Fact Check: "Does ashwagandha increase testosterone and height?"
What We Know
Ashwagandha, scientifically known as Withania somnifera, is a herb widely used in Ayurvedic medicine, often touted for its potential health benefits, including enhancing vitality and sexual health. Recent studies have investigated its effects on testosterone levels. For instance, a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study found that participants taking ashwagandha experienced a statistically significant increase in serum testosterone levels, with an average increase of 14.7% compared to the placebo group (Lopresti et al., 2019) [source-1]. Another study corroborated these findings, reporting a significant increase in testosterone levels among participants who consumed ashwagandha root extract over an 8-week period (Chauhan et al., 2022) [source-2].
However, regarding height, there is currently no scientific evidence supporting the claim that ashwagandha can increase height. Height is primarily determined by genetics and growth factors during the developmental years, and no studies have linked ashwagandha consumption to height increase in adults or children.
Analysis
The evidence supporting the claim that ashwagandha increases testosterone levels is compelling, with multiple studies demonstrating significant increases in testosterone among participants who consumed the herb. The study by Lopresti et al. (2019) involved a well-structured trial design with a placebo control, which adds credibility to its findings. However, the study also noted that while testosterone levels increased, there were no significant differences in other hormonal measures such as cortisol and estradiol, indicating that the effects of ashwagandha might be limited to specific hormones (Lopresti et al., 2019) [source-1].
The study by Chauhan et al. (2022) further supports the claim by showing a statistically significant increase in testosterone levels among participants, reinforcing the herb's potential aphrodisiac properties (Chauhan et al., 2022) [source-2]. Both studies are published in peer-reviewed journals, which enhances their reliability.
On the other hand, the claim regarding height increase lacks any scientific backing. Height is largely influenced by genetic factors and growth hormones during the growth phase of life. No credible studies have been found that link ashwagandha to height increase, making this aspect of the claim unsubstantiated.
Conclusion
The claim that ashwagandha increases testosterone levels is Partially True; there is credible evidence from multiple studies indicating that ashwagandha can lead to increased testosterone levels in men. However, the assertion that it can increase height is unfounded and not supported by scientific evidence. Therefore, while ashwagandha may have benefits related to testosterone, it does not appear to influence height.
