Ashwagandha for Men
DISCLAIMER: This article has been written for informational and educational purposes only and is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.
Like women, aging also affects men in many ways resulting in andropause which decreases the testosterone levels in the body. Low testosterone levels influence various bodily functions. Fortunately, ashwagandha is a herb that counterbalances the effects of aging, regulates hormone levels, and better the quality of life.
This article details the impressive benefits of ashwagandha for men including reproductive health, energy levels, and managing stress.
What is Ashwagandha?
Ashwagandha, also known as Withania somnifera is an adaptogenic herb that originated in India and North Africa. It has been used in traditional medicine systems for centuries to treat a broad spectrum of medical conditions. Due to its adaptogenic properties, ashwagandha is used to adapt the body to manage different levels of stress. [1]
This versatile evergreen herb is also known as “Indian ginseng” and “Indian winter cherry”.
Literal meaning the word ashwagandha means “smell of horse” because of the resemblance of roots fragrance to the horse. It is also said that consumption of this herb results in the development of strength and vitality like a horse.
Ashwagandha Benefits for Men
Ashwagandha has traditionally been used in ayurvedic medicine to relieve stress and anxiety, improve brain functions, treat neurodegenerative diseases, and boost memory. [2]
Increase Testosterone Levels
Testosterone, a male reproductive hormone is high in puberty and continues to decrease as the person ages. Low testosterone levels negatively affect male fertility, sperm count, moods, red blood cell production, and bone and muscle mass.
Testosterone replacement therapy is usually prescribed including injections, tablets, gels, or skin patches. This replacement therapy is associated with some potential risks. Luckily, ashwagandha can be used as an effective remedy to balance hormonal levels. It can improve testosterone levels and can be used as an alternative to testosterone replacement therapy. [3]
According to a study, healthy individuals who consumed ashwagandha extract for two months experienced lower fatigue, improved vitality, and increased testosterone levels. [4]
Improve Sexual Desire
Ashwagandha possesses aphrodisiac properties which can increase sex drive. Stress and anxiety may reduce sexual desire and cause a decline in sexual performance. Ashwagandha has potential to regulate hormones and reduce stress and anxiety which in turn can improve sexual drive. [5]
It also helps improve sexual desire by increasing testosterone levels-male sex hormone which can boost sperm count and improve reproductive health. [6]
Boost Energy and Improve Athletic Performance
Studies revealed that supplementing ashwagandha improves energy levels and increases athletic performance. It helps improve endurance, increase physical performance and prevent easy fatigue.
Calming and energizing properties of ashwagandha help reduce stress, improve brain health, and improve concentration and stamina. This amazing herb is effective in improving cardiorespiratory endurance in healthy athletes. [7]
Prevent Adrenal Fatigue
Ashwagandha has been used for a long time to improve adrenal functions and reduce adrenal fatigue. Adrenal glands release hormones like cortisol and adrenaline in stressful situations. When adrenal glands are surcharged due to emotional, mental, and physical stress, adrenal glands are said to be fatigued which may disrupt hormone levels in the body.
Relieve Stress and Anxiety
Ashwagandha has a respectable history of being used as an adaptogenic herb to relieve stress and anxiety. It acts on the Hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis and reduces cortisol levels which reduce stress, anxiety, and feelings of depression.
A study showed that ashwagandha is as effective as anxiolytic drugs and does not cause any side effects like other pharmaceutical drugs. [8]
This versatile herb also helps people with sleep problems making them fall asleep quickly. According to a study, 240 mg of ashwagandha supplement was given to individuals for 60 days. Results showed a significant improvement in sleep quality. [9]
Slow Aging Process
Ashwagandha shines in catechins and other antioxidants which counteract the harmful effects of free radicals. [10]
These antioxidants reduce oxidative stress, prevent cellular damage and slow the aging process. They are effective in preventing chronic diseases like heart diseases, diabetes, cancer, osteoporosis, atherosclerosis, and Alzheimer’s disease.
Prevent Cognitive Decline
The aging process continues to start with age and also reduces brain health. It affects mental alertness, cognitive abilities, and memory. Studies showed that it regulates acetylcholine levels and is used as a natural remedy to prevent cognitive decline and memory loss. [11]
Research also revealed the neuroprotective effects of ashwagandha, which protect the brain from degenerative diseases like Parkinson’s disease and Alzheimer’s disease.
Decrease Withdrawal Symptoms
According to a report in the United States, 16.3 million adults have a habit of excessive drinking and 60-70% of them are male. [12]
Studies showed that ashwagandha extract reduces alcohol addiction and dependency. It may also reduce the symptoms of alcohol addiction by affecting neurotransmitters and relieving withdrawal symptoms. [13]
Increase Fertility
Ashwagandha is a herb that can be used as an effective remedy to improve sperm count and motility which increase fertility in men. A study showed that oral administration of ashwagandha herb improved semen quality in infertile males. It reduces oxidative stress, prevents lipid peroxidation, and balances hormone levels. [14] [15]
May Treat Erectile Dysfunction
Erectile dysfunction is a condition affecting about 30 million people in the United States. [16]
It is a common condition in a male characterized by the inability to achieve an erection for sexual performance and should be treated for a healthy sexual life. Many people go for prescription medications, some claim that herbal drugs like ashwagandha help treat this health condition. A lot of studies have been conducted to examine the effects of ashwagandha on the treatment of erectile dysfunction and show conflicting results.
[17]
Possible Risks and Precautions
It is safe when used in the recommended dosage and does not cause any side effects. However, overconsumption can lead to adverse effects like nausea, diarrhea, headache, and drowsiness.
Talk to your doctor before taking when you are pregnant or taking some medications for diabetes and autoimmune disorders.
Bottom Line
Ashwagandha is evergreen and adaptogenic herb used to treat a wide array of health conditions. Supplementing with ashwagandha help regulate hormone levels, improve semen quality, increase sex drive, and improve reproductive health. This adaptogenic herb also boosts energy levels, improves exercise performance, and reduces stress and anxiety.
Here you can check out our ashwagandha-500mg capsule and premium ashwagandha with black pepper.
References
https://www.mdpi.com/1424-8247/3/1/188
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3252722/
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6438434/
https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/10.1177/1557988319835985
https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/10.1177/1557988319835985
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/26730141/
https://journals.plos.org/plosone/article?id=10.1371/journal.pone.000662
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6750292/
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3176481/
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5020397/
https://www.cdc.gov/alcohol/fact-sheets/mens-health.htm
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4883068/
https://linkinghub.elsevier.com/retrieve/pii/S1472648317306259
https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S1472648317306259?via%3Dihub
https://www.niddk.nih.gov/health-information/urologic-diseases/erectile-dysfunction