The Claim

In healthy adult men with low sexual desire, treatment with 300 mg of standardized ashwagandha (Withania somnifera) root extract twice daily for 8 weeks significantly improves overall sexual function, resulting in an increase of 9.8 points on the Derogatis Interview for Sexual Functioning-Male (DISF-M) total score compared to placebo (p < 0.0001), representing a 40% improvement from baseline versus 25% with placebo and an effect size of 1.7.

Source: Effect of standardized root extract of ashwagandha (Withania somnifera) on well‐being and sexual performance in adult males: A randomized controlled trial

What the research says

Supports is higher

Support is ahead, but a single strong opposing study can change this.

Supports
81score
Challenges
0score

These are independent scores, not a percentage. Higher-grade studies count more, so a single strong opposing study can outweigh several weaker ones.

Cause and effect
1 study reviewed
In plain English

Men with low sex drive who took a pill made from the ashwagandha plant twice a day for two months had bigger improvements in their sexual function than men who took a fake pill. Their sexual function scores went up about 10 points more, and their overall improvement was 40% compared to 25% for the fake-pill group.

See the scientific wording

Treatment with 300 mg of standardized ashwagandha (Withania somnifera) root extract twice daily for 8 weeks significantly improves overall sexual function in healthy adult men with low sexual desire, as measured by an increase of 9.8 points on the Derogatis Interview for Sexual Functioning-Male (DISF-M) total score compared to placebo (p < 0.0001), representing a 40% improvement from baseline versus 25% with placebo and an effect size of 1.7.

Why this might work

This supplement changes the way the brain sends signals. It helps the brain tell the testicles to make more of a male hormone called testosterone. It also acts like a fake version of testosterone, so the body can use it just like the real one. With more of these male hormones working, sexual desire and performance improve.

Suggested mechanismbased on 1 study

What the research says

1 study

  1. Study: Effect of standardized root extract of ashwagandha (Withania somnifera) on well‐being and sexual performance in adult males: A randomized controlled trial

    The study tested the exact same ashwagandha pills and dose as the claim, and found the same improvement in sexual function scores, so the claim is true.

Score breakdown, mechanism chain, raw evidence, ideal studies needed & 1 supporting studies

Fit Body Science verdict — we translate health claims into clear verdicts backed by peer-reviewed research.

Not medical advice. For informational purposes only. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional before making health decisions.