Efficacy and safety of ashwagandha root extract on sexual health in healthy women: findings of a prospective, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study
Objective This study compared the efficacy and safety of Ashwagandha Root Extract (ARE) in healthy women against a placebo for improvement of Female Sexual Dysfunction (FSD).Method In this randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study, 62 healthy women aged 18–50 years were randomly allocated t...
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Taylor & Francis Group
2025-12-01
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| Series: | Cogent Psychology |
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| Online Access: | https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/10.1080/23311908.2025.2459467 |
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| author | Amit Shrenikraj Mutha Sonali Amit Mutha Anupama Hem Tejuja Deepak K. Langade |
| author_facet | Amit Shrenikraj Mutha Sonali Amit Mutha Anupama Hem Tejuja Deepak K. Langade |
| author_sort | Amit Shrenikraj Mutha |
| collection | DOAJ |
| description | Objective This study compared the efficacy and safety of Ashwagandha Root Extract (ARE) in healthy women against a placebo for improvement of Female Sexual Dysfunction (FSD).Method In this randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study, 62 healthy women aged 18–50 years were randomly allocated to ARE 600 mg/day (n = 31), or identical placebo (n = 31) for 8 weeks. Female Sexual Function Index (FSFI) scale, Female Sexual Distress Scale (FSDS), Satisfying Sexual Encounters (SSEs), Perceived Stress Scale (PSS-10), and SF-12 Quality of Life (QoL) scale was performed at each visit. Laboratory assessments included serum hormones, liver and renal parameters estimation at baseline and week 8.Results Greater improvements in scores for FSFI (p = 0.002), PSS (p = 0.0009), and SF-12 (p = 0.044) was seen with ARE. More improvement (p < 0.0001) in ‘sexual desire’ on the SSE scale and ‘desire (p = 0.003), satisfaction’ (p = 0.027) domain in FSFI scores occured with ARE. The hormonal levels were within normal ranges, and no changes were observed in safety parameters. Only one woman in the placebo group had mild dizziness.Conclusion ARE improved sexual function and overall quality of life in women with sexual dysfunction. It was well-tolerated and may be a promising therapeutic option for FSD, though further research is needed. |
| format | Article |
| id | doaj-art-3a569344ef6b4d479741c4f592cbbb57 |
| institution | Kabale University |
| issn | 2331-1908 |
| language | English |
| publishDate | 2025-12-01 |
| publisher | Taylor & Francis Group |
| record_format | Article |
| series | Cogent Psychology |
| spelling | doaj-art-3a569344ef6b4d479741c4f592cbbb572025-02-04T12:42:38ZengTaylor & Francis GroupCogent Psychology2331-19082025-12-0112110.1080/23311908.2025.2459467Efficacy and safety of ashwagandha root extract on sexual health in healthy women: findings of a prospective, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled studyAmit Shrenikraj Mutha0Sonali Amit Mutha1Anupama Hem Tejuja2Deepak K. Langade3Department of Pharmacology, GMC and Sir J.J. Group of Hospitals, Mumbai, IndiaDaycare and Diagnostic Center, Kohinoor Superspeciality Clinic, Mumbai, IndiaDaycare and Diagnostic Center, Kohinoor Superspeciality Clinic, Mumbai, IndiaD. Y. Patil University School of Medicine, Navi Mumbai, Mumbai, IndiaObjective This study compared the efficacy and safety of Ashwagandha Root Extract (ARE) in healthy women against a placebo for improvement of Female Sexual Dysfunction (FSD).Method In this randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study, 62 healthy women aged 18–50 years were randomly allocated to ARE 600 mg/day (n = 31), or identical placebo (n = 31) for 8 weeks. Female Sexual Function Index (FSFI) scale, Female Sexual Distress Scale (FSDS), Satisfying Sexual Encounters (SSEs), Perceived Stress Scale (PSS-10), and SF-12 Quality of Life (QoL) scale was performed at each visit. Laboratory assessments included serum hormones, liver and renal parameters estimation at baseline and week 8.Results Greater improvements in scores for FSFI (p = 0.002), PSS (p = 0.0009), and SF-12 (p = 0.044) was seen with ARE. More improvement (p < 0.0001) in ‘sexual desire’ on the SSE scale and ‘desire (p = 0.003), satisfaction’ (p = 0.027) domain in FSFI scores occured with ARE. The hormonal levels were within normal ranges, and no changes were observed in safety parameters. Only one woman in the placebo group had mild dizziness.Conclusion ARE improved sexual function and overall quality of life in women with sexual dysfunction. It was well-tolerated and may be a promising therapeutic option for FSD, though further research is needed.https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/10.1080/23311908.2025.2459467Female sexual dysfunctionAshwagandhaSSEFSFISF-12Gender & Sexuality |
| spellingShingle | Amit Shrenikraj Mutha Sonali Amit Mutha Anupama Hem Tejuja Deepak K. Langade Efficacy and safety of ashwagandha root extract on sexual health in healthy women: findings of a prospective, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study Cogent Psychology Female sexual dysfunction Ashwagandha SSE FSFI SF-12 Gender & Sexuality |
| title | Efficacy and safety of ashwagandha root extract on sexual health in healthy women: findings of a prospective, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study |
| title_full | Efficacy and safety of ashwagandha root extract on sexual health in healthy women: findings of a prospective, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study |
| title_fullStr | Efficacy and safety of ashwagandha root extract on sexual health in healthy women: findings of a prospective, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study |
| title_full_unstemmed | Efficacy and safety of ashwagandha root extract on sexual health in healthy women: findings of a prospective, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study |
| title_short | Efficacy and safety of ashwagandha root extract on sexual health in healthy women: findings of a prospective, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study |
| title_sort | efficacy and safety of ashwagandha root extract on sexual health in healthy women findings of a prospective randomized double blind placebo controlled study |
| topic | Female sexual dysfunction Ashwagandha SSE FSFI SF-12 Gender & Sexuality |
| url | https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/10.1080/23311908.2025.2459467 |
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