Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera) — over 40 reviews and clinical trials

Clinical evidence demonstrates that ashwagandha supports male hormonal health, physical performance, and resilience. Randomized controlled trials show significant increases in serum testosterone, improved sperm parameters, and enhanced reproductive vitality in men with subfertility or age-related decline. Meta-analyses confirm its efficacy in reducing stress hormones, improving muscle strength, endurance, and recovery capacity during resistance training. Additional studies indicate improvements in cognitive function, mood, and sleep quality, reflecting its broad adaptogenic and neuroprotective effects. Overall, ashwagandha contributes to improved hormonal balance, energy, and mental clarity in men.

Ashwagandha is a key ingredient in Testo FORMULA.

1. Hormonal Health and Male Fertility

1. A Randomized, Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled, Crossover Study Examining the Hormonal and Vitality Effects of Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera) in Aging, Overweight Males
   Lopresti AL, Drummond PD, Smith SJ
   American Journal of Men’s Health. 2019 Mar-Apr;13(2):1557988319835985. doi: 10.1177/1557988319835985.
2. Examining the Effects of Herbs on Testosterone Concentrations in Men: A Systematic Review
   Smith SJ, Lopresti AL, Teo SYM, Fairchild TJ
   Advances in Nutrition. 2021 Jun 1;12(3):744–765. doi: 10.1093/advances/nmaa134.
3. Role of Withania somnifera (Ashwagandha) in the Management of Male Infertility
   Sengupta P, Agarwal A, Pogrebetskaya M, Roychoudhury S, Durairajanayagam D, Henkel R
   Reproductive BioMedicine Online. 2018 Mar;36(3):311–326. doi: 10.1016/j.rbmo.2017.11.007.
4. The Most Important Medicinal Plants Affecting Sperm and Testosterone Production: A Systematic Review
   Boroujeni SN, Malamiri FA, Bossaghzadeh F, Esmaeili A, Moudi E
   JBRA Assisted Reproduction. 2022 Aug;26(3):522–530. doi: 10.5935/1518-0557.20210108.
5. Recent Studies on Aphrodisiac Herbs for the Management of Male Sexual Dysfunction—A Review
   Malviya N, Jain S, Gupta VB, Vyas S
   Acta Poloniae Pharmaceutica. 2011 Jan–Feb;68(1):3–8.
6. A Systematic Literature Review of Natural Products for Male Sexual Dysfunction
   Abdelwahab SI, Taha MME
   Urologia. 2024 Nov;91(4):647–658. doi: 10.1177/03915603241273882.
7. Withania somnifera and Trigonella foenum-graecum as Ingredients of Testosterone-Boosting Supplements: Possible Clinical Implications
   Skrzypiec-Spring M, Pokrywka A, Kuliczkowska-Płaksej J, Szeląg A, Bolanowski M
   Advances in Clinical and Experimental Medicine. 2025 Feb;34(2):295–303. doi: 10.17219/acem/185743.
8. Can Ashwagandha Benefit the Endocrine System?—A Review
   Wiciński M, Fajkiel-Madajczyk A, Kurant Z, Kurant D, Gryczka K, Falkowski M, Wiśniewska M, Słupski M, Ohla J, Zabrzyński J
   International Journal of Molecular Sciences. 2023 Nov 20;24(22):16513. doi: 10.3390/ijms242216513.
9. Efficacy and Safety of Ashwagandha Root Extract in Subclinical Hypothyroid Patients: A Double-Blind, Randomized Placebo-Controlled Trial
   Sharma AK, Basu I, Singh S
   Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine. 2018 Mar;24(3):243–248. doi: 10.1089/acm.2017.0183.
10. Withania somnifera (L.) Dunal (Ashwagandha): A Comprehensive Review on Ethnopharmacology, Pharmacotherapeutics, Biomedicinal and Toxicological Aspects
    Paul S, Chakraborty S, Anand U, Dey S, Nandy S, Ghorai M, Saha SC, Patil MT, Kandimalla R, Proćków J, Dey A
    Biomedicine & Pharmacotherapy. 2021 Nov;143:112175. doi: 10.1016/j.biopha.2021.112175.

 2. Physical Performance and Recovery

1. Effects of Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera) on Physical Performance: Systematic Review and Bayesian Meta-Analysis
   Bonilla DA, Moreno Y, Gho C, Petro JL, Odriozola-Martínez A, Kreider RB
   Journal of Functional Morphology and Kinesiology. 2021 Feb 11;6(1):20. doi: 10.3390/jfmk6010020.
2. Effects of Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera) Standardized Root Extract on Physical Endurance and VO₂max in Healthy Adults Performing Resistance Training: An Eight-Week, Prospective, Randomized, Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled Study
   Verma N, Gupta SK, Patil S, Tiwari S, Mishra AK
   2024 Apr 8;12:335. doi: 10.12688/f1000research.130932.2.
3. Effects of Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera) on VO₂max: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
   Pérez-Gómez J, Villafaina S, Adsuar JC, Merellano-Navarro E, Collado-Mateo D
   2020 Apr 17;12(4):1119. doi: 10.3390/nu12041119.
4. Withania somnifera (Ashwagandha) Supplementation: A Review of Its Mechanisms, Health Benefits, and Role in Sports Performance
   Sprengel M, Laskowski R, Jost Z
   Nutrition & Metabolism. 2025 Feb 5;22(1):9. doi: 10.1186/s12986-025-00902-7.
5. Examining the Effect of Withania somnifera Supplementation on Muscle Strength and Recovery: A Randomized Controlled Trial
   Wankhede S, Langade D, Joshi K, Sinha SR, Bhattacharyya S
   Journal of the International Society of Sports Nutrition. 2015 Nov 25;12:43. doi: 10.1186/s12970-015-0104-9.
6. Effects of Root Extract of Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera) on Perception of Recovery and Muscle Strength in Female Athletes
   Coope OC, Reales Salguero A, Spurr T, Páez Calvente A, Domenech Farre A, Jordán Fisas E, Lloyd B, Gooderick J, Abad Sangrà M, Roman-Viñas B
   European Journal of Sport Science. 2025 Mar;25(3):e12265. doi: 10.1002/ejsc.12265.
7. Effects of an Aqueous Extract of Withania somnifera on Strength Training Adaptations and Recovery: The STAR Trial
   Ziegenfuss TN, Kedia AW, Sandrock JE, Raub BJ, Kerksick CM, Lopez HL
   2018 Nov 20;10(11):1807. doi: 10.3390/nu10111807.
8. The Benefits of Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera) Supplements on Brain Function and Sports Performance
   Guo S, Rezaei MJ
   Frontiers in Nutrition. 2024 Aug 2;11:1439294. doi: 10.3389/fnut.2024.1439294.

 3. Cardiometabolic and Vascular Health

1. Ashwagandha’s Multifaceted Effects on Human Health: Impact on Vascular Endothelium, Inflammation, Lipid Metabolism, and Cardiovascular Outcomes—A Review
   Wiciński M, Fajkiel-Madajczyk A, Kurant Z, Kurant D, Ohla J, Słupski M, Zabrzyński J
   2024 Jul 31;16(15):2481. doi: 10.3390/nu16152481.
2. Body Weight Management in Adults Under Chronic Stress Through Treatment With Ashwagandha Root Extract: A Double-Blind, Randomized, Placebo-Controlled Trial
   Choudhary D, Bhattacharyya S, Joshi K
   Journal of Evidence-Based Complementary & Alternative Medicine. 2017 Jan;22(1):96–106. doi: 10.1177/2156587216641830.
3. Unveiling the Antidiabetic Potential of Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera L.) and Its Withanolides—A Review
   Makhlouf EA, AlamElDeen YK, El-Shiekh RA, Abuelazm EA
   Natural Product Research. 2024 Dec 13:1–16. doi: 10.1080/14786419.2024.2439009.
4. Do “Testosterone Boosters” Really Increase Serum Total Testosterone? A Systematic Review
   Morgado A, Tsampoukas G, Sokolakis I, Angelis V, Dimitriadis F, Hatzichristodoulou G
   International Journal of Impotence Research. 2024 Jun;36(4):348–364. doi: 10.1038/s41443-023-00763-9.

4. Cognitive Function and Neuroprotection

1. Efficacy and Safety of Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera (L.) Dunal) Root Extract in Improving Memory and Cognitive Functions
   Choudhary D, Bhattacharyya S, Bose S
   Journal of Dietary Supplements. 2017 Nov 2;14(6):599–612. doi: 10.1080/19390211.2017.1284970.
2. Acute and Repeated Ashwagandha Supplementation Improves Markers of Cognitive Function and Mood
   Leonard M, Dickerson B, Estes L, Reale E, Eicher M, Harvey M, Saxton L, Fitzpatrick A
   2024 Jun 8;16(12):1813. doi: 10.3390/nu16121813.
3. Nootropic Potential of Ashwagandha Leaves: Beyond Traditional Root Extracts
   Wadhwa R, Konar A, Kaul SC
   Neurochemistry International. 2016 May;95:109–118. doi: 10.1016/j.neuint.2015.09.001.
4. A Systematic Review of the Clinical Use of Withania somnifera (Ashwagandha) to Ameliorate Cognitive Dysfunction
   Ng QX, Loke W, Foo NX, Lee SC, Lee MX, Yeo WS
   Phytotherapy Research. 2020 Mar;34(3):583–590. doi: 10.1002/ptr.6552.
5. Effect of Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera) Extract with Sominone (Somin-On™) to Improve Memory in Adults with Mild Cognitive Impairment: A Randomized, Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled Study
   Rai HP, Mishra DN
   Journal of Psychopharmacology. 2025 Apr;39(4):350–363. doi: 10.1177/02698811251324377.
6. Effects of Ashwagandha (Roots of Withania somnifera) on Neurodegenerative Diseases
   Kuboyama T, Tohda C, Komatsu K
   Biological and Pharmaceutical Bulletin. 2014;37(6):892–897. doi: 10.1248/bpb.b14-00022.
7. Ashwagandha in Brain Disorders: A Review of Recent Developments
   Zahiruddin S, Basist P, Parveen A, Khan W, Ibrahim M, Parveen R
   Journal of Ethnopharmacology. 2020 Jul 15;257:112876. doi: 10.1016/j.jep.2020.112876.
8. Scientific Basis for the Use of Indian Ayurvedic Medicinal Plants in the Treatment of Neurodegenerative Disorders: Ashwagandha
   Ven Murthy MR, Ranjekar PK, Ramassamy C, Deshpande M
   Central Nervous System Agents in Medicinal Chemistry. 2010 Sep 1;10(3):238–246. doi: 10.2174/1871524911006030238.
9. Withania somnifera (L.) Dunal, a Potential Source of Phytochemicals for Treating Neurodegenerative Diseases: A Systematic Review
   Lerose V, Ponticelli M, Benedetto N, De Francesco A, Ciacci C, Iannuzzi S, Conte M, Schiano Moriello A
   Plants (Basel). 2024 Mar 8;13(6):771. doi: 10.3390/plants13060771.
10. Neurodegenerative Diseases and Withania somnifera (L.): An Update
    Dar NJ, Ahmad M
    Journal of Ethnopharmacology. 2020 Jun 28;256:112769. doi: 10.1016/j.jep.2020.112769.
11. Alzheimer’s Disease: Molecular Aspects and Treatment Opportunities Using Herbal Drugs
    Thakral S, Yadav A, Singh V, Malik A, Srivastava P, Singh B
    Ageing Research Reviews. 2023 Jul;88:101960. doi: 10.1016/j.arr.2023.101960.
12. Ayurvedic Herbal Therapies: A Review of Treatment and Management of Dementia
    Srivastava V, Mathur D, Rout S, Sharma RK, Gupta V
    Current Alzheimer Research. 2022;19(8):568–584. doi: 10.2174/1567205019666220805100008.
13. Ameliorative Effects of Phytomedicines on Alzheimer’s Patients
    Khandia R, Viswanathan N, Singhal S, Dhama K
    Current Alzheimer Research. 2022;19(6):420–439. doi: 10.2174/1567205019666220610155608.
14. Botanicals as Modulators of Neuroplasticity: Focus on BDNF
    Sangiovanni E, Brivio P, Dell’Agli M, Calabrese F
    Neural Plasticity. 2017;2017:5965371. doi: 10.1155/2017/5965371.
15. Ashwagandha Leaves Regulate Stress-Induced Brain Aging and Induce Neuroprotection
    Wadhwa R, Kaul SC, Ikeda Y, Sugimoto Y, Baek SH, Hyun BH
    2013 Jul;65(3):423–435. doi: 10.1007/s10616-012-9501-5.

 5. Safety and Toxicity

1. Pharmacological Evaluation of Ashwagandha Highlighting Its Healthcare Claims, Safety, and Toxicity Aspects
   Mandlik Ingawale DS, Namdeo AG
   Journal of Dietary Supplements. 2021;18(2):183–226. doi: 10.1080/19390211.2020.1741484.
2. Ashwagandha-Induced Liver Injury—A Case Series from India and Literature Review
   Philips CA, Valsan A, Theruvath AH, Antony L, Ahamed R, Abduljaleel JK, et al.
   Hepatology Communications. 2023 Sep 27;7(10):e0270. doi: 10.1097/HC9.0000000000000270.
3. Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera)
   National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases (LiverTox Database)
   In: LiverTox: Clinical and Research Information on Drug-Induced Liver Injury [Internet]. Bethesda (MD): National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases; 2012–. PMID: 31643854.
4. Ashwagandha Supplements
   Medical Letter Editors
   The Medical Letter on Drugs and Therapeutics. 2021 Mar 8;63(1619):39–40. PMID: 33755655.
5. Safety of Ashwagandha Root Extract: A Randomized, Placebo-Controlled Study in Healthy Volunteers
   Verma N, Gupta SK, Tiwari S, Mishra AK
   Complementary Therapies in Medicine. 2021 Mar;57:102642. doi: 10.1016/j.ctim.2020.102642.
6. Dietary Supplement-Induced Hepatotoxicity: A Clinical Perspective
   Carty J, Navarro VJ
   Journal of Dietary Supplements. 2025;22(1):58–77. doi: 10.1080/19390211.2024.2327546.
7. A Comprehensive Review on the Hepatotoxicity of Herbs Used in the Indian (AYUSH) Systems of Alternative Medicine
   Saha P, Dhar S, Dhar A, Majumder A
   Journal of Clinical and Experimental Hepatology. 2023;13(5):1224–1233. doi: 10.1016/j.jceh.2023.05.012.