Evidence supporting the use of: Withanolides
For the body system: Testes

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Synopsis

Source of validity: Traditional
Rating (out of 5): 2

Withanolides are a group of naturally occurring steroidal lactones primarily found in the plant Withania somnifera, commonly known as Ashwagandha. The use of Ashwagandha in traditional Ayurvedic medicine includes claims of supporting male reproductive health, including the function of the testes. Historical texts and traditional practices regard Ashwagandha as a "rasayana" (rejuvenator) and an adaptogen that is believed to enhance vitality, sexual health, and fertility in men. The traditional rationale is that withanolides, as one of the plant's main active constituents, contribute to these effects by improving strength, stamina, and potentially supporting testosterone production or spermatogenesis. There is some preliminary scientific research suggesting beneficial effects of Ashwagandha extracts (which contain withanolides) on testosterone levels and semen quality in men with infertility or stress-related reproductive dysfunction. However, these studies are limited in size, often not double-blinded, and typically use whole root extract rather than isolated withanolides. Direct evidence attributing these effects solely to withanolides is lacking, and mechanistic studies are minimal. Thus, while traditional use is well established, scientific validation is still emerging and not robust enough to warrant a high evidence score.

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