Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera) is a traditional herb from Ayurvedic medicine, often called Indian ginseng, used for centuries to promote vitality and overall wellness. Premature ejaculation (PE) is a common male sexual dysfunction defined by ejaculation that occurs sooner than desired, either before or shortly after penetration, causing distress. Since psychological factors like anxiety and stress often contribute to PE, many people search for natural remedies, leading to interest in Ashwagandha’s potential role in managing this condition through its known effects on stress reduction.
Ashwagandha’s Influence on Stress and Nervous System Regulation
Ashwagandha is classified as an adaptogen, helping the body adapt and maintain balance during times of physical or psychological stress. The herb exerts its influence primarily by modulating the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis, the body’s central stress response system. By regulating this axis, Ashwagandha has been shown in studies to reduce levels of the stress hormone cortisol, which can improve overall well-being.
Chronic stress and anxiety can lead to nervous system hypersensitivity, where the body’s “fight or flight” response is easily triggered. This heightened state often manifests as performance anxiety, a common psychological contributor to PE. By promoting a calmer physiological state through HPA axis regulation, the herb may indirectly help mitigate the anxiety and over-stimulation that can exacerbate ejaculatory dysfunction.
Scientific Findings on Ejaculatory Control
While traditional use suggests benefits for general sexual health, direct scientific evidence specifically linking Ashwagandha to a significant increase in intravaginal ejaculatory latency time (IELT)—the standard measure for PE—is limited. Most studies on Ashwagandha and male sexual function have focused on broader metrics, such as overall sexual performance, desire, satisfaction, and fertility. Findings often report improvements in general sexual vitality and desire, which can be attributed to the herb’s stress-reducing and testosterone-modulating properties.
Studies have observed that Ashwagandha can significantly enhance parameters like semen volume, sperm count, and sperm morphology in men, alongside improvements in sexual desire and orgasm domains. However, these results do not specifically confirm a direct effect on delaying ejaculation in men diagnosed with PE. In one study involving men with psychogenic erectile dysfunction, nearly half of the participants also had co-occurring premature ejaculation, but the Ashwagandha intervention did not show a statistically significant difference over placebo in improving their overall sexual function scores. The current body of high-quality randomized controlled trials does not support the use of Ashwagandha as a standalone treatment for premature ejaculation.
Determining Proper Dosage and Safety Guidelines
For general stress reduction and sexual health support, the typical effective dosage of a standardized Ashwagandha root extract ranges from 300 to 600 milligrams daily, often divided into one or two doses. It is important to choose a supplement that is standardized to contain a specific concentration of withanolides, which are the herb’s primary active compounds. Products with at least 2.5% withanolides are generally considered effective.
Consistency is necessary, as the herb’s adaptogenic effects typically require about 60 days of continuous use before the full benefits are felt. Ashwagandha is generally considered safe and well-tolerated, with side effects usually being mild, such as temporary gastrointestinal upset. Consultation with a healthcare provider is recommended before starting supplementation, as the herb may interact with certain conditions or medications:
- Medications for diabetes, high blood pressure, and immune suppression.
- Pregnancy or breastfeeding.
- Certain autoimmune conditions.