to 19.25 (2.23) at eight weeks], and this improvement was observed in all sub-scales (desire, arousal, lubrication, orgasm, sexual satisfaction, and pain) of the FSFI scale. There was a greater improvement (p<0.0001) in FSDS scores with AG as compared to placebo. Although not statistically significant (p, 0.078), there was a greater reduction (improvement) in GHQ-28 scores at eight weeks with Ashwagandha as compared to placebo, and this trend was observed for all domains of GHQ-28 (global, physical, psychological, and social function). More women with Ashwagandha had improvement in SSEs at week 4 (p, 0.017) and week 8 (p, 0.002) as compared to placebo. Adverse events were comparable in the two groups. Two women reported nausea and one reported drowsiness with AG, whereas two reported nausea, one reported drowsiness and one reported nausea with drowsiness in the placebo group. ConclusionsOral administration of Ashwagandha 300mg twice daily administered for eight weeks improves the female sexual health in otherwise healthy women who do not have any hormonal disturbances. Ashwagandha is a known adaptogen, maintains general well-being and improves vitality.

Phytocompositions of ayurvedic medicine in the restoration of menstrual health in women of early reproductive age who have survived moderate and severe form of COVID-19

“…It reduces the level of cortisol in blood serum in patients with chronic stress, restores the functions of the adrenal glands and normalizes the sympathetic nervous system [72]. Animal studies have confirmed the effect of Withania somnifera on the production of sex hormones, as evidenced by its effect on LH, FSH, testosterone and progesterone [71,72,73]. Plant phytochemicals in combination with drugs or other clinical treatments can be used for therapeutic purposes, including the treatment of SARS-CoV-2 infection [74].…”

“…Withania somnifera a extract has a calming, anti-inflammatory, adaptogenic, cognitive, antitumor, antioxidant, antibacterial, immunomodulatory effect, normalizes the sleep cycle, and improves female sexual health [70,71]. Withania somnifera is considered an «adaptogen» because it protects the body from stress and helps the body recover from the effects of stress.…”

Can Ashwagandha Benefit the Endocrine System?—A Review

“…There was a greater improvement in FSDS scores with Ashwagandha compared to placebo. More women with Ashwagandha reported improvements in satisfying sexual encounters (SSEs) at week 4 and week 8 compared to placebo [14].…”

“…Also, Ashwagandha's influence on the hormonal system deserves attention. It has been proved that it modulates pituitary functions [12], can improve thyroid gland homeostasis [13], regulates adrenal activity and has a multidirectional influence on the reproductive system [12,14].…”

A diet enriched with Pistacia atlantica fruits improves the female rats' reproductive system

“…It is argued that herbs enhance sexual potency and remedy fertility problems. For instance, Ashwagandha, 12 Pomegranate, 13 Cinnamon, 14 Dates, 15 Maca Root, 16 etc, 17 , 18 are herbal medicines still traditionally used as sexual enhancers in the Middle East and East Asia. 18 , 19 However, no reliable academic evidence is available regarding the effects of the majority of these plans and their mechanisms of action.…”