"The safe dosage of ashwagandha depends on the nature and quality of the product (e.g., root powders, extracts) and can vary," says Li. Here’s what you need to know about ashwagandha supplements and their impact on testosterone. Research reveals Ashwagandha modestly boosts testosterone, especially in stressed men, with 10-18% gains in studies. Forbes Health’s 2025 article cited a 2019 study (updated analysis) where 57 men saw an 18% testosterone rise with low doses over eight weeks. Withania somnifera improves semen quality by regulating reproductive hormone levels and oxidative stress in seminal plasma of infertile males. Ashwagandha may be a helpful supplement for increasing testosterone levels. You can purchase ashwagandha supplements in just about any health store, pharmacy, or natural supplement vendor.
Zinc deficiency has been linked to low testosterone levels. These are supplements that contain things like vitamins, minerals, and herbs that are meant to increase your body's natural production of testosterone. More than 33% of men over 45 may have lower than normal testosterone levels. Some older people on testosterone therapy could face increased cardiac risks.
In this systematic review, many studies were underpowered, making it difficult to obtain statistically significant, between-group differences. This means that testosterone may have a greater physiological effect in the body when concentrations of these biomarkers are elevated. Moreover, fenugreek seed extracts also demonstrated a positive effect on BT concentrations.
For example, studies in this review, such as Guo et al. (42), identified a significant increase in lean body mass in addition to a significant increase in testosterone concentrations from 12 wk of supplementation with a fenugreek seed extract. Fenugreek seed extracts (positive findings in 4 out of 6 studies) and ashwagandha root and root/leaf extracts (positive findings in 3 out of 4 studies) demonstrated the most consistent increases in testosterone concentrations. One randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, partial-crossover study was conducted examining the effects of a stinging nettle root extract (synthesized from the roots via a fractional percolation process and standardization) on testosterone concentrations (60). Twelve weeks of daily supplementation with 1667 mg of garcinia, equivalent to 1000 mg of hydroxycitric acid, in 25 overweight or obese men aged between 20 and 65 y did not significantly increase testosterone concentrations compared with men in the placebo group. One randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study was conducted examining the effects of a musali root extract (water extract of dried root tubers) on testosterone concentrations (59). Three of the 4 studies demonstrated positive effects of ashwagandha supplementation on testosterone concentrations in men (35, 50, 62), while 1 study (51) showed no effect of supplementation (Table 1).
Two studies used patented extracts, Trib Gold, manufactured by Nerhadou International, standardized to contain up to 45% steroidal saponins (extract source not provided) (39), and Tribestan, manufactured by Sopharma, delivering a minimum of 675 mg furostanol saponins (from overground parts of the herb) (48). Two of the studies demonstrating positive effects recruited men with no known clinical conditions (50, 62). Three out of 4 studies also demonstrated positive effects on (calculated) FT (53, 58, 63), and the 2 fenugreek studies that included BT as an outcome measure demonstrated positive effects (53, 64). Three studies used the Testofen® extract, manufactured by GencorTM (also known as Fenu-FG) (details of extract preparation not provided) (57, 58, 63) and the other 3 studies used the extracts IND9, manufactured by Indus Biotech® (53), Furosap®, manufactured by Chemical Resources (CHERESO) (42), and an extract standardized for Grecunin, manufactured by Indus Biotech® (64) (details of all extract preparations not provided). These included TT, (calculated) free testosterone (FT), measurement of FT, bioavailable testosterone (BT), and sex hormone–binding globulin (SHBG). Given the increasing body of research on herbal supplementation to support natural hormone production, it presents as a potential treatment option for AD.
Plants and plant-based products, including herbs and spices, have been used for millennia to improve the flavor of food as well as to treat disease and improve overall health and well-being (22). Accordingly, men with existing prostate disease, elevated hematocrit concentrations, high CVD risk, or obstructive sleep apnea may be contraindicated for TRT (17–20). Despite TRT being the primary treatment for men with AD, its use remains controversial due to its association with an increased risk of exacerbating pre-existing medical conditions. Testosterone replacement therapy (TRT), on the other hand, was found to significantly increase survival rates of hypogonadal men (15, 16).
Also, some supplements aren't safe to take with some prescription drugs. A main concern with supplements is that they aren't regulated by the FDA the same way drugs are. Also called Indian ginseng, people have used this plant for thousands of years in traditional medicine, particularly the Indian practice called Ayurveda.