This study investigates the effect of Withania somnifera (Ashwagandha) on hormone levels, fatigue and vitality in overweight men aged 40 to 70 years with mild fatigue. In a 16-week, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled crossover study, participants received either ashwagandha (21 mg withanolides per day) or a placebo for eight weeks, followed by a switch to the other treatment.
The results show that ashwagandha increased DHEA-S levels by 18% and testosterone levels by 14.7% more than the placebo. However, there were no significant differences between the groups in terms of cortisol, estradiol levels or subjectively perceived fatigue and vitality. The intake of ashwagandha was well tolerated, with no serious side effects.
Conclusion: Ashwagandha increased the concentrations of DHEA-S and testosterone, but showed no statistically significant improvement in fatigue or vitality scores. Future studies with larger samples are needed to further validate these results.
Background:
With increasing age, hormone levels, particularly testosterone and dehydroepiandrosterone sulphate (DHEA-S), decrease. This decline can lead to fatigue, reduced vitality and a reduced quality of life. Ashwagandha is traditionally used in Ayurvedic medicine to promote energy, muscle strength and general health. The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of ashwagandha supplementation on hormones and subjective vitality in overweight, ageing men.
Methodology:
- Study design: 16-week, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled crossover study.
- Participants: 57 overweight men (40-70 years) with mild fatigue.
- Intervention:
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- 8 weeks of ashwagandha (21 mg withanolides daily) or placebo, followed by a switch to the other treatment for a further 8 weeks.
- Parameters collected:
- Hormone levels (DHEA-S, testosterone, cortisol, estradiol) from saliva samples.
- Subjective assessments of fatigue and vitality using standardized questionnaires(Profile of Mood States – Short Form and Aging Males’ Symptoms Questionnaire).
Results:
Increase in DHEA-S and testosterone:
- Ashwagandha led to a significant increase in DHEA-S (+18 %, p = 0.005) and testosterone (+14.7 %, p = 0.01) compared to placebo.
- These effects were not sustainable and decreased after discontinuation of the supplementation.
No significant change in cortisol and estradiol:
- Cortisol and estradiol levels showed no significant difference between the ashwagandha and placebo groups.
Subjective fatigue and vitality:
- No significant differences between the groups in terms of fatigue, energy levels or general vitality.
- Improvements in fatigue levels were observed in both the ashwagandha and placebo groups.
Safety and compatibility:
- Ashwagandha was well tolerated and no serious side effects were reported.
Discussion:
The study confirms that ashwagandha can increase the levels of DHEA-S and testosterone in ageing men, but without showing any noticeable effects on fatigue or vitality. The lack of significant improvement in fatigue levels could be explained by several factors:
- High placebo effect: Improvements in fatigue scores were observed in both groups.
- Recruitment of healthy participants: Participants had only mild symptoms of fatigue, which could attenuate possible effects.
- Limited study duration: Possibly a longer intake would be required to achieve sustainable results.
Conclusion:
Ashwagandha has been shown to increase DHEA-S and testosterone levels in overweight, aging men, but has no significant effect on perceived fatigue or vitality. The results emphasize the need for larger, longer studies to better understand the long-term effects of ashwagandha.