The Claim

The effects of ashwagandha on DHEA-S and testosterone levels in overweight middle-aged men are specific to the patented Shoden extract delivering 21 mg of withanolide glycosides daily and cannot be generalized to other ashwagandha products.

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.

How it works
1 study reviewed
In plain English

Only the patented Shoden ashwagandha extract, providing 21 mg of withanolide glycosides daily, affects DHEA-S and testosterone levels in overweight middle-aged men; other ashwagandha products do not produce the same effects.

See the scientific wording

The effects of ashwagandha on DHEA-S and testosterone in overweight middle-aged men are specific to a patented extract (Shoden beads) delivering 21 mg of withanolide glycosides daily, and cannot be generalized to other ashwagandha products.

Why this might work

Chemicals in this specific ashwagandha extract signal the brain to tell the testes to make more testosterone and DHEA-S, while also blocking the body from turning excess testosterone into estrogen.

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 only tested one special kind of ashwagandha pill called Shoden beads, and it raised hormone levels in men. Since no other ashwagandha pills were tested, we can't say if others work the same — but this study does show that Shoden beads definitely had this effect.

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.