Ayurvedic Herb Boosts Men’s Reproductive Health

A traditional Indian Ayurvedic medicine, ashwagandha (Withania somnifera) has been utilized in that setting to treat male sexual dysfunction. A team of Indian scientists enrolled 46 men with depressed sperm counts to receive either a dietary supplement of ashwagandha (675 mg/day in 3 doses), or placebo, for 90 days.  Semen parameters and serum hormone levels were estimated at the end of 90-day treatment. The researchers observed a 167% increase in sperm count, 53% increase in semen volume, and 57% increase in sperm motility, among the subjects receiving the ashwagandha supplement, at day 90 as compared to baseline.  Minimal improvement of these same parameters was seen in the men who received placebo.  The team also observed significantly greater improvement and regulation in serum hormone levels with the ashwagandha treatment as compared to the placebo. The study authors conclude that: “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.”