Evidence supporting the use of: Ashwagandha
For the body system: Specific Hormones

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Synopsis

Source of validity: Scientific
Rating (out of 5): 3

Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera) has been traditionally used in Ayurvedic medicine as an adaptogen and for supporting various aspects of reproductive and hormonal health. In the context of the "Specific Hormones" body system, scientific research has begun to validate some of its traditional uses, particularly regarding stress hormones and male reproductive hormones.

Several clinical studies have shown that ashwagandha supplementation can reduce cortisol levels, the primary stress hormone, in humans. For example, a 2012 randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study found that ashwagandha root extract significantly reduced serum cortisol levels and improved stress-related parameters in chronically stressed adults (Chandrasekhar et al., Indian J Psychol Med 2012).

Additionally, research has suggested that ashwagandha may support testosterone production and improve male fertility. A 2015 study (Lopresti et al., Am J Mens Health 2019) demonstrated increased testosterone levels and improved semen quality in infertile men supplemented with ashwagandha.

While these findings are promising for certain hormones—namely cortisol and testosterone—the evidence is less robust for broader hormonal effects, such as in women’s reproductive hormones or thyroid function. Some small studies suggest potential benefits for thyroid hormones, but larger, high-quality trials are lacking.

In summary, there is moderate scientific evidence supporting ashwagandha’s role in modulating specific hormones, particularly cortisol and testosterone, but more research is needed to clarify its effects across the entire hormonal spectrum.

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