Ashwagandha and female fertility
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Ashwagandha and Female Fertility: Mechanisms and Clinical Evidence
Ashwagandha’s Effects on Female Reproductive Hormones and Fertility
Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera) is widely recognized in traditional medicine for its potential to improve fertility in both men and women. Research indicates that Ashwagandha may help restore fertility by modulating the hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal axis, which is crucial for reproductive hormone balance. Specifically, Ashwagandha has been shown to stimulate the release of gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH), leading to increased levels of luteinizing hormone (LH) and follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH). This hormonal modulation can improve ovarian function and support folliculogenesis, which is essential for ovulation and fertility in women 1235.
Antioxidant and Anti-Stress Properties Supporting Female Fertility
Ashwagandha’s antioxidant properties play a significant role in protecting reproductive organs from oxidative stress, which is a known contributor to infertility. Studies have demonstrated that Ashwagandha can reduce oxidative damage in the ovaries and uterus, improve hormone levels (FSH, LH, estrogen, and progesterone), and enhance the overall health of reproductive tissues. These effects are particularly beneficial in cases where infertility is linked to oxidative injury or iron overload in reproductive organs 16. Additionally, Ashwagandha’s adaptogenic and anti-stress effects may help normalize metabolic and hormonal disturbances that often contribute to infertility, especially in women experiencing stress-related reproductive issues .
Clinical Studies on Ashwagandha and Female Sexual Health
Randomized controlled trials have shown that Ashwagandha supplementation can significantly improve sexual function in healthy women. Women taking Ashwagandha reported improvements in sexual desire, arousal, lubrication, orgasm, satisfaction, and reduction in sexual distress compared to placebo. These benefits were observed without significant adverse effects, suggesting that Ashwagandha is both effective and safe for enhancing female sexual health and potentially supporting fertility in women without underlying hormonal disorders 89.
Ashwagandha in the Management of Anovulatory Infertility
Clinical studies comparing Ashwagandha-based formulations to standard ovulation-inducing drugs have found that Ashwagandha can improve follicle size and endometrial thickness, both of which are important for successful ovulation and conception. These findings suggest that Ashwagandha may be a viable alternative or complementary therapy for women with anovulatory infertility (inability to produce a fertile ovum) .
Safety Considerations and Contraindications
While Ashwagandha shows promise for improving female fertility and sexual health, it should not be used during pregnancy due to the risk of miscarriage or premature delivery. There is also a potential risk to nursing infants if Ashwagandha is taken during breastfeeding. Furthermore, Ashwagandha may interact with certain synthetic drugs, so simultaneous use with pharmaceuticals should be approached with caution .
Conclusion
Ashwagandha appears to support female fertility through hormonal regulation, antioxidant protection, and improvement in sexual function. Clinical and preclinical studies suggest benefits for women with infertility related to hormonal imbalance, oxidative stress, or anovulation. However, Ashwagandha should be avoided during pregnancy and breastfeeding, and more large-scale, long-term clinical trials are needed to fully establish its safety and efficacy for female fertility enhancement 12345689.
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Most relevant research papers on this topic
Iron chelation and antioxidant properties of Withania somnifera (Ashwagandha) restore fertility in men and women
Ashwagandha restores fertility in men and women by improving testicular and ovarian functions, making it a safer and more cost-effective alternative to synthetic drugs.
Perspectives on the bioactive ingredients and medicinal properties of Ashwagandha (Withania Somnifera) with special reference to reproductive effects in men and women
Ashwagandha products can improve fertility in men and women, alleviate postmenopausal symptoms, and treat neurological disorders, but should not be used during pregnancy and while breastfeeding.
Effects of Withania somnifera on Reproductive System: A Systematic Review of the Available Evidence
Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera) improves reproductive system function by decreasing infertility, enhancing spermatogenesis, and enhancing sexual behaviors in both male and female subjects.
Ayurvedic Approach to Secondary Infertility
Ayurvedic treatments, such as Ashwagandha and Shatavari, can help couples with normal pelvic anatomy conceive naturally, reducing side effects of ovulation induction and hormonal therapy.
Two arm open labelled randomized standard controlled prospective clinical study to assess the efficacy of Ashwagandha Kshirpaka for Folliculogenesis in management of Vandhyatva
Ashwagandha kshirpaka is more effective than Clomiphene citrate in Folliculogenesis in managing Vandhyatva in females.
Evaluation of Matcha (Camellia sinensis) and Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera) Efficacy Against Utero-Ovarian Injury in Rats.
Matcha and ashwagandha teas effectively protect uterine and ovarian tissues from oxidative injury and cell death in female rats, with matcha showing the best improvement.
A SINGLE CASE STUDY TO ASSESS THE EFFECT OF ASHWAGANDHA GHRITA IN MANAGEMENT OF MALE INFERTILITY WITH SPECIAL REFERENCE TO OLIGOASTHENOZOOSPERMIA .
Ashwagandha Ghrita treatment significantly improved sperm count and motility in a male with Oligoasthenozoospermia, leading to a successful pregnancy.
Efficacy and Safety of Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera) Root Extract for Improvement of Sexual Health in Healthy Women: A Prospective, Randomized, Placebo-Controlled Study
Ashwagandha 300mg twice daily for eight weeks significantly improves sexual health in healthy women without hormonal disturbances, with no major safety concerns.
Efficacy and Safety of Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera) Root Extract in Improving Sexual Function in Women: A Pilot Study
Ashwagandha root extract (HCARE) supplementation significantly improves sexual function and satisfaction in healthy women when taken orally for 8 weeks.
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