Top 16 Ashwagandha Benefits for Men & Side Effects
Withania somnifera (Ashwagandha) is an evergreen plant native to India, the Middle East, Western China, and Africa. Ashwagandha, commonly known as "Indian winter cherry" or "Indian Ginseng," is a herb utilised in Ayurvedic medicine in India for several health benefits.
This article will provide you with all the information you need about Ashwagandha benefits for men, one of the most effective Ayurvedic herbs.
What Is Ashwagandha?
Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera), the evergreen shrub, grows throughout India. It has been used in traditional medicine for a long time. Ashwagandha’s roots and orange-red fruits have been used for medicinal purposes for hundreds of years. The herb is also known as Indian ginseng and winter cherry. The name "ashwagandha," which means "smell of a horse," refers to the fragrance of the root.
Ashwagandha is used for stress-related illnesses because it is an adaptogen. As a study suggests, Insomnia, ageing, anxiety, and other illnesses are among the conditions for which it is prescribed. There is scientific evidence to back up most of these claims.
Ashwagandha Benefits for Men
Ashwagandha is classed as a "Rasayana," or tonic, in Ayurveda and used for whole-body rejuvenation. Rasayanas are supposed to foster a youthful state of physical and mental health. There are so many traditional health benefits of Ashwagandha that it can be overwhelming.
In Ayurvedic medicine and modern medicine, Ashwagandha male benefits are:
1. In the Reduction of Tension and Anxiety
Ashwagandha is primarily known for its stress-relieving properties. It's an adaptogen, a chemical that helps the body deal with stress. Research suggests that this lowers the activity of the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis, which controls the stress response in your body.
In research, the participants who took the ashwagandha supplements had much better sleep quality. Another research of 60 persons found that those who took 240 mg of ashwagandha extract per day for 60 days. As a result, a preliminary study suggests that Ashwagandha could be a beneficial supplement for stress and anxiety.
2. In Increasing Sexual Pleasure
Ashwagandha has a long history of being used as an aphrodisiac. This plant is also mentioned in the classic 'Kama Sutra' as one of the most potent sexual stimulants. In men’s bodies, nitric oxide synthesis is enhanced by taking Ashwagandha. The blood arteries that deliver blood to the genitals get dilated. Thus Ashwagandha powder benefits men.
Ashwagandha has become a popular treatment for libido loss and even erectile dysfunction. According to studies, Ashwagandha relieves stress that alters sex drive and relaxes sufficiently to increase desire and pleasure. Additionally, Ashwagandha tablets benefits male by stimulating sexual desire and drive by boosting testosterone levels, as a study suggests.
3. In Fertility Enhancement
Ashwagandha is known to aid males in becoming reproductive. Many ayurvedic literatures have mentioned Ashwagandha uses for male infertility. It is a potent aphrodisiac that increases testosterone levels and may help with stress-related male infertility. Ashwagandha is a powerful antioxidant that aids in the fight against free radicals. Thus sperm cell damage is reduced, increasing sperm count and quality.
According to new research, it can help men by increasing sperm count and motility (movement). Another study indicated that it boosts sperm count and motility.
4. Improved Endurance in Bed
In a study, the plant supplements were provided to one group of individuals. After the study, it was discovered that those who used ashwagandha pills had better endurance, with almost twice as much endurance during physical activity. The anti-inflammatory and anti-stress properties are the cause of this.
5. In Improving Athletic Performance
According to one review of research findings, the plant may improve physical performance, such as strength and oxygen utilisation during exercise. Ashwagandha increased oxygen consumption in athletes, according to a review of five types of research.
In addition, ashwagandha may aid in the development of muscle strength. Male participants who took 600 mg of ashwagandha per day and did resistance training for eight weeks had gained muscle strength.
6. In Improving Testosterone
Testosterone is a hormone that influences sexual desire in men. In some trials, ashwagandha supplements have improved male fertility and testosterone levels. The ashwagandha medication showed an 18% increase in DHEA-S, a sex hormone involved in the manufacture of testosterone. In addition, those who took the herb showed a 14.7% higher testosterone than those who took the placebo.
According to one study, males who took ashwagandha extract for eight weeks saw substantial changes in testosterone levels, increased vitality, and decreased weariness.
Another study discovered that males who took ashwagandha during weight-lifting had five times greater testosterone levels than men who did not take the herb, resulting in increased muscle mass and strength.
7. In Increasing the Sperm Count
Ashwagandha improves desire in males; therefore, it's only logical that sperm counts will increase. In a study, a group of men was given ashwagandha pills for 90 days throughout that time. The results revealed that men who took ashwagandha pills had a 167 per cent rise in sperm count. In men with low sperm counts, it enhanced sperm concentration and motility.
8. In Reducing Cortisol, a Testosterone "Stealer"
Cortisol is a stress hormone that is released physically in reaction to stress. When stress is prolonged, cortisol levels are increased. High demand for cortisol will harm testosterone synthesis. This explains how stress can affect your libido, energy, weight gain, and mood.
Ashwagandha can help you lower your cortisol levels as well. A study found that supplementing with the herb lowered cortisol levels in chronically stressed adults.
9. In Reducing Blood Sugar Levels
Ashwagandha powder benefits for males with diabetes or high blood sugar levels. Treatment with ashwagandha significantly lowered blood sugar, haemoglobin A1c (HbA1c), insulin, blood lipids, and oxidative stress markers, according to a review of 24 investigations, including five clinical studies in persons with diabetes.
Components in ashwagandha, such as withaferin A (WA), are potent anti-diabetic properties. This helps encourage your cells to absorb glucose from your bloodstream.
10. For Improving Sleep
It turns out that ashwagandha's Latin name reveals some information about one of the herb's many advantages. Withania somnifera is the Latin name for this plant, and the species name somnifera means "sleep-inducing."
While ashwagandha has been used for generations to aid in healthy sleep, a recent study has scientifically validated this advantage. A study of five scientific studies indicated that the herb improved overall sleep quality and helped increase mental alertness and healthy stress levels when people woke up.
11. Improving Bone Growth
With age, men’s testosterone levels reduce. This shrub increases the level of testosterone in the body. As per a study, having the needed amount of testosterone in the body is necessary for bone growth increased muscle mass and strength.
12. In Increasing the Sperm Motility
Sperm motility is as essential as sperm count, and maintaining it is a precursor to having a good sex drive. Sperm motility refers to the ability of the sperm to move freely. Healthy sperm must swim at the speed of 25 micrometres per second, and Ashwagandha helps with the same.
Reduced motility decreases the chances of getting pregnant. Research conducted in 2018 found that Ashwagandha is good for the male reproductive system and can enhance sperm motility, sperm count, and semen quality.
As a result, the chances of getting pregnant increase manifold. However, further study on the topic is needed to come to a more precise conclusion on the effect of Ashwagandha on sperm motility.
13. Helps with Erectile Dysfunction
Ashwagandha can help with ED, but limited studies are present on this subject matter. Further research needs to be conducted to substantiate this claim.
Stress and anxiety can be one of the reasons for Erectile Dysfunction. Taking Ashwagandha can take the stress away due to its role in regulating cortisol levels. Lower stress leads to better libido performance and helps you deal with premature ejaculation.
14. In Improving muscle mass
Studies have found that Ashwagandha helps increase body strength and muscle mass, therefore improving your overall health. Research suggests that Ashwagandha has alkaloids, which are natural strength boosters and are often used by sportspersons.
15. Acts as a Pain Reliever for Arthritis
Contrary to popular opinion, Ashwagandha is not a cure for arthritis. Instead, it acts as a pain reliever. Taking Ashwagandha also prevents the transmission of pain signals to the central nervous system. It may also help with pain due to its anti-inflammatory properties.
When treating rheumatoid arthritis, research conducted in 2015 found that Ashwagandha effectively treats the same.
16. In Improving Heart Health
Ashwagandha can enhance an individual’s cardiorespiratory endurance. In simple words, it can improve heart health by helping reduce high blood pressure, cholesterol, and chest pain.