Study analysis · Journal of Ayurveda and Integrative Medicine · 2025
Could a 2-month herb treatment boost sperm count by 48%? New study says yes.
Taking Ashwagandha root extract twice a day for 8 weeks improved sperm count by 48%, semen volume by 26%, and sexual desire in men with mild fertility issues, without side effects.
Overview
What the study found
The study in plain English — the bottom line, every takeaway we extracted, and what to do with them.
In simple terms
This study is like a carefully controlled experiment where one group got the real supplement and another got a fake one. Because it was a well-designed experiment, we can be fairly confident that the supplement caused the improvements in sexual health. However, only 93 men completed the study, and the researchers only looked at those who finished, which can sometimes make the results seem better than they actually are. So, we need more studies to be really sure.
What’s the bottom line?
Scientists gave a group of men a natural herb called Ashwagandha (Indian ginseng) or a fake pill for 8 weeks to see if it helps with sex and sperm health.
How strong is this study?
The study was designed really well: the men were randomly put into groups, and neither they nor the doctors knew who got the real supplement (that's called 'blinding'). This helps make sure the results are fair. But the researchers only analyzed the data from men who finished the whole study, not everyone who started. That's a little like only counting the students who took the final exam to see if a new teaching method worked—it might miss some important information. So, while this is a good study, it's not perfect.
40 / 100
- COI disclosure+40/40
- Data availabilitydata not shared
- Code availabilitycode not shared
85 / 100
- Randomization+20/20
- Blinding+15/15
- Control group+15/15
- Sample size (n=100)+7.9/20
- Follow-up+10/10
100 / 100
46 / 100
- P-values+15/15
- Effect sizeno effect size reported
- Confidence intervalsno confidence intervals
- Pre-registration+15/15
Each component is scored out of 100 and then capped by the study design — a case series cannot reach the ceiling a randomised trial can, however well it is reported.
Where it sits
RCT reviewsReviews of RCTs (Meta-analyses)
Max 100Randomized TrialsRandomized Trials
Max 90Reviews of Cohort StudiesReviews of Cohort Studies
Max 85Cohort StudiesCohort Studies
Max 72Reviews of Case-Control StudiesReviews of Case-Control Studies
Max 63Case-Control StudiesCase-Control Studies
Max 58Cross-Sectional & Case SeriesCross-Sectional & Case Series
Max 50Expert OpinionExpert Opinion
Max 569 / 100
Probability of being correct
Participants are randomly assigned to treatment or control groups, minimizing bias. The gold standard for testing whether an intervention causes an effect.
This design can establish causation. The study is an RCT, which can establish causation. However, the efficacy analysis was performed on the per-protocol (PP) population rather than intent-to-treat (ITT), which may introduce bias. Additionally, the sample size is moderate (93 completers), and the study duration is short (8 weeks). These factors limit the strength of causal claims.
Major COI
Major conflicts that significantly reduce study credibility
The study evaluates a branded Ashwagandha root extract (KSM-66) from Ixoreal Biomed Inc. without any disclosure of funding or conflicts of interest.
Funders
Conflict Details
Ixoreal Biomed Inc.: Provided the study product (KSM-66 Ashwagandha extract) for the trial.
No conflict of interest or funding statements are present. The study product is from a commercial entity, suggesting industry involvement. Author affiliations are not provided, so potential ties cannot be assessed further.
Key takeaways
- 01
Men who took the herb had about 26% more semen, 48% more sperm, and 19% more normal-shaped sperm.
- 02
They also felt more sexual desire and had better orgasms.
- 03
No side effects were reported.
- 04
These are meaningful improvements for men with mild fertility or sexual issues, but the study was small and short.
- 05
More research is needed to know if it works long-term.
Surprising findings
- Ashwagandha improved sexual desire and orgasmic function even though participants were healthy men with only mild sexual dysfunction.Many assume herbs only help if you're stressed or unhealthy, but this study suggests benefits even in relatively healthy men.
- The study contradicts a previous trial that found no effect of Ashwagandha on IIEF scores in men with psychogenic erectile dysfunction.Differences in extract preparation (KSM-66 vs. others) may explain the discrepancy, highlighting the importance of product standardization.
Practical takeaways
Consider Ashwagandha root extract (KSM-66) 300mg twice daily for 8 weeks as a potential supplement for improving sperm parameters and sexual desire, but consult a doctor first.
Study was small (93 completers), short (8 weeks), and only in men aged 30-50 with mild dysfunction. Long-term effects unknown.
medium confidenceUse validated questionnaires like IIEF to track changes in sexual function if trying Ashwagandha.
Patient-reported outcomes are subjective; combine with objective measures if possible.
low confidenceWhy this study matters
Sperm Count Surge: 48% Increase in 8 Weeks
Men taking 300mg of Ashwagandha root extract twice daily saw a 47.7% increase in sperm count (p=0.006) and 25.6% increase in semen volume (p=0.005). Sperm morphology improved by 18.7% (p=0.007).
For couples struggling with male infertility, this could be a natural, safe option to consider before resorting to costly medical procedures.
Sexual Desire and Orgasmic Function Improved
Ashwagandha significantly improved sexual desire (p<0.0001) and orgasmic function (p=0.013) as measured by the IIEF, along with better scores on the Sexual Desire Inventory-2 (p<0.05).
Many men experience low libido or difficulty achieving orgasm, and this study offers a potential natural remedy without the side effects of prescription drugs.
No Side Effects Reported
The study reported no adverse events in either group, and blood tests showed no changes in liver or kidney function, supporting the safety of 8-week use.
Safety is a major concern with any supplement; this trial provides reassuring data for those considering Ashwagandha.
Want the whole report?
Detailed mode opens the full scientific breakdown — every score component, the methodology, conflicts of interest, the evidence analysis behind each claim, and the raw study data.
Overview
What the study found
The study in plain English — the bottom line, every takeaway we extracted, and what to do with them.
Not medical advice. For informational purposes only. Always consult a healthcare professional. Terms
Scientists gave a group of men a natural herb called Ashwagandha (Indian ginseng) or a fake pill for 8 weeks to see if it helps with sex and sperm health.
Research results
Men who took the herb had about 26% more semen, 48% more sperm, and 19% more normal-shaped sperm. They also felt more sexual desire and had better orgasms. No side effects were reported.
What this means - more context
These are meaningful improvements for men with mild fertility or sexual issues, but the study was small and short. More research is needed to know if it works long-term.
To evaluate efficacy and safety of Ashwagandha root extract (ARE) 300 mg twice daily for 8 weeks on sexual health in healthy men aged 30-50 with mild sexual dysfunction.
8-week RCT in 100 men showed ARE significantly improved semen parameters (volume +25.6%, count +47.7%, morphology +18.7%), sexual desire, orgasmic function, and quality of life vs placebo. No adverse events. Serum testosterone increased significantly (p=0.012).
Methods Used
Prospective, double-blind, placebo-controlled RCT. 100 healthy men (30-50 yrs) with mild ED and low-normal sperm parameters randomized 1:1 to ARE 300 mg or placebo twice daily for 8 weeks. Outcomes: SSEs, SDI-2, IIEF, semen analysis, SF-12 QoL, safety labs. PP analysis on 93 completers.
Main Finding
ARE 300 mg twice daily for 8 weeks significantly improved semen volume (p=0.005), sperm count (p=0.006), morphology (p=0.007), sexual desire (p<0.0001), orgasmic function (p=0.013), and QoL (p<0.0001) vs placebo in men with mild sexual dysfunction.
Confidence Level
Moderate: double-blind RCT with adequate sample, but short duration (8 weeks), patient-reported bias, and lack of long-term follow-up.
Study Flags
Red Flags
- •Small sample size (n=93 completers) and short duration (8 weeks)
- •Patient-reported outcomes subject to recall and social desirability bias
- •Industry-independent? Authors declared no conflict, but product is KSM-66.
Surprising Findings
Ashwagandha improved sexual desire and orgasmic function even though participants were healthy men with only mild sexual dysfunction.
Many assume herbs only help if you're stressed or unhealthy, but this study suggests benefits even in relatively healthy men.
Practical Takeaways
Consider Ashwagandha root extract (KSM-66) 300mg twice daily for 8 weeks as a potential supplement for improving sperm parameters and sexual desire, but consult a doctor first.
RCT reviewsReviews of RCTs (Meta-analyses)
Max 100Randomized TrialsRandomized Trials
Max 90Reviews of Cohort StudiesReviews of Cohort Studies
Max 85Cohort StudiesCohort Studies
Max 72Reviews of Case-Control StudiesReviews of Case-Control Studies
Max 63Case-Control StudiesCase-Control Studies
Max 58Cross-Sectional & Case SeriesCross-Sectional & Case Series
Max 50Expert OpinionExpert Opinion
Max 569 / 100
Probability of being correct
Participants are randomly assigned to treatment or control groups, minimizing bias. The gold standard for testing whether an intervention causes an effect.
Human RCT
Subject
Moderate probability
on the GRADE evidence scale
This study is like a carefully controlled experiment where one group got the real supplement and another got a fake one. Because it was a well-designed experiment, we can be fairly confident that the supplement caused the improvements in sexual health. However, only 93 men completed the study, and the researchers only looked at those who finished, which can sometimes make the results seem better than they actually are. So, we need more studies to be really sure.
Major conflicts — industry funding with significant control over the research. Reporting score and overall score cap have been reduced.
Strengths
- Randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled design.
- Use of validated outcome measures (IIEF, SDI-2, SF-12).
- Adequate sample size calculated a priori.
Weaknesses
- Efficacy analysis performed on per-protocol (PP) rather than intent-to-treat (ITT), which can overestimate treatment effects.
- Moderate sample size (93 completers) limits precision and subgroup analyses.
- Short follow-up (8 weeks); no long-term data.
Methodology
Evidence Keywords
Statistical Reporting
Not medical advice. For informational purposes only. Always consult a healthcare professional. Terms
Scientists gave a group of men a natural herb called Ashwagandha (Indian ginseng) or a fake pill for 8 weeks to see if it helps with sex and sperm health.
Research results
Men who took the herb had about 26% more semen, 48% more sperm, and 19% more normal-shaped sperm. They also felt more sexual desire and had better orgasms. No side effects were reported.
What this means - more context
These are meaningful improvements for men with mild fertility or sexual issues, but the study was small and short. More research is needed to know if it works long-term.
To evaluate efficacy and safety of Ashwagandha root extract (ARE) 300 mg twice daily for 8 weeks on sexual health in healthy men aged 30-50 with mild sexual dysfunction.
8-week RCT in 100 men showed ARE significantly improved semen parameters (volume +25.6%, count +47.7%, morphology +18.7%), sexual desire, orgasmic function, and quality of life vs placebo. No adverse events. Serum testosterone increased significantly (p=0.012).
Methods Used
Prospective, double-blind, placebo-controlled RCT. 100 healthy men (30-50 yrs) with mild ED and low-normal sperm parameters randomized 1:1 to ARE 300 mg or placebo twice daily for 8 weeks. Outcomes: SSEs, SDI-2, IIEF, semen analysis, SF-12 QoL, safety labs. PP analysis on 93 completers.
Main Finding
ARE 300 mg twice daily for 8 weeks significantly improved semen volume (p=0.005), sperm count (p=0.006), morphology (p=0.007), sexual desire (p<0.0001), orgasmic function (p=0.013), and QoL (p<0.0001) vs placebo in men with mild sexual dysfunction.
Confidence Level
Moderate: double-blind RCT with adequate sample, but short duration (8 weeks), patient-reported bias, and lack of long-term follow-up.
Study Flags
Red Flags
- •Small sample size (n=93 completers) and short duration (8 weeks)
- •Patient-reported outcomes subject to recall and social desirability bias
- •Industry-independent? Authors declared no conflict, but product is KSM-66.
Surprising Findings
Ashwagandha improved sexual desire and orgasmic function even though participants were healthy men with only mild sexual dysfunction.
Many assume herbs only help if you're stressed or unhealthy, but this study suggests benefits even in relatively healthy men.
Practical Takeaways
Consider Ashwagandha root extract (KSM-66) 300mg twice daily for 8 weeks as a potential supplement for improving sperm parameters and sexual desire, but consult a doctor first.
RCT reviewsReviews of RCTs (Meta-analyses)
Max 100Randomized TrialsRandomized Trials
Max 90Reviews of Cohort StudiesReviews of Cohort Studies
Max 85Cohort StudiesCohort Studies
Max 72Reviews of Case-Control StudiesReviews of Case-Control Studies
Max 63Case-Control StudiesCase-Control Studies
Max 58Cross-Sectional & Case SeriesCross-Sectional & Case Series
Max 50Expert OpinionExpert Opinion
Max 569 / 100
Probability of being correct
Participants are randomly assigned to treatment or control groups, minimizing bias. The gold standard for testing whether an intervention causes an effect.
Human RCT
Subject
Moderate probability
on the GRADE evidence scale
This study is like a carefully controlled experiment where one group got the real supplement and another got a fake one. Because it was a well-designed experiment, we can be fairly confident that the supplement caused the improvements in sexual health. However, only 93 men completed the study, and the researchers only looked at those who finished, which can sometimes make the results seem better than they actually are. So, we need more studies to be really sure.
Major conflicts — industry funding with significant control over the research. Reporting score and overall score cap have been reduced.
Strengths
- Randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled design.
- Use of validated outcome measures (IIEF, SDI-2, SF-12).
- Adequate sample size calculated a priori.
Weaknesses
- Efficacy analysis performed on per-protocol (PP) rather than intent-to-treat (ITT), which can overestimate treatment effects.
- Moderate sample size (93 completers) limits precision and subgroup analyses.
- Short follow-up (8 weeks); no long-term data.
Methodology
Evidence Keywords
Statistical Reporting
Scoring
How strong is this study?
The study was designed really well: the men were randomly put into groups, and neither they nor the doctors knew who got the real supplement (that's called 'blinding'). This helps make sure the results are fair. But the researchers only analyzed the data from men who finished the whole study, not everyone who started. That's a little like only counting the students who took the final exam to see if a new teaching method worked—it might miss some important information. So, while this is a good study, it's not perfect.
40 / 100
- COI disclosure+40/40
- Data availabilitydata not shared
- Code availabilitycode not shared
85 / 100
- Randomization+20/20
- Blinding+15/15
- Control group+15/15
- Sample size (n=100)+7.9/20
- Follow-up+10/10
100 / 100
46 / 100
- P-values+15/15
- Effect sizeno effect size reported
- Confidence intervalsno confidence intervals
- Pre-registration+15/15
Each component is scored out of 100 and then capped by the study design — a case series cannot reach the ceiling a randomised trial can, however well it is reported.
Where it sits
RCT reviewsReviews of RCTs (Meta-analyses)
Max 100Randomized TrialsRandomized Trials
Max 90Reviews of Cohort StudiesReviews of Cohort Studies
Max 85Cohort StudiesCohort Studies
Max 72Reviews of Case-Control StudiesReviews of Case-Control Studies
Max 63Case-Control StudiesCase-Control Studies
Max 58Cross-Sectional & Case SeriesCross-Sectional & Case Series
Max 50Expert OpinionExpert Opinion
Max 569 / 100
Probability of being correct
Participants are randomly assigned to treatment or control groups, minimizing bias. The gold standard for testing whether an intervention causes an effect.
This design can establish causation. The study is an RCT, which can establish causation. However, the efficacy analysis was performed on the per-protocol (PP) population rather than intent-to-treat (ITT), which may introduce bias. Additionally, the sample size is moderate (93 completers), and the study duration is short (8 weeks). These factors limit the strength of causal claims.
Major COI
Major conflicts that significantly reduce study credibility
The study evaluates a branded Ashwagandha root extract (KSM-66) from Ixoreal Biomed Inc. without any disclosure of funding or conflicts of interest.
Funders
Conflict Details
Ixoreal Biomed Inc.: Provided the study product (KSM-66 Ashwagandha extract) for the trial.
No conflict of interest or funding statements are present. The study product is from a commercial entity, suggesting industry involvement. Author affiliations are not provided, so potential ties cannot be assessed further.
Standing
The people behind it
The researchers who wrote the study this analysis is built on.
Authored by
6 researchersIf this is your work, this is how we attribute it on Fit Body Science. Amit Shrenikraj Mutha is listed as the lead author.
- Grant Medical College and Sir Jamshedjee Jeejeebhoy Group of Hospitals
- Grant Medical College and Sir Jamshedjee Jeejeebhoy Group of Hospitals