The Claim

Ashwagandha supplementation providing 21 mg of withanolide glycosides daily for 8 weeks has no significant effect on salivary cortisol or estradiol concentrations in overweight men aged 40–70 with mild fatigue.

Source: A Randomized, Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled, Crossover Study Examining the Hormonal and Vitality Effects of Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera) in Aging, Overweight Males

What the research says

Supports is higher

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

Supports
68score
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.

Quantitative
1 study reviewed
In plain English

Taking 21 mg of withanolide glycosides from ashwagandha daily for 8 weeks does not change the levels of cortisol or estradiol in saliva among overweight men aged 40 to 70 who experience mild fatigue.

See the scientific wording

Ashwagandha supplementation (21 mg withanolide glycosides daily) does not significantly alter salivary cortisol or estradiol levels in overweight men aged 40–70 with mild fatigue over an 8-week period.

Why this might work

Ashwagandha increases the production of testosterone and DHEA-S in the testes by stimulating the brain to release more signaling hormones, but it does not change how much cortisol is made or how much testosterone is turned into estradiol.

Supported mechanismbased on 1 study

What the research says

1 study

  1. Study: A Randomized, Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled, Crossover Study Examining the Hormonal and Vitality Effects of Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera) in Aging, Overweight Males

    This study gave middle-aged overweight men a specific ashwagandha pill for 8 weeks and found that their stress hormone (cortisol) and sex hormone (estradiol) levels didn’t change any more than in people who took a sugar pill. So, the supplement didn’t affect those two hormones.

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.