Ashwagandha root extract (ARE) at a dose of 300 mg twice daily for 8 weeks increases the number of satisfying sexual events and improves sexual desire scores as measured by the Sexual Desire Inventory-2 (SDI-2) in healthy men aged 30–50 years with mild sexual dysfunction, compared to placebo.

Ashwagandha root extract works through two connected actions in the body. First, its active compounds interact with GABA receptors in the brain, which increases the release of a hormone called GnRH from the hypothalamus. Second, the extract reduces stress hormone cortisol, which normally blocks GnRH release. Higher GnRH levels then signal the pituitary gland to produce LH and FSH, which travel to the testicles and stimulate testosterone production. Testosterone directly increases sexual desire and improves sexual function.