Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera) is an adaptogenic herb widely used in traditional Indian Ayurvedic medicine to promote vitality and overall well-being. Due to its effects on balancing the body, Ashwagandha has become a popular subject regarding its potential to support reproductive health. As couples seek natural ways to enhance their chances of conceiving, the question of whether this herb can genuinely increase pregnancy rates has gained attention. This article examines the scientific basis for Ashwagandha’s role in fertility, focusing on its mechanisms, the evidence for male and female reproductive health, and safety considerations.
Stress Reduction and Hormonal Balance
Ashwagandha’s primary mechanism of action is its role as an adaptogen, helping the body manage and adapt to stress. The herb’s compounds, particularly withanolides, modulate the central stress response system known as the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis. By influencing the HPA axis, Ashwagandha can reduce elevated levels of the stress hormone cortisol.
Chronic stress and high cortisol levels negatively impact the hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal (HPG) axis, which controls reproductive hormone secretion. This disruption can lead to imbalances in hormones like luteinizing hormone (LH) and follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) necessary for reproduction. By lowering cortisol and calming the stress response, Ashwagandha indirectly supports the HPG axis, helping to normalize the hormonal environment needed for conception.
Ashwagandha and Male Fertility Parameters
The most compelling scientific evidence for Ashwagandha in reproductive health relates to male fertility parameters. Studies have investigated its effects on semen quality, especially in men experiencing stress or infertility. The herb has been shown to improve critical metrics like sperm count, sperm motility, and semen volume.
In clinical studies, men taking Ashwagandha extract for 90 days showed substantial improvements, including an increase in sperm count of up to 167% and an improvement in sperm motility of around 57%. These benefits are linked to the herb’s ability to reduce oxidative stress in the seminal plasma, a major contributor to poor sperm quality. Ashwagandha also supports the production of testosterone, with research showing a significant increase in serum testosterone levels.
Ashwagandha and Female Reproductive Health
Research on Ashwagandha’s direct impact on female fertility outcomes, such as ovulation or conception rates, is less extensive than in males. Its potential benefits are largely tied to its ability to balance endocrine function and mitigate the effects of stress. By regulating the stress response, the herb may help stabilize the menstrual cycle, which is often disrupted by chronic stress and hormonal imbalance.
The herb’s influence may support the balance of reproductive hormones like FSH and LH, necessary for healthy ovarian function and egg development. Ashwagandha also possesses antioxidant properties that may help protect ovarian cells from damaging oxidative stress. While these mechanisms suggest a supportive role, direct, large-scale clinical trials definitively proving that Ashwagandha increases the rate of conception in women are currently lacking.
Safety and Use When Trying to Conceive
Safety is a primary consideration for any supplement used in the preconception period, and users should consult a healthcare provider before starting Ashwagandha. The herb is generally well-tolerated for short-term use, but data on its long-term safety profile is not established. Ashwagandha may interact with several types of medications, including those for diabetes, high blood pressure, thyroid disorders, and immunosuppressants.
It is recommended that Ashwagandha be avoided once pregnancy is confirmed. This caution stems from a lack of sufficient safety data in human pregnancy and the traditional association of the herb with abortifacient properties at high doses. Individuals trying to conceive should plan to discontinue the supplement upon a positive pregnancy test to avoid any potential, unstudied risks.