The Claim

Supplementation with 300 mg of ashwagandha root extract twice daily for 8 weeks does not significantly change serum prolactin levels in healthy adult men with low sexual desire, as compared to placebo (between-group difference: −1.06 ng/ml; 95% CI: −2.78 to 0.66; p > 0.05).

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

Taking an ashwagandha supplement (300 mg twice a day for 8 weeks) does not change the level of prolactin, a hormone, in the blood of healthy men with low sex drive. Men who took the supplement had prolactin levels similar to those who took a placebo (a pill with no active ingredient).

See the scientific wording

Supplementation with 300 mg of ashwagandha root extract twice daily for 8 weeks does not significantly change serum prolactin levels in healthy adult men with low sexual desire, as both the ashwagandha and placebo groups showed non-significant changes (between-group difference −1.06 ng/ml; 95% CI −2.78 to 0.66; p > 0.05).

Why this might work

Ashwagandha root extract has natural chemicals that turn on receptors in the brain, which eventually signal the testicles to make more testosterone. Prolactin is controlled by another brain chemical called dopamine, which stops the pituitary gland from releasing too much prolactin. Ashwagandha doesn't change that dopamine, so prolactin stays the same.

Hypothetical 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 gave ashwagandha or a sugar pill to men with low sex drive and found that their prolactin levels stayed about the same in both groups, which matches the claim that ashwagandha doesn't change prolactin.

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.